The Interreferendum Period

Martinus Jacobus PIENA

Master's thesis

An Analysis of the Development of Euroscepticism in the Netherlands between the European referenda in 2005 and 2016

The problem that will be researched is how Euroscepticism in the Netherlands has developed between the two referenda held in the Netherlands in 2005 and 2016. As the Dutch Politicians woke up from their European dreams, did they become more Eurosceptic to change the apparent gap between the political elite and the Dutch citizens? As stated in the introduction, much research has been conducted since 2005 about the constitutional referendum and the reasons why a majority of the Dutch population voted 'no', but studies about developments after 2005 are not numerous, while Eurosceptic opinions have been increasing due to the problems the EU faced and is currently facing. The referendum in 2016 is a good indication of these Eurosceptic sounds, as it is initiated due to dissatisfaction regarding the functioning of the EU.

Abstract:

Within the academic and public debate, the convincing rejection of the European constitution by the Dutch population in 2005 is seen as a turning point in the relationship between the Netherlands and the EU. It is assumed that after the constitutional referendum, the dominant pro-European consensus in the Netherlands was definitely replaced by widespread criticism. The rejection of the constitution has been researched a lot, but studies analysing the relationship between the Netherlands and the EU after 2005 are limited. This study contributes to the current academic debate by questioning the critical turn, asking whether it indeed signalled the start of a new period and describing how Euroscepticism developed after the referendum. This thesis shows that after the constitutional referendum Euroscepticism in the Netherlands has indeed become more dominant in political party discourse, but when actual European decisions and votes are studied, this increasing Euroscepticism has to be reconsidered. The main cause and amplifier of Euroscepticism is the failing political communication on multiple levels. Almost all Dutch politicians take over the dominant Eurosceptic narrative instead of countering it by an inclusive, pro-European discourse promoting the value of European Integration. Moreover, no attempts are made to increase the knowledge of the EU. In this regard, Euroscepticism can be seen as a positive development as it challenges politicians to discuss the worth of the EU and increases its knowledge.

Abstract:

Within the academic and public debate, the convincing rejection of the European constitution by the Dutch population in 2005 is seen as a turning point in the relationship between the Netherlands and the EU. It is assumed that after the constitutional referendum, the dominant pro-European consensus in the Netherlands was definitely replaced by widespread criticism. The rejection of the constitution has been researched a lot, but studies analysing the relationship between the Netherlands and the EU after 2005 are limited. This study contributes to the current academic debate by questioning the critical turn, asking whether it indeed signalled the start of a new period and describing how Euroscepticism developed after the referendum. This thesis shows that after the constitutional referendum Euroscepticism in the Netherlands has indeed become more dominant in political party discourse, but when actual European decisions and votes are studied, this increasing Euroscepticism has to be reconsidered. The main cause and amplifier of Euroscepticism is the failing political communication on multiple levels. Almost all Dutch politicians take over the dominant Eurosceptic narrative instead of countering it by an inclusive, pro-European discourse promoting the value of European Integration. Moreover, no attempts are made to increase the knowledge of the EU. In this regard, Euroscepticism can be seen as a positive development as it challenges politicians to discuss the worth of the EU and increases its knowledge.

Keywords

Euroscepticism, the Netherlands, European Union, media, political communication

Language used: English

Date on which the thesis was submitted / produced: 1. 6. 2016

Accessible from:: 1. 6. 2016

Thesis defence

• Supervisor: PhDr. Daniel Topinka, Ph.D.

PALACKÝ UNIVERSITY OLOMOUC

Faculty of Arts

Master programme / field:
Human Studies / Euroculture