Dutch poll a barometer of European sentiment

The Netherlands has long been a source of inspiration for closer European integration — and a bellwether of European discontent.

It was one of six nations that forged fledgling European unity from the ashes of the Second World War, and a force behind the treaty that created the euro. Yet, along with France, it put itself at the vanguard of the eurosceptic tide by rejecting a proposed European constitution.

As the nation heads into elections today, observers are wondering which Netherlands will emerge: The EU guiding light or the harbinger of European disarray. The answer could be an indication of the very direction of Europe.