News item | 21-05-2025 | 16:03
In 2024, the government spent € 11.3 billion on the Foreign Affairs portfolio and € 3.9 billion in the foreign trade and development aid portfolio. The focus of spending was on promoting international stability and safety, the stimulation of trade and grip getting migration. On the third Wednesday in May, accountability day, the government is accountable for what they spent money on in the past year.
In 2024, the Netherlands was committed to safety. The Netherlands actively participated in NATO missions and operations inside and outside NATO territory. The Netherlands also continued to support Ukraine unabated, on a military level with, for example, the delivery of F-16s, and financially with € 566 million. Of these, € 218 million is for the Ukraine facility of the EU, where EU help and € 58 million at the Ukraine Relief, Recovery, Reconstruction and Reform Trust Fund of the World Bank for Restore Projects of the Ukrainian infrastructure. For example, the Netherlands pays repairs to the electricity grid, roads, bridges, schools and hospitals.
Trade
In 2024, the Netherlands helped more than 5000 entrepreneurs start or expand their small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) in or abroad. At 1137 companies this led to extra export, for a total of more than € 270 million extra.
Food security and water
The Netherlands also continued to work for food security and access to clean water. Thanks in part to Dutch aid, 3.6 million people gained access to improved water sources and 6.4 million people access to sanitary facilities such as toilets. The goal for 2024 is well achieved with this. Through programs of Aqua for All and Finish Mondial, with Dutch support, it was possible to realize much more private investments in the water sector.
The Netherlands also ensured that more than 1 million people were structurally reached with information for improving their diet.
Due to a number of crises in the world, the Netherlands increased the financial contributions to emergency aid to a total of € 609 million. This also includes an extra contribution of € 44 million for help in acute crises, such as in Gaza and Sudan.
Contribution to the European Union
The new cabinet has focused on the realization of Dutch interests in the European Union in the areas of asylum and migration, agricultural policy and EU budget negotiations. The government also wants to play an active role in European decision -making to increase the influence of the Netherlands. EU membership directly contributes to the prosperity, freedom and safety of Dutch citizens and companies. Membership includes financial obligations, which were € 7.2 billion net in 2024.