News item | 08-03-2022 | 11:08
The Netherlands is committed to a strong European Union that can act decisively in an increasingly unpredictable world. A Union that can effectively use its economic power to defend its interests. And who can also stand up for himself militarily. That is the core of Dutch foreign policy in the coming years.
Strong cooperation in Europe is and will remain the most important way for the Netherlands to work towards stability in the world. This is essential for our freedom, security and prosperity.
The war that is now raging in Ukraine is putting that stability under pressure. The world has completely changed in two weeks. The struggle is not only a threat to the people of Ukraine, but to security worldwide. And therefore also for those of the Netherlands.
Against this background, the government is writing to the House of Representatives about Dutch foreign policy in the coming years.
Trend
The Russian invasion of Ukraine is putting the spotlight on a trend that has been visible for some time: the world order is irrevocably changing. Shifting power relations. Borders that we have known since the end of the Cold War are no longer a given. The era of the United States being the only superpower to maintain global order is over.
‘The EU must stand up more firmly for itself and the values we stand for,’ says Minister Hoekstra of Foreign Affairs.
“The united and strong response to the Russian invasion shows that we have taken important steps in a short period of time.”
Internationally decisive
According to the government, it is essential that the EU can act decisively when challenged. For example, if the Union is confronted with espionage, a cyber threat or economic coercion by countries outside the EU.
That is why the Netherlands, together with Germany, among others, want the EU to take decisions more often in foreign matters on the basis of a qualified majority. For example, when imposing European sanctions and deploying civilian missions. Then a decision can no longer be blocked by one Member State that does not agree with it. It enables the EU to use its economic power more quickly and decisively.
Because sanctions are an important means for the EU to enforce international changes, the Netherlands is expanding its own sanctioning capacity: country experts are joining in who compile packages of evidence so that sanctions are really effective.
Military mature
NATO remains the cornerstone of European defence. But the EU must be able to act more independently in the field of security and defence. Cooperation between the EU and NATO should also be strengthened. This also requires a contribution from the Netherlands.
The government is therefore investing heavily in the armed forces: defense spending is growing by 26%. That means an additional 3 billion euros per year on a structural basis. The government is still investigating whether additional investments are necessary.
The government also supports the proposal for the development of a rapid EU intervention force. This is necessary to enable the EU to carry out rapid and robust military missions.
Strategically independent
In the coming years, the Netherlands will fight for a Europe that is less dependent on other countries for strategically important raw materials, production facilities and energy.
‘The invasion of Ukraine makes it crystal clear how important it is that we quickly reduce our energy dependence on Russia,’ the cabinet writes.
In addition, the Netherlands supports the development of its own innovative European tech industry. In the coming years, the Netherlands will invest in large-scale European development projects in the field of cloud infrastructure, microelectronics and hydrogen. The Netherlands is also committed to legislation that should lead to the production of semiconductor chips on European soil.
human rights
The Netherlands is committed to the rule of law and the protection and promotion of human rights worldwide. Because human rights are inextricably linked to security, development and stability in the world.
In the coming period, the Netherlands wants to make extra efforts to increase the safety of human rights defenders and journalists. The approach to impunity is also receiving more attention: the Netherlands continues to actively fight for justice for the victims of gross human rights violations.
Corruption is a form of abuse of power that threatens stability, prosperity and security in an increasing number of countries. In the coming years, the Netherlands will therefore push for the establishment of an international anti-corruption court. That should be able to hold people guilty of corruption to account.