News item | 19-09-2023 | 15:39
On Budget Day, King Willem-Alexander reads the Speech from the Throne, with the government’s plans for the coming year. What are the most important plans in the field of international policy and foreign trade and development cooperation?
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs works day and night for a safe and prosperous Netherlands, for a fair and sustainable world and for Dutch people abroad.
Support Ukraine
The coming year will once again be dominated by Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine. The government, together with partners and allies, continues to stand for the freedom, independence and sovereignty of Ukraine. Ukraine must be able to continue to defend itself against the Russian military invasion. Ukraine can again count on the Netherlands in the coming year when it comes to humanitarian and military aid, economic support and reconstruction.
A changing world order
The war in Ukraine shows that security cannot be taken for granted. International events have direct consequences for Dutch security and prosperity. Due to the size and complexity of the global threat, international cooperation is indispensable. For example, in combating terrorism and cyber attacks.
Stimulating security and stability in regions around Europe, in particular at the Eastern border, in the Middle East and in the Sahel, is also in the security interests of Europe and the Netherlands. The government therefore wants to contribute proportionately to civilian and military missions and operations, with an emphasis on the unstable regions around Europe. Arms supplies to Ukraine also contribute to security in the European region. For civilian and military deployments in missions and operations, the aim is to ensure coherence between the deployment and Dutch or international diplomatic initiatives and efforts in the field of development cooperation.
China’s assertive stance on the world stage also poses geopolitical challenges. There is increasing competition between countries in a multitude of areas such as security, energy, food, technology and health.
The shift in the demographic and economic center of gravity to the east and south also requires more intensive investment in relations with countries in other parts of the world. This applies, among others, to Africa, Latin America, but also the Indo-Pacific, the most important economic growth region of the world, where a third of the world’s population lives.
International trade
We live from international trade. That is why the policy will also focus on capitalizing on success opportunities for our entrepreneurs in 2024. The government wants to further strengthen this and make it more sustainable. Companies are therefore supported with economic diplomacy and the use of trade instruments.
Development cooperation
Development cooperation remains necessary. In 2024 we will also have to deal with international crises, such as climate change and war. The Netherlands is therefore investing in tackling the root causes of poverty, climate, terror and irregular migration and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Asylum
The expected influx of asylum seekers is higher than previously expected. The costs come partly from the budget for Development Cooperation. Because of this contribution, the budget for Development Cooperation will decrease next year from more than €4 billion to more than €3.6 billion. Existing projects will be continued as much as possible and the agreements in the coalition agreement remain leading, but there will therefore be less money available for other policies.
Budget
The Foreign Affairs budget next year will be more than €13 billion. The largest part of this, approximately € 11.2 billion, goes to payments to the European Union. EU unity is more important than ever, given the war in Ukraine and payments to the European Union therefore remain essential. The budget of Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation is €3.6 billion.