Latest blog articles

Nederland raakt niet uitgepraat over referenda. En dat is niet zo gek, gezien de recente ervaringen uit het Verenigd Koninkrijk, Spanje en natuurlijk het Oekraïne-referendum. In het regeerakkoord staat dat de Wet raadgevend referendum wordt ingetrokken. Wat moeten we nou van referenda vinden?

A new perspective? What specific plans and suggestions has Juncker to encounter a more united, stronger and more democratic Europe? Are his plans realistic and do these proposals respond effectively to the issues of democracy and legitimacy? ^{(Dutch only)}

Juncker's proposals are focused top-down. However, European citizenship will not arise itself by positing in a convention. In short, the knowledge which is present in society, should be fully used. ^{(Dutch only)}

In March 2017 Pieter Duisenberg signed a declaration of intent with een bevestigende beantwoording van de volgende vraag: “Do you intend to complete the chosen term?”. ^{(Dutch only)}

It is hard to explain to foreigners how to constitute a Cabinet in the Netherlands with so many parties in the Lower House. ^{(Dutch only)}

After Rutte's promise, Asscher did not get where he asked for and so he agreed. ^{(Dutch only)}

From an academic perspective, we need to revise our textbooks: after Cameron-Clegg (2010-2015), and after a narrow majority for Cameron in 2015, there will be no majority party in the UK nowadays. ^{(Dutch only)}

Would that not be much more attractive? So: a Cabinet without excessive programme and with a number of subjects that can be left open. ^{(Dutch only)}

What we witness now shows resemblances with the new Turkish and the Russian presidential model: the president has executive powers but is also largely supported by his parliament, banning or disabling the effect of balances of power through their checks and balances.

Which of the two sides, the EU or the UK, has the better bargaining position? The EU? After all, art 50 TEU says that even in the event of a no deal a Brexit may take place after two year. And that means then a hard Brexit and no special deal with the UK for trade for instance.