EUROPEAN Union bosses are facing a growing rebellion over migration as the Netherlands today became the latest country to pursue tougher controls.
The new Dutch coalition – led by right-wing firebrand Geert Wilders – said it would “opt out” of Brussels’ rules that compels members to house asylum seekers.
Instead they will look to remove migrants “by force” if necessary in what the administration described as the nation’s “strictest-ever” border system.
The breakaway bid follows similar resistance from Hungary and Poland who have long fought the EU over its bloc-wide migration policy.
Eurosceptic Mr Wilders has stitched together a government pact with his populist PVV party with three other parties after six months of post-election talks.
The coalition agreement published today says: “An opt out clause for European asylum and migration policies will be submitted as soon as possible to the European Commission.
“Concrete steps will be taken towards the strictest ever entry rules for asylum and the most comprehensive ever package to control migration.”
Mr Wilders said: “Wilders said after the plans were presented. People in Africa and the Middle East will start thinking they might be better off elsewhere.”
Europe’s migration crisis is fraying the bloc’s membership as countries become increasingly frustrated with the Commission’s attitude.
Earlier this week the heads of 19 member states demanded Brussels bosses look at offshore processing to help stem the flow of illegal arrivals.
Rishi Sunak’s spokesman claimed vindication for the flagship Rwanda plan and said: “I suspect we’ll continue to see some of them follow our lead.”
Although it would more likely be just for offshore processing rather than a full-fat deportation scheme.
