Dutch
cabinet ministers should tell voters that an EU-Ukraine deal is good for
trade but they should not talk about conflict with Russia, according
to the Dutch government’s #referendum strategy, which was leaked to
the broadcaster RTL.
A 12-page document,
made public Thursday, lists a number of questions people might have
about an association agreement between the EU and #Ukraine that the #Dutch
will vote on on April 6.
It
urges ministers to tell #Dutch_voters that the agreement will benefit
trade and “ordinary Ukrainians.”
“The referendum is not about a conflict with Russia
and Putin,” it says, adding: “Do not take this vote as an opportunity to talk
about discontent with the EU.”
The document also shows that the government expects a
positive outcome, but can’t rule out a No vote.
“With
a valid No [if the turnout is more than 30 percent] the cabinet will think
about the steps it will take and discuss this with parliament.”
The text also refers to global reaction to the vote,
saying “there will be more international attention for the
Netherlands.”
Prime Minister Mark Rutte responded to the leak on
Thursday before the European Council in Brussels. “Nothing stays secret,”
he said, adding that “the association agreement is important, since the
Netherlands is a trade nation.”
The referendum campaign officially
started last month. Opinion polls suggest a
slight lead for the No campaign.
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