News item | 01-07-2025 | 15:30
The world has changed fundamentally. Agreements were made during the recent NATO summit about necessary, solid investments in our safety and independence. We need a strong economy for that, with a strong industry and a strong business community.
Our economy is vulnerable if we depend on third parties for our raw materials or our energy. If we do not invest sufficiently in the techniques that keep us safe. And if companies are insufficiently aware of their own vulnerabilities. That is why the government is now taking substantial steps to strengthen the economic safety of the Netherlands: less dependent, less vulnerable and with more control from the government. Companies must also strengthen their resilience themselves.
The government is taking targeted steps to better protect companies and vital sectors. On the initiative of Minister Karremans (Economic Affairs), Minister of Weel (Justice and Security) and State Secretary Boerma (Foreign Trade), the Council of Ministers approved this stronger approach to economic security. This is done through sharper legislation, targeted investments and direct support for entrepreneurs.
Tightened legislation
We must be aware of the fact that our knowledge is valuable. So we have to be sharp on acquisitions or investments by powers that get that knowledge. The Security Test Investments, Mergers and Acquisitions Act (VIFO Act) will be expanded. Technologies such as artificial intelligence and biotechnology will soon also fall under this test. From 2026 there will be a separate investment test for the defense and safety industry. For example, the government can block unwanted acquisitions or investments in strategic sectors. In this way, the government can better prevent the knowledge and technology of companies in the Netherlands to fall into the wrong hands.
Reinforce independence
Raw materials are indispensable for, for example, chips, windmills and medicines. So they play a crucial role in our economy. We must be constantly aware of that. The government is investing in technological development, innovation and the availability of critical raw materials. Invest International is working on a public-private fund to improve access to these raw materials. Economic safety becomes a structural part of the industrial policy.
International cooperation
The Netherlands cannot do everything alone. That is why we are strengthening cooperation with countries such as Canada, Australia and Chile to guarantee access to crucial raw materials. In Europe there is collaboration on the strengthening of the semiconductor sector via the Semicon Coalition.
Concrete support for entrepreneurs
We must take and support our entrepreneurs in this. In the coming years, the government will take extra measures to make entrepreneurs more resilient against risks for economic security:
- Expansion of the Economic Safety Entrepreneurs Counter, with physical support points in Eindhoven and Delft.
- A national campaign to make entrepreneurs more aware of economic security risks.
- A cyber resilience network that brings together public and private parties to reduce digital vulnerabilities.
The good news is that the Netherlands is at the forefront of Europe in this area, according to research by Clingendael and SEO. We want to keep it that way. With this approach, the government is also building a strong, independent economy in which entrepreneurs can continue to grow, renew and collaborate, without giving up knowledge and technology undesirably.