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Policy Programme 2007-2011

The Netherlands wants the EU to be effective and democratic. Security and stability should be improved in regions where this is necessary. More attention should to be paid to human rights and international environmental policy.

These objectives are set out in the Policy Programme for 2007-2011, which was presented to Parliament on 14 June 2007. The programme fleshes out the coalition agreement.

The Netherlands wants to be a constructive player on the world stage. Transnational challenges such as climate, environment and security demand international solutions, in which Europe can play a significant role.

Europe

The Netherlands wants to work with its EU partners on a new treaty with which the public feels comfortable - a treaty that the Netherlands is happy to sign. It wants the EU to take its enlargement criteria seriously and apply then strictly. Schools should be provided with information packs to give people a clearer picture of what the EU is all about.

Peace and security

The conflicts in the Middle East are key issues as far as peace and security are concerned. The Netherlands believes that the EU can play a major role in finding a just and lasting solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.

Development policy

Dutch development policy is based on the three Ds: diplomacy, defence and development. The government wants to develop this policy further in the years ahead, foor example by working with non-governmental organisations.

Sustainable economic development is a key policy area. The Netherlands is helping to ensure that the UN's eight Millennium Development Goals are achieved.

Human rights

Human rights are for everybody. The Netherlands will publicly expose abuses, through the UN Human Rights Council or the European Union. EU member states must apply collective pressure.

The Netherlands will continue to support human rights organisations working in countries with a poor human rights record. The International Criminal Court in The Hague is also working to this end.

Climate

The Netherlands is actively contributing to the formulation of ambitious international climate targets for the period after 2012. For example, it is supporting developing countries by offering them access to sustainable energy. It is also encouraging other countries to make new climate agreements.

Business climate

Many foreign companies are based in the Netherlands. The government wants to make the country more attractive to businesses, by streamlining administrative and other procedures. It will also improve the information provided to expats.