Residents of the Netherlands are most concerned about cyber threats, tensions between population groups, and the disruption of vital processes. Additionally, concerns about extremism have risen significantly (+10 percentage points) compared to spring 2025. Threats to (national) security considered most likely are cyber threats, tensions between population groups, extremism, and organized crime. The percentage of residents who have taken action to be prepared for risks and threats has increased to 35%. However, 59% of the Dutch indicate they have not yet taken any action to be better prepared. The information booklet Prepare for an emergency aims to help people start preparing for risks and threats.
These are results from the latest Risk and Crisis Barometer (RCB), the public survey by the National Coordinator for Security and Counterterrorism on the perception of residents of the Netherlands regarding risks and threats to national security. When it comes to threats to national security, residents of the Netherlands are most concerned about cyber threats (55%), tensions between population groups (52%), and the disruption of vital processes (50%). Additionally, concerns about extremism have risen sharply; in spring 2025, 33% mentioned this in their top 5 events they worry about most, in autumn 2025 this is 43%.
Residents estimate cyber threats (83%), tensions between population groups (77%), extremism (75%), and organized crime (75%) as most likely. The strongest increase is seen in tensions between population groups and extremism (both +6 percentage points). The share of residents who assess the chance of these two events as (very) high is higher in the current measurement than in measurements since 2019.
Preparation
More than one-third (35%) of residents have taken action to be better prepared for risks and threats. In spring 2025, this was still 29%. Examples of actions taken include stocking emergency supplies and items, being alert to digital threats, and seeking information. The proportion of residents taking action has reached the highest level since 2019. However, nearly six out of ten residents (59%) have not yet taken any action. The belief that one cannot take action themselves and not finding it necessary are the main reasons for this.
For this reason, the public campaign Think Ahead started this month to activate people and provide a perspective on how to prepare for outages of daily services such as electricity, water, or internet. From today, the distribution of the information booklet Prepare for an emergency begins. By January 10, this booklet should have been delivered to all 8.5 million households in the Netherlands.
About the RCB
The autumn 2025 measurement of the Risk and Crisis Barometer (RCB) was conducted between September 2 and September 22, 2025. To gain insight into what Dutch people perceive as threatening, participants answer questions about 17 possible events that could pose a threat to (national) security. Participants indicate the likelihood of an event occurring, how serious they assess the event, and how much concern they have about it - generally and for themselves and loved ones.
The RCB is conducted twice a year by research agency Ipsos I&O on behalf of the NCTV. The survey was completed online by 5,873 Dutch people aged 18 and older during this measurement. The results are used for planning and preparation for risk and crisis communication. The survey will be conducted again in spring 2026.
