The Netherlands is increasingly confronted with hybrid attacks that aim to disrupt and weaken our society. In particular, the Russian brutality is noted to be increasing by the Military Intelligence and Security Service (MIVD). This is stated by the MIVD in its public annual report for 2024, which has been sent to the House of Representatives today.

The MIVD discovered various Russian actions in the Netherlands. For example, a Russian hacker group carried out a cyber sabotage attack in 2024 against the digital operating system of a public facility in the Netherlands. This was known to be the first sabotage attack in the Netherlands, but it did not lead to damage.

Additionally, the MIVD observed a Russian cyber operation against Dutch vital infrastructure, possibly in preparation for sabotage. Ultimately, the Russians were unable to gain access to the network.
Finally, Russia carried out cyber attacks against websites of political parties and public transport companies in the Netherlands. This was an attempt to make it difficult for the Dutch to vote during the European elections. Due to its location and infrastructure, the Netherlands is of strategic importance to NATO and the defense of Europe. That is why the Netherlands is also in the sights of Russia.

The MIVD has warned in recent years that various Russian units are mapping infrastructure in the North Sea, including internet cables and energy supplies. The MIVD also detected (underwater) activities indicating espionage and preparatory actions for disruptions and sabotage. Actual disruptions could lead to significant damage and disruption in the Netherlands, Europe, and the rest of the world.

“The MIVD sees the Russian threat to Europe not diminishing but increasing, even after a potential end to the war with Ukraine,” concludes MIVD director Vice Admiral Peter Reesink.

According to him, the speed at which NATO is building military capability is now much lower than that of Russia. This is partly because Russia has switched to a war economy.

“This annual report confirms that we live in a gray zone between war and peace,” responds Minister of Defence Ruben Brekelmans. “The task is clear. We must already defend ourselves every day in the Netherlands against cyber attacks, espionage, and attempts at sabotage. At the same time, we must rapidly strengthen our military capability. This applies within NATO for both the Netherlands and other European countries. To prevent vulnerabilities against Russia, a rapid scaling up of our armed forces and defense industry is necessary. Only in this way can we prevent more Russian aggression in Europe.”

Reesink: “There are turbulent developments in international politics and alliance matters. They have called into question the certainties we could rely on until recently. The speed at which this is happening and the potential effect on our security is unprecedented.”