Dutch government to campaign in support of Ukraine before referendum on Association Agreement with EU

10:18, 11.01.2016 1 min read

The Dutch government plans "to campaign for a Yes" in an upcoming referendum on the EU-Ukraine association agreement, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte has stated.

According to the EUobserver edition, Mark Rutte, who currently holds the EU presidency, told press in Amsterdam on January 7 "the pact is good for Europe and good for the Netherlands."

"I'll be out there and I'll be explaining to people why we signed this agreement… We are a trading nation. We live by free trade agreements and Ukraine is another example of this," he said.

"People who are inclined to vote No think it's a first step to EU membership. It has nothing to do with accession," he added.

Dutch Foreign Minister Bert Koenders said it serves Dutch security interests, by helping to stabilize the EU's eastern neighborhood, and that it's "important for both our [Dutch and Ukrainian] economies."

"We will actively put forward what we think the answer should be, which is Yes," Koenders said.

The referendum is take place on April 6 following a petition organized by civil society, is non-binding.