February 7th 2024 | 18:00 - 20:00 pm. | Universitätsforum, Heussallee 18-24, 53113 Bonn

Last November's election in the Netherlands saw a (surprisingly) clear winner in the form of Geert Wilders' right-wing populist PVV party. Whether Wilders will ultimately be able to govern remains to be seen. A possible political realignment in the Netherlands would have major implications for Germany and North Rhine-Westphalia, as the Netherlands is a close partner in economic, foreign and defense policy issues. What could a Dutch government under right-wing populist leadership or participation mean for NRW and Germany? How would such a government position itself in relation to the current conflicts and crises and what impact would this have at European level?

A possible government under right-wing populist leadership in the Netherlands could lead to tighter border controls and a more restrictive immigration policy, which would have a direct impact on relations and trade between Germany and the Netherlands. Cooperation on security issues and defense policy could also be affected, as right-wing populist parties often pursue a nationalist and isolationist agenda. Furthermore, a Dutch government under right-wing populist leadership could further complicate the European integration process and lead to tensions within the EU. It is therefore important to closely monitor political developments in the Netherlands and prepare for possible changes in cooperation with our neighboring country.

The event is organized in cooperation with the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom and the Bonn Academy for Research and Teaching of Practical Politics.