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Source: Government of the Netherlands

News item | 20-06-2022 | 14:23

The Cabinet today decided to announce the first phase of a gas crisis: the ‘early warning’. Thus triggering the Gas Protection and Recovery Plan (BH-G). Russia is currently supplying far less gas to Europe than the agreed level, thereby increasing the risk of gas shortages in Europe. There is currently no gas shortage in the Netherlands.

The Cabinet is taking this step to ensure that the Netherlands is well-prepared for the winter period. The Gas Protection and Recovery Plan coming into force means that gas firms will have to share detailed information on gas supplies with the Government on a daily basis. This will enable the Cabinet to monitor the gas market even more tightly and take additional measures as the situation requires. Furthermore, the Cabinet is lifting the output restriction for coal-fired power stations with immediate effect to save gas for the purposes of filling gas storage facilities, and is announcing a national energy saving target and a temporary gas saving tender.

Early warning

The Gas Protection and Recovery Plan contains measures that the Netherlands can take in the event of a gas shortage risk. The ‘early warning’ is the first of a total of three crisis levels. Currently there are no acute gas shortages in the Netherlands, but falling gas supplies could have consequences, including for energy prices and for filling gas storage facilities in the Netherlands and in north-western Europe, which is necessary to ensure there will be sufficient gas available for the coming winter period. The announcement of the first level of a gas crisis means that gas firms will have to provide additional, detailed information on current gas supplies and stocks on a daily basis. This will enable the Cabinet to monitor the gas market even more tightly and take additional measures promptly as the situation requires.

Call to reduce gas consumption

Falling supplies of Russian gas have made the need to save energy more pressing. Consequently, the Cabinet is exhorting businesses and households to save (or continue to save) as much energy as possible, including during the summer. The ‘dial it down’ (‘Zet ook de knop om’) energy saving campaign will continue on 4 July 2022 with new energy saving advice for businesses and households that is geared towards the summer period. The campaign for businesses includes a tool for SMEs that will provide entrepreneurs with immediate insight into the energy saving and sustainability measures that they can take in their own business and what subsidies are available for that purpose. In addition, the Cabinet is tightening the energy saving requirement for businesses and will establish a national energy saving target.

Coal-fired power stations and gas saving scheme

The increased risk of gas shortages has prompted the Cabinet to decide today to lift the output restriction for coal-fired power stations for 2022-2024 with immediate effect. Consequently, coal-fired power stations will be entitled to operate at full capacity again, driving down gas-fired power stations’ need for gas for the purposes of generating electricity. This will reduce the risk of gas shortages and could make it easier to fill gas storage facilities in the Netherlands and Europe. The aim in that regard is to fill gas storage facilities in the Netherlands by more than has been agreed at European level. The Cabinet will soon be announcing additional measures to compensate for the extra CO₂ emissions released by the coal-fired power stations. It will also be developing a temporary gas saving tender in the near future that will provide major gas consumers with a financial incentive to reduce their gas consumption.

Groningen

Secretary of State for Mining Hans Vijlbrief today informed the House of Representatives of the Netherlands that the Groningen gas field will be put on the back burner in October this year, as promised. The Cabinet would like to be in a position to close the Groningen gas field in 2023. However, the uncertain geopolitical developments have prompted Vijlbrief to refrain from permanently closing down any wells this year.

Rob Jetten, Minister for Climate and Energy Policy: “Russia is clearly weaponising energy. Whereas previously it was the case that the gas supply to specific businesses or countries was being shut off, we are now seeing sharp falls in the overall levels of gas supplies from Russia to Europe. In the absence of additional measures, we will no longer be capable of guaranteeing that we can adequately fill gas storage facilities in Europe and the Netherlands in preparation for the winter. Hence, the Cabinet is announcing an ‘early warning’ to enable us to monitor gas supplies even more tightly. In that respect, I would like to stress that there are currently no gas shortages. We are taking these measures to ensure that we are as prepared as possible. This entailed having to make some tough decisions, including revoking the output limit for coal-fired power stations. This will increase CO₂ emissions in the Netherlands, which we intend to compensate for by means of additional measures. As every cubic metre of gas counts going forward, the Cabinet has also issued an urgent call to businesses and households to save as much energy as possible, including during the summer.”

Source: Government of the Netherlands

News item | 20-06-2022 | 14:26

Secretary of State for Mining Hans Vijlbrief today informed the House of Representatives of the Netherlands that the Groningen gas field will be put on the back burner in October this year, as promised. The Cabinet would like to be in a position to close down the Groningen gas field in 2023, as this is the only way to restore safety in Groningen and to reassure residents in the long run. However, the uncertain geopolitical developments have prompted Vijlbrief to refrain from permanently closing down any wells this year. What this means is that the current level of extraction will be approximately 2.8 billion Nm³.

