A strong and united Europe is a safer Europe. This is more important now than ever before, given Russia’s aggression and the unrest we see around the world. For the purpose of better protecting Europe, the Netherlands therefore works closely with its NATO allies, the European Union (EU) and with other partners.
A stronger Europe within NATO
NATO remains the most important way of ensuring a secure Europe. This alliance of 32 countries protects the North Atlantic Treaty Area, which includes Europe itself. The Netherlands wishes to work towards a stronger Europe within NATO. This means that European countries will have to invest more in defence and shoulder greater responsibility for Europe’s security.
The EU: stronger together for peace and security
The EU has 27 member states that work together, including in the area of security. This cooperation is necessary because threats increasingly spill over borders. For example cyber attacks, terrorism, or Russia’s aggression, which have also targeted the Netherlands. Cooperation in the EU delivers:
By exchanging information, countries can track down terrorists and other criminals more quickly.
By protecting Europe against cyber attacks, such as those carried out at the instructions of other countries or criminal networks.
By working together, EU‑countries can take stronger action against aggression by other countries. One example is the sanctions packages imposed on Russia on account of the war in Ukraine.
Joint procurement of ammunition and other equipment often brings down costs. It also improves alignment between countries. This makes Europe’s defence efforts stronger and more cost effective. Manufacturing more in Europe has similar advantages.
Ukraine is a European country and is protecting not only itself, but all of Europe as well, against Russia’s aggression. It is therefore important to keep supporting Ukraine. All EU member states are contributing.
The EU also helps efforts to resolve conflicts around the world, for example through diplomacy, international agreements and peace missions. In doing so the EU often works with NATO as well as with like-minded countries.
What the Netherlands is doing
The Netherlands is contributing to a stronger and more secure Europe. It does this by:
- investing more in the Netherlands’ armed forces;
- boosting the Dutch and European defence industries;
- providing military (information in Dutch) and non-military support to Ukraine;
- improving preparedness to counter cyber attacks and other hybrid threats;
- shouldering greater military responsibility within NATO, for example as the German-Netherlands Corps (1GNC) has taken command of NATO troops in Estonia and Lithuania.