News item | 25-09-2025 | 09:00
Artificial intelligence (AI) plays an increasingly important role in warfare. Think of drones, plan missions with the help of AI, or simulations that predict maintenance of military equipment. At the same time, AI entails major risks in the field of safety, responsibility and international law. The Netherlands works together with South Korea to put the responsible use of AI in the military domain on the international agenda. Also during the General Meeting of the United Nations (AVVN).
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Prime Minister Schoof spoke during the General Assembly of the United Nations (AVVN) in New York about the need for international dialogue about AI in the military domain. During this debate launched Schoof The report of the Global Commission (GC Reaim) About responsible use of AI in the military domain. This report was drawn up on behalf of the Netherlands.
Prime Minister Schoof: “AI can contribute to solutions for global safety challenges, such as conflict prevention, peace operations, early warning systems and the protection of citizens in military contexts.”
The Netherlands is committed to international diplomacy about AI in the military domain
The Netherlands has a long tradition of promoting peace, safety and international legal order. The work on AI in the military domain also fits in with that tradition and underlines the role of the Netherlands as a bridge builder in complex global issues. The Netherlands and South Korea work together in this.
In recent years, the Netherlands and South Korea have strongly influenced the international agenda. In 2023, the Netherlands organized the first conference for responsible use of AI in the military domain (Reaim) in The Hague. South Korea was the host country of the second edition in 2024. Together, both countries submitted a UN resolution in September 2024 about AI in the military domain, which was assumed with overwhelming support. This year the discussion continues and a new resolution follows.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Van Weel: “2 years ago, during the first Reaim summit in The Hague, the Netherlands launched the Global Commission. The final report marks an important step forward, with valuable tools for operationalizing policy and continuing the international dialogue.”
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Fast development of AI requires action
The debate in the AVVN and the report that the Netherlands presents are intended to involve a broad coalition of countries in making new rules and agreements. The Netherlands will actively discuss this with other countries in the coming months.
Independent report from International Commission
The international committee has been working on the report in the last 2 years, under the supervision of The Hague Center for Strategic Studies (HCSS). The committee consists of 20 scientists, lawyers and technology experts. The report contains recommendations for the AI industry and armed forces worldwide. And recommendations to collaborate internationally on new agreements. The 5 most important recommendations:
- Ensure that international law is anchored in the development and deployment of AI and work this out in ethical principles and standards;
- Agree that critical decisions about nuclear weapons are only entrusted to people;
- Develop national policy for military AI and positive incentives to meet this in the field of testing and training;
- Invest in the international dialogue about AI in the military domain with all regions of the world and various partners;
- Build more knowledge about this subject with a central knowledge network.