Today is an important day for the Ukrainian authorities. As reports Reuters, in the Netherlands held a referendum in which the Dutch have to decide whether they support the ratification of the Association Agreement between the EU and Ukraine. For the Treaty to enter into force, it must approve all members of the community, and the Netherlands remains the only country that did not.
Before making such an important decision, Amsterdam chose to ask the views of ordinary Dutch people. The government is not obliged to take into account the voting results, whatever they may be. However, this reservation is made in case residents of the Netherlands will vote against the Association. So, the leader of the far-right freedom Party Geert Wilders has already voted against.
In order for the referendum was declared valid, the turnout must be at least 30 percent. If the Dutch would support the decision of the Association, any difficulties will not arise. In case, if they vote against, the government of the Netherlands will take responsibility on this issue, it may leave the agreement in force, despite the will of the people, or to refuse ratification. The latter will seriously aggravate relations of the Netherlands with the rest of the EU, and thus postpone the possibility of Ukraine joining the EU (which, on the other hand, will allow to establish relations with Russia).
Previously conducted opinion polls showed that Association opponents more than supporters. A few days ago the agreement with Ukraine was supported by 37 percent of respondents, 51 percent were opposed.
The Association agreement between the EU and Ukraine was signed in mid-2014, the economic part is already in force, but for political needs the support of all 28 countries of the community.
