The Netherlands' new government is now formally requesting to opt out of the EU's common asylum and migration policy.
However, at the same time, they are fully aware that this can only be done in conjunction with an amendment to the EU's fundamental treaties – which is not currently on the agenda.
"We must be able to decide on our own asylum policy again", writes Migration Minister Marjolein Faber from Geert Wilders' Islam- and immigration-critical populist party PVV on X on Wednesday.
The EU Commission confirms that it has received the letter, but notes that it does not expect any "immediate" treaty change. According to the Commission, the Netherlands has also promised in the letter to continue implementing the EU's new asylum and migration pact for the time being.
Changes to the EU's fundamental treaties require unanimity among all EU countries and, in several cases, also referendums, which is something that most people currently want to avoid in order not to risk paralyzing EU cooperation.
