Strengthening French-Dutch cooperation for counterterrorism and combating subversive activity

Minister of Justice and Security Yesilgöz-Zegerius was in Paris this week with a strong delegation from the Dutch government for government consultations with a delegation from the French government, led by Prime Minister Rutte and President Macron. The Ministers discussed the war in Ukraine, the reception of Ukrainians in Europe, and counterterrorism and combating subversive activity.

‘International trafficking in illicit drugs forms the largest criminal market and generates billions in criminal assets. It undermines society, the rule of law and the economy, both in the Netherlands and in other countries. Unscrupulous, internationally recognised criminal organisations are behind this. A successful approach to this requires strong cooperation agreements with other countries,’

says Yesilgöz-Zegerius. The Minister is organising a conference before the summer with France, Belgium, Spain, Italy and Germany on the European approach to subversive activity.

Yesilgöz-Zegerius also spoke about bringing jihadist travellers to terrorist areas to trial.

‘ISIS terrorists must answer for their horrific acts, for joining a terrorist organisation and for the suffering they caused the Yezidis. The government will continue to examine the possibilities of trial in the region in collaboration with other countries such as France.’

The Ministers naturally also discussed European Member States providing security to people fleeing the war in Ukraine. The Netherlands is working hard to get sufficient reception facilities and support in place, and the adoption of the temporary protection directive in the European Council last week is a milestone in this process.