News item | 08-07-2022 | 15:00
International cooperation between companies and knowledge institutions provides capital, talent and knowledge that are necessary for our prosperity and to tackle societal challenges, such as making industry more sustainable. “The government’s starting point is a safe, open market with international trade and competition. We are taking measures for companies and organizations to reduce risks to national security,” said Minister Adriaansens of Economic Affairs and Climate. Also on behalf of Minister Yeşilgöz-Zegerius of Justice and Security, she informs the House of Representatives about these measures.
In recent years, the government has developed measures to protect our economic security, so that the Dutch economy can function undisturbed. Serious disruption of, for example, payment transactions or telecommunications must be prevented. The government also wants to prevent knowledge about vital processes or sensitive technologies from falling into unwanted hands. In addition, the measures are intended to prevent risky strategic dependencies on other countries. In this way, the government wants to prevent, for example, a takeover or investment that leads to the Netherlands being put under (political) pressure by another country.
Some striking examples of the measures:
Protective measures for takeovers and investments
To protect national security at companies and knowledge institutions, the cabinet has investment tests, for example within the Gas Act, Electricity Act and Telecommunications Act. The government is also developing an investment test for the defense industry. The internet consultation for this law will start at the end of 2022-beginning of 2023. During an investment test, acquisitions and investments in the business community are checked in advance by the government. In extreme cases, the cabinet can prohibit the activity.
Investments, mergers and acquisitions in other vital sectors and in sensitive technology are expected to be checked in advance for unwanted foreign interference from 2023 (Vifo Act). At the request of the House of Representatives, this security check will soon also apply to managers of company campuses. Minister Adriaansens is conducting an external investigation to determine the exact delineation of this group. It expects the results of this by the end of 2022.
Measures to protect knowledge, information and technologies
The government controls the export of products and technology that can be used for military purposes. Knowledge institutions can obtain advice from the Government-wide Knowledge Security Desk about protecting knowledge in international cooperation. In addition, the National Guideline for Knowledge Safety offers them tools for safe international collaboration. In order to prevent unwanted knowledge and technology transfer, the government is also developing an assessment framework for people who want access to high-risk areas at knowledge institutions.
Awareness of companies and knowledge institutions
The government will further increase the resilience of companies and knowledge institutions by making them aware of the threat and the measures that organizations and the government can take. Public-private consultation structures have been set up for this in various sectors. The intelligence and security services, the Digital Trust Center and the National Cyber Security Center also contribute to raising awareness of the threat.