There is no doubt that Brexit will have major consequences for a trading country such as the Netherlands, but concrete estimates are still lacking. In a round table discussion with the business community, politicians allow themselves to be brought up to date by the business community and the agricultural sector also has a say.
Yet the development remains worrying. Calon outlines that a country like the Netherlands benefits from free trade. 'At the same time, we see protectionist trends in various countries. Our trading position must be prevented from deteriorating.'
A position that is definitely attracting more interest. For example, Trump and New Zealand have already shown a lot of interest in developments in the British market.
Separately, it also has consequences for discussions about the common agricultural policy (CAP). 'The English no longer participate in discussions about, among other things, the CAP. Power relations are shifting and our position is weakening. In addition, it means less income for Brussels and that also has consequences, because it means less money for the CAP.'
Other players in the business community are also concerned about the trading position of the Netherlands and the consequences for the internal market.
Calon emphasizes that a country like the Netherlands with 'highly innovative agriculture has an interest in open borders and an income from the market. With Brexit we will lose an important ally.'