Constitutional Identity in The Netherlands Sailing with Others

Dutch constitutional identity is not a fixated entity functioning as a constitutional bulwark to shield the Netherlands from European integration, but is rather characterised by an openness to and embeddedness in international and European law. It includes an emphasis on individual rights and autonomy within a culture of compromise and cooperation, based on the idea of all ultimately being in the same boat together. This idea not only applies to the traditional ability of the Dutch to live together peacefully despite differing views on fundamental issues. It also entails that the Dutch constitutional identity should not exist in opposition towards other constitutional identities within the European Union, but that all should move alongside each other, setting sail in the same direction.