Current gas year

Gas extraction from the Groningen gas field was below the expected level over the period spanning 1 April to the present time. Reasons for this include reduced actual consumption, in part due to the warm weather, and increased usage of existing nitrogen plants. The upshot is that the extraction level at the end of the gas year could end up being below the 4.5 billion Nm³ expected on 1 April 2022. This will make it possible to compensate for the disappointing delay in the construction of the Zuidbroek nitrogen plant and keep the gas extraction at the previously set level of 4.5 billion Nm³. Hence, the delay in Zuidbroek will not adversely affect the filling of gas storage facilities.

Security of supply

The Cabinet is doing its utmost to guarantee security of supply for the coming winter. Minister for Climate and Energy Policy Rob Jetten today announced the initial phase of a gas crisis: the ‘early warning’. Thus triggering the Gas Protection and Recovery Plan and compelling gas firms to share detailed information on gas supplies with the Government on a daily basis. Furthermore, the Cabinet has lifted the output restriction for coal-fired power stations for 2022-2024 with immediate effect. Consequently, coal-fired power stations will be entitled to operate at full capacity again, driving down gas-fired power stations’ need for gas for the purposes of generating electricity.

Secretary of State for Mining Hans Vijlbrief: “We are doing what we can to ensure that there will be sufficient gas this coming winter. For example, we will be using coal-fired power stations to save gas and will refrain from closing any wells in October to maximise flexibility. In view of the geopolitical situation, I think that is prudent. But as I have always said, it is important for us to continue using the Groningen gas field solely as a reserve resource from October onwards. Only in the worst-case scenario, if people’s safety is at risk because we have run out of gas to heat hospitals, cook or produce diesel fuel, for example, will we consider using the Groningen gas field.”

The Cabinet’s desire to maximise flexibility means that all wells are to remain open for the time being, which will result in a minimum flow of approximately 2.8 billion Nm³. It will be possible to completely shut down the gas field in October 2023 or 2024, once the geopolitical situation permits this.

Source: Government of the Netherlands

News item | 20-03-2023 | 19:30

It is expected that the establishment of this fund in the Netherlands will increase the possibility for innovative Dutch start-ups to gain access to capital. This stimulates the development of innovative complex technologies that offer solutions for both societal and security issues.

Minister Micky Adriaansens of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy therefore welcomes the announcement: “The NATO Innovation Fund positions the Netherlands even more firmly among investment funds for innovative companies. This helps start-ups to develop further in the Netherlands. In this way, we are strengthening what our country is good at, namely working on solutions for the future.”

The fund is in line with the ambitions of the Ministry of Defence to innovate in the field of so-called Emerging & Disruptive Technologies (EDTs). The NIF invests in startups and funds that are focused on EDTs, among other things. The application of EDTs and cooperation with the technology sector are crucial, according to Minister of Defence Kajsa Ollongren. “More investment in high-tech is urgently needed. For example, we are working with our NATO allies to defend against new threats. That is also why the Netherlands has already decided to substantially increase the budget for research, technology and innovation. The arrival of the headquarters of the NATO Innovation Fund is an important milestone to this end. It’s great that the Netherlands, as a knowledge nation, can host the fund. ”

Maurice van Tilburg, Managing Director of Techleap.nl adds: “The deep tech industry is essential for the societal transitions and the current challenges with regard to autonomy for the Netherlands and Europe. From universities and research institutes, to incubators and investors, the Netherlands is pleased to contribute to setting up this fund to further the development of key enabling technologies in Europe.” 

Together, NATO allies are making at least €1 billion available for the NIF, which has a term of 15 years. The Netherlands has pledged to contribute more than €55 million in that period.

Source: Government of the Netherlands

News item | 16-02-2023 | 16:38

The summit brought together some 2000 delegates from governments, businesses, civil society organisations, academia and thinktanks from all over the world. With their joint call to action (see the CtA attachment and the country list), the participating countries and other stakeholders underlined the need to put the responsible use of AI higher on the political agenda and to further promote initiatives that make a contribution in this respect.

Establishment of Global Commission on AI

A Global Commission on AI is to be established to raise all-round awareness, clarify how to define AI in the military domain and determine how this technology can be developed, manufactured and deployed responsibly. The Commission will also set out the conditions for the effective governance of AI.

Summit host Wopke Hoekstra, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, commented: ‘With this REAIM summit we’ve clearly established the urgent nature of this subject. We now need to take further steps. I’m delighted that we’ve been able to reach agreement on this. The Netherlands will remain a driving force behind efforts to conclude international agreements in this area.’

