MPs get firsthand look at Royal Marechaussee's challenges and innovations at Schiphol
Dutch MPs recently visited Schiphol to explore the Royal Marechaussee’s expanding role in border security and countering digital crime. With rising threats and EU-driven digitalisation, the force is adapting to protect citizens while ensuring smooth travel and privacy.
| Key Data Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Date of Visit | Friday, 13 March 2026 |
| Delegation | Committee for Foreign Affairs, Defence and Development Cooperation (BDO) |
| Location | Royal Marechaussee at Schiphol, Netherlands |
| Key Challenges | Digital crime, hybrid threats, data integration, EU border regulations |
| Major Initiative | Rollout of Entry Exit System (EES) to replace manual passport stamps |
| Growth | Expanded workforce, no recruitment issues |
| MPs in Attendance | Madeleine van Toorenburg (CDA), Koen Petersen (VVD), and others |
The Royal Marechaussee is a branch of the Dutch armed forces responsible for border security, law enforcement at airports, and protecting critical infrastructure. The government, through parliamentary committees like BDO, oversees its operations and ensures alignment with national and EU security policies.
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Read the full translated article below
Members of Parliament visit Royal Marechaussee at Schiphol
A delegation from the committee Foreign Affairs, Defence and Development Cooperation (BDO) visited the Royal Marechaussee at Schiphol on Friday 13 March. The purpose of the visit was to gain a better understanding of the organisation, tasks and current developments. Representatives of the Marechaussee guided the attending MPs through the various brigades and activities at Schiphol, sometimes literally by visiting a police post and border control point where MPs engaged in discussions with Marechaussee personnel.
Challenges
During the morning session, MPs were briefed on the organisational and substantive challenges facing the Marechaussee. Threats in the Netherlands and worldwide are becoming more complex and increasingly interconnected. The digital domain is borderless, enabling criminals to operate internationally with greater frequency. Digitalisation and technological advancements are generating an increase in data. As the Marechaussee operates in an information-driven manner, the challenge lies in integrating this data more closely with operations. The Marechaussee addresses this, among other ways, through the National Tactical Command (LTC). To meet these challenges, the Marechaussee has expanded significantly in recent years, with Schiphol as its largest operational location. The airport brings together a variety of tasks, including border police duties and the protection of critical infrastructure and individuals. Notably, the Marechaussee has no issues recruiting new staff. "People want to work for the Marechaussee," said Lieutenant-General Annelore Roelofs, Commander of the Royal Marechaussee.
Border management
The afternoon focused on developments in the border domain and border surveillance, including the modernisation and digitalisation of border processes, partly driven by several EU regulations. The Marechaussee is currently working on the rollout of the Entry Exit System (EES). This European entry and exit system will eventually replace manual passport stamps. The focus is not only on facilitating passenger flow but also on ensuring a careful and enforceable border process that upholds both security and privacy. The MPs were also briefed on the Marechaussee’s primary task: protecting the Kingdom’s territory and that of its allies. It became clear that the Marechaussee is a valuable asset in countering hybrid threats in the so-called "grey zone," the area between peace and war. At the same time, it was emphasised that executing this task also requires an alert and resilient society.
Enforceability
Delegation member Madeleine van Toorenburg (CDA) reflected positively on the visit: "Work visits like this are the icing on the cake for a senator. The Royal Marechaussee pulled out all the stops to inform us as thoroughly as possible about the diversity of its work and responsibilities. Practical challenges were explained, but so were major themes, such as how the NATO standard might be implemented. Speaking with frontline staff is invaluable to us. After all, as senators, we are particularly responsible for the enforceability of legislation and regulations. In short, a very useful and pleasant work visit!"
"In good hands"
Koen Petersen (VVD), chair of the BDO committee, praised the professionalism of the Marechaussee personnel: "Many people know the Royal Marechaussee primarily from passport checks at Schiphol. But behind the blue uniforms lies a well-organised world of even more tasks and responsibilities in the field of security. I am impressed by the commitment, expertise and sense of responsibility we witnessed among the Marechaussee staff during the work visit. The security of the Kingdom is in good hands with them."
The delegation also included the members Karin van Bijsterveld (JA21), Meryem Karaaslan-Kilic (D66), Farah Karimi (GroenLinks-PvdA), Artie Ramsodit (GroenLinks-PvdA), Rian Vogels (VVD), Pim Walenkamp (Walenkamp faction).