News item | 06-06-2025 | 09:47
The NATO ministers of Defense have discussed the objectives of NATO and a possible new expenditure standard. To defend the alliance against increasing threats and opponents, NATO countries have to invest more in their military capacities. That was an important point during the Meeting of Defense Ministers in Brussels. This topic will also be discussed during the NATO summit in The Hague on 24 and 25 June.
The security situation in Europe requires action. The defense ministers agree that successful deterrence and defense are important today. They have to invest heavily to fulfill the new capacity objectives, including in military equipment. The Netherlands is already taking significant steps with increases in the defense budget.
The defense industry was also discussed. During the DMM, the Netherlands agreed to the public version of an action plan to expand the production capacity within NATO countries. The Netherlands contributes to this with the new strategy for industry and innovation. The Defort Platform was also recently launched. This cooperation between government and industry encourages accelerated innovation and production of military equipment.
International agreements
In addition, 3 agreements have been signed. It was the intention to jointly with several European countries the infantry combat vehicle Combat vehicle 90 to develop and purchase, as well as to help Ukraine with CV-90 equipment. It was also about the cross -border use of the airspace. There, training areas are set up for NATO training sessions, among other things.
Furthermore, Brekelmans and his Ukrainian colleague Umerov signed an agreement on expanding cooperation with the Defense industry in Ukraine. From now on you can purchase faster and more efficiently there.
Support for Ukraine
A day before the Ukraine Defense Contact Group (UDCG) together. The Netherlands announced a new maritime support package there. That consists of more than 100 fast patrol boats and military vessels for Special Operations. It also contains more than 50 sea paves. The Netherlands continues the military support for Ukraine unabated.