Host Kajsa Ollongren, the Minister of Defence, said: ‘AI is of crucial importance to the armed forces of the future. With the right frameworks and legislation in place, using AI will make our operational and logistical processes simpler and more efficient. AI also enables us to take faster, better-informed decisions. In this way we not only protect our own troops, but we can also limit harm and casualties to the greatest extent possible. In order to ensure that we use AI in a responsible manner, we will continue to work closely with our partners within existing alliances, such as the EU and NATO, but also with NGOs, thinktanks, educational and knowledge institutions and businesses. By doing so, we will be investing in our freedom.’

The REAIM summit was co-hosted by South Korea. Like the Netherlands, South Korea has been encouraging countries to contribute actively to the dialogue on the responsible use of AI in the military domain. This has helped to ensure contributions to the summit from participants and government representatives from all over the world.

A varied summit programme

The REAIM summit featured contributions from leading experts on AI in the military domain. In a wide-ranging programme, it offered break-out sessions, workshops, interviews, talkshows, an academic forum and a student hub. It also included a ‘Responsible Innovation Hub’, enabling companies to showcase their products and responsible innovations.

Source: Government of the Netherlands

News item | 23-12-2022 | 10:45

In the coming year Ukraine will continue to need considerable international support. Russia’s war in Ukraine is still ongoing, and has turned into a war of attrition. Ukraine’s armed forces continue fighting every day for the freedom, security and prosperity of their country, and thus for that of Europe as a whole. The Dutch government’s decision to earmark funding now sends a clear message of undiminished solidarity with the people of Ukraine, who can count on predictable Dutch support for as long as it takes.

Military aid will be drawn from the Netherlands’ own stocks and purchased from commercial suppliers. The Netherlands is committed to coordinating and collaborating with other countries and the defence industry. This should enhance the effectiveness of arms shipments for Ukraine’s armed forces while limiting the impact on our own. The aid for essential reconstruction activities is intended for infrastructure repairs (especially energy infrastructure), hospitals, housing, agriculture and demining. The government is also providing humanitarian aid and support for the rule of law, human rights and accountability. The amount set aside for Ukraine is on top of the liquidity support totalling €18 billion being channelled via the EU and the cost of refugee reception in the Netherlands.

Source: Government of the Netherlands

News item | 22-08-2022 | 19:30

In the Kyiv suburb of Irpin, Ms Schreinemacher and Ms Ollongren saw the devastation caused by Russia’s aggression. In Kyiv they met with several members of the Ukrainian government, and stressed that the Dutch government would continue to support Ukraine by all possible means. This will not be limited to resources needed to pursue the war effort. The ministers also asked the Ukrainian authorities what they need to help the Ukrainian people and rebuild the country.

Support package to start reconstruction

Ever since the war began six months ago, the Netherlands has been providing Ukraine with humanitarian, military and financial-economic support. During the visit Ms Schreinemacher, the Dutch minister responsible for coordinating aid for Ukrainian reconstruction, announced a new support package.

She will for example release €65 million for aid and investment in Ukraine. This will include cofinancing Dutch companies’ efforts to rebuild infrastructure such as bridges, dikes and hospitals in areas affected by the war. The funds will also be used to enable Ukrainian SMEs to invest in their businesses.

Additional money (€10 million) will be earmarked to clear landmines and other explosive remnants of war.

Minister Schreinemacher: ‘Demining is vital. Only once the explosives are dismantled can people return safely to their homes or farms and begin work on recovery.’

In addition, the minister is making €1 million available to support initial design plans for rebuilding three cities: Kherson, Odesa and Mykolaiv. The Association of Netherlands Municipalities will help involve a broad, diverse group of stakeholders in the development and implementation of these plans, including young people, women and refugees.

Another €2.5 million will go to the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) to share knowledge with bodies such as the National Bank of Ukraine concerning macroeconomic reforms, good governance and the rule of law. Ms Schreinemacher will also give €2 million to the United Nations Population Fund for psychosocial support to victims of sexual and gender-based violence.

In Kyiv, Ms Schreinemacher met with Ukraine’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economic Development and Trade, Yulia Svyrydenko. She also met with the Governor of the National Bank of Ukraine , Kyrylo Shevchenko.

Defence

Ms Ollongren spoke with Ukraine’s Minister of Defence, Oleksii Reznikov, and Minister for Veterans Affairs Yuliia Laputina. Since the start of the war the Netherlands has given Ukraine materiel, arms, ammunition and equipment with a book value of over €210 million. During her various meetings, Ms Ollongren promised to continue providing this kind of support to Ukraine.

On Saturday, 90 Dutch military personnel left for the UK, where they will give Ukrainian troops basic military training. ‘Training the Ukrainian armed forces is of crucial importance,’ said Ms Ollongren. ‘We will continue to help with this in the future.’

The Netherlands has supplied equipment to the Ukrainian mine clearance service, and together with a partner country is now exploring opportunities to provide the agency with knowledge and training.

