News item | 16-09-2025 | 15:35
On Prinsjesdag, the government presents its plans for the coming year. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs continues to work on a safe and prosperous Netherlands, and for the interests of Dutch people abroad. Important plans are: permanent support for Ukraine, trade with emerging markets and a step-by-step increase in the NATO standard for defense expenditure to 5% of GDP to tackle geopolitical challenges. 10% are cut on the embassy network. This is done in a careful manner, so that services to the Netherlands are well retained abroad.
Filling back on the embassy network
Citizens and companies can always go to embassies and consulates abroad. A 10% task applies to the embassy network, as agreed in the Outline Agreement. In addition, the government wants Dutch people to be helped as well as possible abroad. For this, the government carefully looks at which embassies and consulates close or become smaller. So that the services and interests of Dutch people abroad are guaranteed as well as possible.
Support for Ukraine remains
The Netherlands continues to support Ukraine, together with the EU and NATO partners. For example, in promoting democracy and the rule of law in Ukraine. But also to hold Russia responsible for the crimes committed in Ukraine.
In 2026 € 234 million from earlier announced support packages is available for non-military support for Ukraine. Such as the recovery of important infrastructure and the reconstruction of agriculture and health care. € 20 million of this is released for humanitarian mine mining, justice, democracy and the rule of law and repair of cultural heritage.
Safety and NATO
Investing in safety and defense is important due to threats and geopolitical changes. The NATO allies have therefore agreed to spend 5% of the gross domestic product (GDP) on Defense. This increase happens step by step. From 2035, NATO countries must meet the new standard. Before 2026, the cabinet spends 2.2% of GDP on Defense. This includes military support for Ukraine.
Stimulate diplomacy and trade
The government wants to stimulate diplomacy and trade. For example through programs such as the Dutch Good Growth Fund and Drive. These programs help make trade possible between developing countries and with the European and Dutch market. That is good for Dutch companies. By trading with more countries, and making clear agreements about, for example, raw materials and technology, the Netherlands becomes more independent and less vulnerable. The government is using more than € 100 million for this.
Money for humanitarian aid
In 2026, the cabinet will reserve € 475 million for assistance to victims during emergency situations. This money goes to organizations that have to act quickly during a crisis. Such as UN organizations, the Red Cross and Dutch NGOs.