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Portugal's Prime Minister Antonio Costa has stunned fellow EU leaders after raising the idea of leaving the Netherlands out of EU agreements. The astonishing remarks implies that the Netherlands could be kicked out of the European Union, amid growing outrage at the coutnry's conduct in the latest coronavirus response talks. The Netherlands held up the talks after blocking demands from Italy, Spain and France for so-called 'corona-bonds' where the EU would issue joint shared debt to help finance a recovery.

Mr Costa spoke after the EU reached an agreement for a £430bn rescue package for countries hit hardest by the pandemic.

He said the Netherlands’ attempt to block economic support to fight the coronavirus raised questions about their future in the European Union.

The Portuguese leader said: "If under these conditions it’s not possible for Europe to ensure a common response to this challenge, this is a sign of great concern for those who believe in Europe."

Mr Costa went on to question whether “there is anyone who wants to be left out” of the EU or eurozone.

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