News item | 28-11-2025 | 14:52
With effect from January 2026, the government will strengthen the security of our country with an important measure: companies that carry out government contracts and where national security interests are involved must meet new security requirements. These requirements are laid down in the General Security Requirements for Government Contracts (ABRO). The ABRO is a further development of security requirements used for defense contracts. On November 21, the Council of Ministers agreed to these requirements.
More safety through ABRO
The Netherlands is under pressure. Espionage, cyber attacks and sabotage are real threats. For national security, it is necessary to keep risks as small as possible when companies carry out assignments for the national government and the police. The ABRO creates one set of security requirements for government contracts.
Collaboration with companies
The ABRO not only ensures more safety, but also more clarity for companies. The same security requirements will apply to government contracts with risks to national security, whether they work for a ministry, agency or the police. The development of the ABRO was actively coordinated with the business community. A draft version has been submitted to a selection of companies, requesting their insights and feedback. In addition, the ABRO was explained in information sessions with sector and cluster organizations.
Introduction
The central government and the police are currently preparing for the introduction of the ABRO from January 2026. With the experiences gained here, other government organizations that purchase with risks to national security will probably follow.
Control
The General Intelligence and Security Service (AIVD) and the Military Intelligence and Security Service (MIVD) are jointly responsible for monitoring compliance with the ABRO. The National Industrial Safety Bureau is the new joint organization carrying out this task. The AIVD and the MIVD both have more than 60 years of experience in the field of industrial security.
More information
On Rijksoverheid.nl/ABRO contains more information about the ABRO.