News item | 22-04-2025 | 10:25 AM
The Netherlands is increasingly confronted with hybrid attacks that try to disrupt and weaken our society. Russian brutality in particular sees the military intelligence and security service (MIVD) increasing. The MIVD writes that in its public annual report for 2024. Today it was sent to the Lower House.
The MIVD discovered various Russian actions in the Netherlands. In 2024, for example, a Russian hackers group carried out a cyber’s abotage attack. That happened against the digital operating system of a public supply in the Netherlands. As far as is known, the first Sabotage attack in the Netherlands, but it did not lead to damage.
The Netherlands in the picture at Russia
In addition, the MIVD took a Russian cyber operation where against Dutch vital infrastructure, possibly in preparation for sabotage. Ultimately, the Russians did not succeed in gaining access to the network.
Finally, Russia carried out cyber attacks against, among other things, websites of political parties and public transport companies in the Netherlands. This was an attempt to make it difficult for Dutch people to vote during the European elections. Due to, among other things, location and infrastructure, the Netherlands is of strategic importance for NATO and defense of Europe. The Netherlands is therefore in the picture for Russia
Damage and disruption in the Netherlands
The MIVD has already warned in recent years that various Russian units maps infrastructure in the North Sea. Think of internet cables and energy facilities. The MIVD (underwater) activities also signaled that indicate espionage and preparation acts for disturbances and sabotage. Actual disruptions can lead to major damage and disruption in the Netherlands, Europe and the rest of the world.
War economy
“The MIVD does not see the Russian threat against Europe decreasing, but also increasing. This also after a possible outcome of the war with Ukraine,” concludes MIVD director ViceAdmiraal Peter Reesink.
According to him, the speed with which NATO builds up military capacity is now much lower than that of Russia. This is partly because Russia has switched to a war economy.
Was to defend every day now
“This annual report confirms that we live in a gray zone between war and peace,” responds Minister of Defense Ruben Brekelmans. “The task is clear. We now have to defend ourselves against cyber attacks, espionage and attempts to sabotage in the Netherlands. At the same time, we must quickly strengthen our military capacity. This applies in NATO context to both the Netherlands and other European countries. To prevent vulnerabilities towards Russia, rapid scaling up of our armed forces and defense industry is required. Only in this way can we prevent more Russian aggression in Europe. “
Reesink: “There are turbulent developments in international politics and in the alliance. They have certainties on which we could until recently build and trust for discussion. The speed at which this happens and the potential effect on our safety is unprecedented.”