The Netherlands’ foreign policy in 2026

What developments is the Netherlands seeing around the world?

The world around us is changing rapidly. For example:

• Power is shifting.
• We are seeing an increase in autocratic leaders who disregard democracy and human rights.
• Fewer countries are complying with international rules. More countries are using their economic power to achieve their goals. All these developments are making the world less safe and more unpredictable. So it is important for the Kingdom of the Netherlands and Europe to seek out new partners, in areas like energy, defence and technology. At the same time, it’s becoming even more important to collaborate with friendly countries. For instance in the European Union (EU), United Nations (UN) and NATO. We need to work together to solve global problems. And to protect the things that matter to us, such as peace, freedom and democracy.

What are the Netherlands' plans for foreign policy?

Together with our allies, we need to take important steps to protect our way of life. This is a summary of the government’s foreign policy plans:

Taking responsibility for the security of the Netherlands and the world at large

Russia’s war against Ukraine has brought security threats much closer to Europe’s own borders. That’s why we in Europe need to do more to safeguard our own security. To protect ourselves better, the government has the following plans:

• Continue to support Ukraine. Ukraine is fighting to defend our freedom and security too. Read why support for Ukraine remains crucial.
• A stronger Europe within NATO. The government is going to have the agreed NATO target of spending 3.5% of the nation’s annual income (GDP) on defence laid down in law. The Netherlands will work with other European countries to keep NATO strong. We will be holding discussions with France on nuclear deterrence, for example.
• Increased European cooperation on defence and security. For instance by working together to produce and purchase arms. And by making more use of sanctions to force countries to stop their aggression.
• Greater stability in the world. As the conflicts in Iran and the Middle East and the security situation in Venezuela and the Caribbean have shown, our Kingdom’s security is closely linked to the wider world. That is why the Netherlands is committed to defending peace and human rights.

Strengthening global prosperity and cooperation

There is a great deal of unrest in the world, and lots of competition for money and resources. The Netherlands and the EU are dependent on other countries for many products and raw materials. To make us less dependent and less vulnerable, the Netherlands wants to increase the number of countries that we work with.

To achieve this, the government has the following plans:

• Entering into new partnerships and alliances with different countries. The Netherlands wants to have better economic ties with more countries, including through the EU. That is why we want to make agreements on fair trade, access to raw materials, and the protection of people and the environment.
• Cooperating in the areas where we are strongest. The Netherlands and other EU countries are focusing on microchips (semiconductors), maritime manufacturing and raw materials.
• By working together we can make each other stronger and find solutions to major problems.

Protecting international rules and fundamental rights

International rules are important. For example, to protect people’s rights, to ensure that countries respect each other’s borders, and to guarantee free passage for ships. But these rules are under pressure all around the world. That is why the government has the following plans:

• Defending international law. The promotion of international law is a key part of Dutch foreign policy. It is even laid down in our constitution. The Netherlands also calls countries to account when they don’t live up to their agreements – for instance when they violate human rights or the laws of war.
• Protecting democracy and combating disinformation. Like-minded countries will need to be more united in seeking to strengthen democratic forces, protect the open world economy and promote the international legal order.
• Making fair agreements on refugees. The Netherlands provides support to countries that host lots of refugees. And we will work with other European countries towards strict but humane agreements on asylum and migration.
• Commitment to human rights. In the international arena, the Netherlands will stand up for women and minorities, young people, LGBTIQ+ persons, freedom of religion and media freedom. The Netherlands strives to protect and promote human rights and the rule of law all over the world.

Stronger cooperation with countries and organisations

The government will work for a more united Europe. That will require an EU budget that is more in line with the needs of today’s world. We will need more money for energy, security and strengthening the economy. The EU must also be able to take decisions faster, on the basis of qualified majority voting.

The Netherlands will strengthen its ties with other European countries, working together in the areas of trade, security, energy and migration. With countries beyond Europe, too, the Netherlands will pursue shared interests. For example with partners like Canada and countries in the Indo-Pacific [information in Dutch], Africa and the Gulf region.

The government is investing in our network of foreign missions so that we can strengthen ties with other countries around the world and discuss promising opportunities. The government is also committed to development cooperation, working in equal partnerships with other countries to protect our peace, security and prosperity. For example, the government will be investing in democratisation and good governance, women’s rights, humanitarian assistance, health, climate action and education.

In the government’s view it is also important for international organisations to function effectively. Take the United Nations [information in Dutch] and the World Bank. International organisations like these help to make the world safer and more stable. The Netherlands will press for reforms to improve the functioning of these organisations. The EU also has a role to play here, as the biggest donor to the humanitarian system. Ultimately, cooperation will make the Netherlands, Europe and the wider world safer and more prosperous.

More information: read the policy letter on foreign affairs

For more detailed information on the government’s plans, read the policy letter on foreign affairs.