Majority of Dutch people want government to focus more on domestic issues, survey finds
A majority of Dutch citizens (63 percent) believe the government should prioritize domestic issues over international concerns, according to a new study by the Social and Cultural Planning Office (SCP). The research, which is part of the ongoing Continuïteit Onderzoek Burgerperspectieven (COB), reveals that many people feel the balance between foreign and domestic policy is skewed. However, this sentiment does not equate to a desire for less international cooperation, as the majority still support the Netherlands’ membership in the European Union (70 percent), and only 10 percent favor a potential "Nexit."
The survey, which investigates how Dutch citizens perceive social and political issues, reveals three main reasons why people think the government should shift focus to domestic affairs.
The primary concern for many respondents is that not enough attention has been given to resolving internal issues such as the housing shortage, asylum accommodation, and the rising costs of energy and groceries.
Second, many Dutch citizens feel that the Netherlands is doing more than other countries, particularly in areas like asylum and climate change. This has led some to label the country as "the best student in class," a sentiment that fuels frustration over the disproportionate burden.
Finally, some people believe that foreign issues, particularly European policies, are causing domestic challenges. For example, European nitrogen regulations are seen as problematic for Dutch farmers, and the housing crisis is believed to be worsened by international obligations.
On the other hand, 36 percent of respondents argue that the Netherlands should focus more on international collaboration, seeing it as a potential solution to national problems. For some, there is a moral argument in favor of the Netherlands playing an active role on the global stage, particularly in areas like CO2 reduction and providing aid to developing nations.
While the preference for focusing on domestic matters is not new—previous surveys from 2011 and 2018 showed similar results—there is a noticeable shift in public opinion regarding defense and international security. Prior to the 2022 war in Ukraine, defense was a low priority, with many advocating for budget cuts in military spending. Since the conflict began, however, the demand for increased defense cooperation has risen, with a growing number of people (69 percent) agreeing that the Netherlands should contribute equally to European defense and security efforts.
The SCP’s findings highlight three main factors shaping public opinion on international relations. First, people want their domestic concerns to be acknowledged and addressed within the broader context of international agreements, such as those related to climate, asylum, or defense.
Second, the Dutch public desires fairness in how responsibilities and burdens are shared—both among individuals and between countries. Many believe the Netherlands does more and spends more than other European nations.
Finally, people want to see tangible benefits from international collaboration. This includes economic advantages, improved security, and solutions to global challenges such as climate change, immigration, or pandemics.
In response to these concerns, the Dutch government aims to improve public preparedness for international crises and increase societal resilience. Josje den Ridder, a project leader at the SCP, emphasized that people have become more attuned to international security since 2022. "This makes it more likely that people will support these efforts now than, say, five years ago," she said. "However, public support also depends on how they perceive the Netherlands' role compared to other European countries. If they feel that the Netherlands is doing more than others, their willingness to support international collaboration or share risks may decrease. This is something the government needs to consider moving forward."
