Should the United Netherlands start with talks about a possible treaty of association with the Central European Union ?

[DeRaadspensionaris]

On Juli 30th a referendum will be held in the Republic of the United Netherlands with the question whether the Republic should start negotiations with the member states of the Central European Union concerning a possible partial membership ("associated membership"). Without voting rights but with a fixed currency rate and a customs union.

The question that will be on the ballot is this one:

Should the United Netherlands start with talks about a possible treaty of association with the Central European Union ?

Moeten de Verenigde Nederlanden onderhandelingen aanknopen met de lidstaten over een mogelijk verdrag van associatie met de Midden-Europese Unie ?

The pro's and cons:

PRO's

-The United Netherlands could gain more economic growth as it's seaports and fixed currency rates combined with better relations with Central European countries could provide better connections to and ties with the hinterland.

- It could enhance tourism to the United Netherlands and make it easier for Dutch citizens to visit CEU member states.

- Better political and diplomatic ties with it's neighbors.

- Our banking system could profit from our relatively cheap Guilder and see more foreign investment- thus providing jobs in the financial sector.

CONS

- It could endanger our neutrality.

- It could possibly endanger our system of bank privacy.

Edited July 13, 2009 by DeRaadspensionaris