Dutch government led by hard right asks for formal opt-out from EU migration rules

Associated Press

THE HAGUE (AP) — The new Dutch government dominated by the far-right party of Geert Wilders has officially asked the European Union for an exemption from its migration obligations. The move sets up a confrontation over one of the most explosive issues facing the bloc at a time when support for anti-immigration parties in Europe is rising. Migration minister Marjolein Faber of Wilders’ party wrote to the European Commission that the Netherlands wants out of mandatory rules for accepting refugees. The government is planning to declare an “asylum crisis” to pave the way for tougher measures, including reining in visas for family members of people granted asylum and making it easier and quicker to deport migrants who are not eligible for asylum.