Netherlands’ Rightward Shift Likely to Impact Western Aid to Ukraine

European assistance to Ukraine will likely be dealt another blow following the surprise electoral victory of Geert Wilders’ right-wing Freedom Party (PVV). The PVV defied expectations by taking first place in a Nov. 22 parliamentary poll, winning 37 of 150 seats in the Dutch national assembly. The incumbent People’s Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD), led by outgoing Prime Minister Mark Rutte, managed to clinch only 24 seats. Unlike Mr. Rutte’s VVD, Mr. Wilders’ party is vehemently opposed to a number of longstanding EU policies, especially those pertaining to immigration. It has also voiced opposition to admitting Ukraine, Moldova, and some Balkan states into the EU....