Cabinet: war in Ukraine marks a new era for the Netherlands and the EU

Strong cooperation in Europe remains the most important way for the Netherlands to work towards stability in the world. This is essential for our freedom, security, and prosperity.

The war currently raging in Ukraine puts this stability under pressure. Since then, the world has changed completely. The conflict is not only a threat to the people of Ukraine but also to global security, including that of the Netherlands.

Against this background, the cabinet is writing to the House of Representatives about what Dutch foreign policy will look like in the coming years.

The Russian invasion of Ukraine highlights a trend that has been visible for some time: the world order is irrevocably changing. Power balances are shifting. Borders known since the end of the Cold War are no longer a given. The era in which the United States was the sole superpower maintaining the world order is over.

‘The EU must stand up more firmly for itself and the values we represent,’ says Minister Hoekstra of Foreign Affairs.

‘The united and strong response to the Russian invasion shows that we have taken important steps in a short time.’

According to the cabinet, it is essential that the EU can act decisively when challenged. For example, if the Union faces espionage, cyber threats, or economic coercion by countries outside the EU.

Therefore, the Netherlands, together with Germany among others, wants the EU to more often make decisions in foreign affairs based on a qualified majority. For example, when imposing European sanctions and deploying civilian missions. This means a decision can no longer be blocked by one member state that disagrees. It enables the EU to use its economic power faster and more decisively.

Because sanctions are an important tool for the EU to enforce international changes, the Netherlands is expanding its own sanction capacity: country experts will be added who compile evidence packages to make sanctions truly effective.

NATO remains the cornerstone of European defense. But the EU must be able to act more independently in security and defense. Cooperation between the EU and NATO must also be strengthened. This also requires a contribution from the Netherlands.

Therefore, the cabinet is investing heavily in the armed forces: defense spending is increasing by 26%. That means an additional 3 billion euros per year structurally. The cabinet is still investigating whether additional investments are needed.

The cabinet also supports the proposal to develop a rapid EU intervention force. This is needed to enable the EU to carry out rapid and robust military missions.

In the coming years, the Netherlands will work hard for a Europe that is less dependent on other countries for strategically important raw materials, production facilities, and energy.

‘The invasion of Ukraine makes crystal clear how important it is to quickly reduce our energy dependence on Russia,’ writes the cabinet.

In addition, the Netherlands supports the development of its own innovative European tech industry. The Netherlands will invest in large-scale European development projects in cloud infrastructure, microelectronics, and hydrogen. It also focuses on legislation aimed at producing semiconductor chips on European soil.

The Netherlands is committed worldwide to the rule of law and the protection and promotion of human rights. Because human rights are inextricably linked to security, development, and stability in the world.

In the coming period, the Netherlands wants to increase the safety of human rights defenders and journalists. The fight against impunity will also receive more attention: the Netherlands remains actively committed to justice for victims of serious human rights violations.

Corruption is a form of abuse of power that increasingly threatens stability, prosperity, and security in many countries. Therefore, the Netherlands is committed to establishing an international anti-corruption court. This court should hold accountable those guilty of corruption.