Sander Smit (BBB): ‘We want a fundamental course correction in Brussels’

BBB party leader Sander Smit is not a newcomer in Brussels and Strasbourg. As a policy assistant to Annie Schreijer-Pierik of the CDA faction in the European Parliament, he learned how things run in Brussels and Strasbourg.

The politician from Goor, Overijssel, specializes in agriculture, rural development, the environment and international trade. For some time now he has been working as an advisor and relationship manager in the business community in the field of government participation, raw materials and energy.

The importance of European politics should not be underestimated, says Smit. ’70 to 80 percent of the legislation comes from Europe. And if we look at the legislation that is being drawn up for the agricultural and horticultural sector, that percentage may be even higher.’

What makes BBB’s presence in Europe important for farmers?

‘Decisions have been made that are very restrictive for the agricultural sector. We therefore want to keep a finger on the pulse in the European Parliament. Think of it as a double control function in the House of Representatives in The Hague and in the European Parliament in Brussels. After all, the decisions are also a combination of politics in The Hague and Brussels.’

Can you give an example of such a decision?

‘As a policy officer, I have experienced that the House of Representatives was incorrectly informed about what actually happened in Brussels. That was in 2016 (State Secretary Martijn van Dam, Rutte-II) and was about the phosphate rights scheme. We now also see it with a resigning minister and old coalition parties, with the nitrate committee surrounding the derogation.

That is why it is so important that we are present there and intervene in the fundamental choices that determine the future of the Dutch countryside. All these decisions also affect citizens in villages, cities and when shopping.’

What will you do first if you are chosen?

‘We are going to commit ourselves to a course correction of the mammoth tanker that has drifted adrift. We will put many issues on the agenda and will, among other things, commit ourselves to a fair international trade policy. But especially for improving the agricultural revenue model of family businesses.

‘We want to move away from the Green Deal and work towards a Real Deal and European Farmers Deal. This means a weakening of the excessive objectives that are now on the table. BBB is a party for the entire society. But it is precisely those farmers’ interests that need to be given more of a voice in Europe. The broad protests demonstrate this.’

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Proud Twente and public administration expert

Sander Smit (38) was born and raised in Twente, studied Public Administration (master’s degree in Law & Administration) at the University of Twente and was administratively active in associations and political (youth) organizations. He was previously a councilor in Hof van Twente and worked in the European Parliament as a policy advisor for 8.5 years. Smit is currently a relationship manager and advisor in the field of government participation, raw materials and energy. The public administration expert is co-editor of a critical research publication from 2022 by knowledge organization De Nieuwe Denktank. This is about the Dutch nitrogen policy and is called ‘Nitrogen. From technocratic tunnel vision to realistic stewardship’.

What does BBB mean by a Real Deal?

‘Policy that is feasible and affordable, with an agricultural revenue model and where an investment in sustainability by farmers really contributes to their earning capacity. We now have the eco scheme for which part of the basic premium has been converted. We believe that there should simply be a market-based reward for farmers, gardeners and land managers who provide green and blue services to society. It isn’t there now.

‘We also believe that the announced EU ban on the combustion engine, the fuel car, should be immediately removed. ‘

The Green Deal has recently been watered down. Has this already achieved one of your goals?

‘Apparently it can be done differently than the Hague ‘must of Brussels’. The current European Commission has shown willingness to adjust a few things, but in our opinion this is still far from sufficient.

‘When I see the plans that European Climate Commissioner Wopke Hoekstra has presented, with a mandatory target of 90 percent CO2 reduction by 2040 and 1,556 billion euros in annual costs, an unprecedented burden will be placed on households and companies.

‘BBB wants to stop this excessive climate policy of legally binding interim goals. That is why this change of course must be continued. We want a fundamental centre-right course correction in Brussels. The EU must start working again for farmers, gardeners, fishermen and citizens. For communities, families and entrepreneurs.’

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How does Brussels view BBB?

‘BBB’s victory in the Dutch Provincial Council elections in 2023 has not gone unnoticed in Brussels. Several factions were shocked and wondered what was going on. They understood that they had to talk to farmers.

‘It is clear that the current composition of the European Parliament does not reflect the feelings of society and the economy. That is why you can say that we have partly initiated the recent course correction, including on the Nature Restoration Act, which was shelved partly thanks to BBB.’

What do you think is going well in Europe?

‘We must cherish and preserve the internal market and European cooperation. It is important that we complete the internal market, where we also strive for a level playing field. The free movement of people to travel and work within the EU is also valuable. But the European migration policy has failed.’

BBB is looking to join the European People’s Party faction, to which the CDA is now also affiliated. Why?

‘That is normally only decided after the elections, but that is our intention. We think that in terms of DNA we fit best with the broad centre-right EPP faction. We want a fundamental centre-right course correction in Brussels.

‘The EPP group has adjusted in our direction in recent months and also wants to change course in the areas of agriculture and the environment. If you aim for such a course correction, it is important that you join a power bloc to make it happen. But we will in no way give up our own views and identity.’