The newly agreed Dutch coalition government wants a new immigration policy that will see people removed from the European country 'by force' - setting up a clash with leaders in Brussels.
The European Commission has warned that the Netherlands 'cannot opt out of EU legislation' and bring in its 'strictest-ever' asylum policy, despite the new government pledging to do so.
But Brussels has seemingly hit back, with a spokesman saying: 'You cannot opt out of EU legislation... We are working on the basis of existing treaties and existing legislation.' Wilders, after clinching a coalition deal six months in the making, said today: 'We will try to get a so-called opt-out for asylum, as the Danish have. That might take years if it is successful anyway.'
But Brussels has seemingly hit back, with spokesman Eric Mamer saying: 'You cannot opt out of EU legislation... We are working on the basis of existing treaties and existing legislation'But European Commission spokesman Eric Mamer appeared to cast doubt on Wilders' plan. He said: 'We will wait to see what a possible new Dutch government will formally propose.'
The 26-page coalition agreement, titled 'hope, courage and pride', also calls to examine the idea of moving the Dutch embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. 'It will be a very happy day when that happens... it's historic that it has a place in the coalition agreement,' he added. Read More Geert Wilders: The firebrand who was BANNED from Britain, has received countless death threats for his anti-Islamic views and become a symbol of Europe's lurch to the right 'An opt out clause for European asylum and migration policies will be submitted as soon as possible to the European Commission,' the coalition says in its pact.
Labour migration would also be curbed, and admittance of foreign students to Dutch universities will become stricter, the coalition parties said. Comments included 'finally, common sense', 'enough with the extreme-Left fantasy reality' and 'we have been tolerant far too long to those who are not tolerant!'
According to its most recent figures, The Netherlands saw over 403,000 immigrants arrive in the country in 2022, while 179,000 emigrated - a net migration of 223,000.The majority of 2022 migrants to the country arrived from other European nations , while the second largest share was from Asia. The figures show that 25,000 people came from Africa in 2022.
Jerusalem is claimed by both Israelis and Palestinians, but most governments avoid putting embassies there to avoid prejudging the outcome of negotiations for a lasting peace. Plans will be financed with 14 billion euros in spending cuts until 2028, including cuts of 2.5 billions euros to development aid, a billion euros on government salaries and 100 million euros on the public broadcaster's budget.
The parties have still not agreed on who will be prime minister of the European Union's fifth-largest economy.
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