News item | 06-06-2025 | 14:30
Current laws and regulations hind the necessary growth and readiness of the armed forces. Soldiers cannot now train enough in realistic scenarios and with the equipment that is needed for this. The Defense Deed Act (WODG) makes this possible by simplifying or accelerating some complex procedures. The provisional bill has today been released in the Council of Ministers for internet consultation. This is open to reactions from society up to and including 6 July.
The WODG contributes to the accelerated strengthening of our armed forces. This is in the interest of the safety of the Netherlands and our allies. With the law, for example, it is possible to practice realistically with drones over military sites. Because the sensors of drones may unintentionally register persons or vehicles outside the military terrain, they are often not used now.
Gray zone
The Netherlands has legislation for defense for times of peace and war. In the current ‘Gray Zone’, the twilight area between peace and war, Defense must increase military readiness in a short time. This requires the expansion of capacities, more practice and training, and more movements of equipment. The WODG enables Defense to carry out these necessary activities. For more far -reaching exemptions and exemptions, specific approval of involved ministers and the House of Representatives is required. This is aimed at being able to deter opponents credibly and to prevent more war in Europe.
Realistic practice
With the new law, the regulatory pressure for defense is reduced. For example, this enables soldiers to be able to practice on existing shooting ranges and army bases with different types of weapons and caliber. This is not always possible under current permits. This also applies to learning to shoot in the dark with night vision equipment. In addition, the war in Ukraine shows that trenches also belong to modern conflicts. With the current bill, the Ministry of Defense can construct trenches faster on its own grounds. These are just a few examples that illustrate that Defense with the bill is better able to practice for realistic scenarios. For soldiers this makes the difference on the combat field.
After the internet consultation, the reactions are included in the final design of the law. This is then determined in the Council of Ministers. Subsequently, advice is requested from the Council of State. And follows parliamentary handling of the final bill.