Dear Ukraine: If my country votes ‘no’, please accept my apology.

Update: Well, seems my apology is now officially an apology. A measly turnout of ±33% of the voting population makes the referendum binding (30% is the threshold — way too low in my opinion to be properly representative). 37% pro, 61% against. I’m so sorry and so deeply embarrassed. Here’s the original apology:

The Netherlands will have an “advisory referendum” Wednesday the 6th of April to vote on the European association treaty with Ukraine.

This referendum is not about you.

There is a group called GeenPeil which wants to start a discussion about the Netherlands’ role in the European Union. Their agenda is about reclaiming a say in politics, they think the EU has gone too far in what they decide for us.

Sadly, those of you from the Ukraine who want to join the European Union for all the prosperity and options it can bring you, are now put on hold.

I’ve visited a different, neighbouring country that is a young democracy: Slovakia. It, too, is still developing. But is already a fully fledged member of the EU.

Despite former communists still being in politics there — and a lot of shady goings-on, too — they’re a member. But it’s not about them.

For me, it’s not about geopolitics or trade or Putin, even.

It’s about you, dear Ukraine. You, the Ukrainian reading this, the person, the man, woman or whatever. Whether you’re a traditionalist or progressive:

I want you to have as many opportunities as I do.

What I saw and heard from young Slovakians is what I want for you: The opportunity of having opportunities. Possibilities and freedom. Study abroad, learn from other cultures and share wealth.

With my passport I can go almost anywhere in the world. I can visit any of the European countries and move there if I like. My money is worth something and being in a market of 500 million people (although language can be a thing) it’s surprisingly diverse and interesting.

My girlfriend is Franco-German, I’ve visited Spain, France, Austria, Slovakia, Belgium, the UK, Sweden and Germany — without a single passport check.

I feel free, I feel like I can be whomever I wish to be.

Dear Ukraine, I want you to have that too.

Just in case: I’m sorry.

So please, please, accept my apologies just in case the majority of my fellow countrymen who are bothered enough to even go and cast a vote, vote out in a knee-jerk response out of pure selfish reasons.

Because they want to ‘send a signal’ that ‘Europe’ doesn’t decide ‘for us.’ Despite the fact that we influence the European Parliament.

It’s often individuals who can ruin it for the rest.

Europe is a fantastic experiment and still is a great idea. As with anything, it will need continuous work and protection from those of us who seek opportunity for themselves first and foremost. Those of us who claim to do good for “us all” but line their own pockets.

Though I do not know how much influence — if any at all — this referendum will have, if we vote ‘no’ it will still be embarrassing.

Please do not take it personal. We “the Dutch” were once known for being open, welcoming and tolerant, but a foul wind has started blowing here.

A ‘no’ will not reflect what I thought my country was about. It will not be the Netherlands as I grew up to know it.

Just in case: I’m sorry.

PS: I would love to translate this into Ukrainian. If you can help me, please let me know!