Dutch voters reject treaty to deepen Ukraine-EU ties

Dutch voters have overwhelmingly rejected a Ukraine-European Union treaty on closer political and economic ties, in a rebuke to their government and to the European Union establishment.
 
The treaty, which had already been signed by Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte's government and approved by all other European Union nations as well as Ukraine, took effect provisionally in January. 

But that didn't stop Dutch voters on April 6 rejecting the deal by a 64-36 margin in a national referendum. In another sign of antipathy, only 32 percent of voters went to the polls, fewer than in other recent elections and barely enough for the result to be considered valid. 

Voters said they were voicing their opposition not only to the treaty itself but also to European policymakers on matters ranging from the migrant crisis to economic policy, not long before Britain's June vote on whether to stay in the EU. 

Although the Dutch referendum was non-binding, Rutte acknowledged late on April 6 it was politically impossible for his unpopular government to continue ratifying the treaty in its current form. 

However, as the Dutch currently hold the EU's rotating presidency, he will need time to figure out whether and how he can alter the treaty in a way that could satisfy all parties. 

Rutte said the government would consult with parliament and European partners "step by step. That could take days or weeks." 

Ukraine President Petro Poroshenko said on April 7 his country will continue moving towards the European Union despite the Dutch vote. 

"Under any circumstances we will continue to implement the association agreement with the European Union including a deep and comprehensive free trade agreement," he told reporters...