Ton van den Brink in the Volkskrant: populists detest the EU's fundamental values

No reform of the EU will ever be enough for populists, mr. dr. Ton van den Brink argues in Dutch newspaper Volkskrant. They are concerned with the fundamentals, the basic values on which the EU is built: open borders; no uniform will of the people, but a pluralistic society; and restricted and controlled government power, instead of autonomy of the people.

To provide a serious answer to the critique of populism, we have to start with the question of why these foundations are crucial. If we do not face this critique, then not only the EU itself, but also the pro-European politics will have a disadvantage in the discussion.

• 

  prof. mr. dr. A. (Ton) van den Brink

  Professor

  Law, Economics and Governance - Utrecht University School of Law - International and European Law