The Dutch government has announced stricter migration controls, including border checks starting in December and lasting until at least June 2025, citing security concerns and growing migration pressure. This move adds strain to the EU’s Schengen system, already impacted by Germany’s decision to impose border controls in September.
Prime Minister Dick Schoof’s government has proposed the “strictest asylum regime ever” and requested a waiver from EU migration rules, though approval is unlikely. Some coalition members are considering deporting rejected asylum seekers to Uganda, but no formal agreements exist.
Tensions have also flared following violent incidents involving fans of Israeli soccer team Maccabi Tel Aviv and Dutch team Ajax, linked to anti-Semitic attacks. Dutch authorities reported assaults on Maccabi fans, allegedly fueled by anti-Arab slogans and flag burning by Israeli supporters. Amsterdam’s mayor condemned the violence as a mix of “anti-Semitism and hooliganism.”
Geert Wilders, leader of the ruling party, blamed the violence on Muslim migrants, calling for the expulsion of those involved and revocation of their citizenship. Opposition leaders accused him of inciting hatred.
