Dutch Government Wants Less-Powerful European Union

Doesn't everybody outside Brussels?

The Dutch coalition government says the time of "ever closer union" in all EU policy areas is over.

The government, led by liberal Prime Minister Mark Rutte, set out its stance on EU powers in a letter to parliament.

The Netherlands wants to keep control over social security, working conditions and media regulation.

The initiative is similar to the UK government's current "balance of competences" review, aimed at assessing where EU powers may extend too far.