NATO & Defense
The Dutch cabinet has acknowledged that it allowed arms exports to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) during a period of formally restrictive export controls, but insists these deliveries were lawful, deliberate and defensive in nature — and sees no reason to tighten policy or increase transparency towards parliament. According to the
NATO & Defense
The Dutch government wants its armed forces to be visibly more deployable by 2026, for national and allied tasks. In the Defence Policy Letter 2026, the focus shifts from rebuilding capacity to immediate military readiness, a response to what the ministry describes as a sustained decline in Europe’s security
NATO & Defense
The Netherlands is extending its military training support for Ukraine until the end of 2028 and will shift a large part of that effort from the United Kingdom to Germany. Defence Minister Yeşilgöz announced this in a letter to parliament ahead of the EU Foreign Affairs Council (Defence) meeting on
United States & Canada
Dutch Minister of Foreign Affairs Tom Berendsen still considers the United States an ally, but acknowledges that the country has become “less predictable.” In an interview with Algemeen Dagblad, Berendsen says the Netherlands remains dependent on the US for its security, while at times disagreeing with the actions of the
Europe & EU
Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten has voiced his support for Spain amid a dispute over NATO’s direction and the role of critical allies. According to Jetten, it is “absolutely clear” to all EU leaders that Spain will remain a full member of the military alliance. “And it will remain
Dutch politics
Since the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the Netherlands has spent more than €20 billion on Ukraine or on Ukrainian refugees. Funding commitments run through to 2029, according to a new parliamentary document released by the Dutch cabinet.