New Security Requirements for Government Contracts with Risks to National Security

The Netherlands is under pressure. Espionage, cyberattacks, and sabotage are real threats. For national security, it is necessary to minimize risks when companies carry out assignments for the central government and the police. With ABRO, there will be one set of security requirements for government contracts.

ABRO not only provides more security but also more clarity for companies. The same security requirements will apply to government contracts with risks to national security, whether they work for a ministry, agency, or the police. During the development of ABRO, active consultation took place with the business community. A draft version was presented to a selection of companies, requesting their insights and feedback. Additionally, ABRO was explained in information sessions with industry and cluster organizations.

The central government and the police are currently preparing for the implementation of ABRO starting January 2026. Based on the experiences gained here, other government organizations that procure with risks to national security will likely follow.

The General Intelligence and Security Service (AIVD) and the Military Intelligence and Security Service (MIVD) are jointly responsible for monitoring compliance with ABRO. The National Industrial Security Office is the new joint organization that carries out this task. Both AIVD and MIVD have more than 60 years of experience in industrial security.

More information about ABRO can be found at Rijksoverheid.nl/ABRO.