Russian war crimes must not go unpunished. A forensic team from the Dutch Ministry of Defence was deployed in May to gather evidence. Ms Ollongren aims to deploy the team again this autumn, and she supports the plan for a rotation system involving various countries, coordinated by the International Criminal Court (ICC). She has also offered to share knowledge and experience with Ukraine on care services for veterans.
 
According to Ms Ollongren, it is also time to start thinking about new instruments for the next phase of support. Speaking with her Ukrainian counterpart, the minister discussed longer-term support measures which, for example, would enable the direct purchase of equipment from the defence industry. Together, Ukraine and the UK have established a fund for this purpose. The Netherlands welcomes this initiative and is currently looking into making a contribution.

Minister Ollongren: ‘Ukraine is not alone in this struggle. The Netherlands will continue supporting Ukraine so that Russia’s aggression can be brought to a halt and peace can return.’

Source: Government of the Netherlands

News item | 18-02-2022 | 16:52

The goods in question are 3,000 combat helmets and 2,000 ballistic vests with accompanying armour plates, 30 metal detectors and 2 wire-guided detection robots for land and sea mine detection, 2 ground surveillance radar systems and 5 weapon locating radar systems, and 100 sniper rifles with 30,000 rounds of ammunition.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Wopke Hoekstra: ‘The core element of the government’s efforts remains a focus on deescalating the situation through dialogue and diplomacy. Preventing war remains the highest priority. At the same time, Ukraine must be able to defend itself against a possible armed attack on its own territory by Russia. This is why the government has decided to supply these military goods to Ukraine.’ This is being done in addition to the political, financial and military support the Netherlands is already providing at bilateral level and in an EU/NATO context.

On the basis of Ukraine’s request, the Ministry of Defence drew up an inventory of military goods that could be provided. This list was then carefully assessed by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs against the eight criteria of the EU Common Position on arms export, after which Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation Liesje Schreinemacher granted the export licence.

‘The Netherlands is supporting Ukraine in many ways and will also provide military goods, as some other partners are also doing’ Minister of Defence Kajsa Ollongren said. ‘We are doing so out of solidarity, and as a part of a broader package together with EU and NATO allies.’

The combat helmets and ballistic vests are intended for personal protection. The metal detectors can be used to detect mines, improvised explosive devices and weapons caches. The wire-guided detection robots can be used to detect sea mines. The weapon locating radar systems allow enemy artillery to be located in the event of incoming fire, and the expected point of impact to be calculated so that troops can be warned and defend themselves accurately. Sniper rifles allow military targets to be hit with precision from a great distance.

Ukraine is not a member of NATO. Therefore, no Dutch military personnel will be deployed to Ukraine for combat operations. The training required for the use of some of the military goods will be given outside Ukraine.

In light of the tense security situation on its eastern flank, NATO needs to be able to respond swiftly to new developments. It has therefore further raised the readiness of the NATO Response Force. ‘This ensures that NATO is prepared for all possible scenarios for the defence of the Alliance,’ Ms Ollongren said. ‘As a result, the readiness of units of the Dutch armed forces is also being raised.’

Source: Government of the Netherlands

News item | 15-10-2021 | 15:20

Late last year the government announced that it planned to support the UN mission in Mali with critical and scarce air transport capabilities. These capabilities will contribute to the UN’s objectives for improving security and stability in Mali, which is currently a breeding ground for violent extremism. With today’s decision the UN will have another aircraft at its disposal for the next six months. The Ministry of Defence will provide the C-130 from the second half of November 2021 to 15 May 2022. This was confirmed in a letter to the House of Representatives from Minister of Foreign Affairs Ben Knapen, Minister of Defence Henk Kamp and Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation Tom de Bruijn.

In addition to the Hercules, the mission will also include around 90 air force personnel. They will operate from Bamako and be deployable throughout the country. The most important goal will be transporting people and cargo. If necessary, the aircraft can also airdrop personnel and cargo, and be used for evacuations.

Rotating roster

Norway is in charge of coordinating air transport capabilities for MINUSMA, working together with Denmark and Portugal in a rotating roster. As of next month the Netherlands will be part of this roster.

Source: Government of the Netherlands

News item | 24-09-2021 | 12:00

The new ministers were appointed to replace Sigrid Kaag, who resigned as Minister of Foreign Affairs, effective as of 17 September 2021, and Ank Bijleveld, who resigned as Minister of Defence.

After serving temporarily as Minister of Foreign Affairs for a week, Tom de Bruijn will now continue as Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation.

Minister Knapen (Foreign Affairs)

Ben Knapen served as Minister for European Affairs and International Cooperation in the first Rutte government from 14 October 2010 to 5 November 2012.

In 2013 he became Director-General of the European Investment Bank of the European Union. On 9 June 2015 he was elected to the Dutch Senate for the Christian Democratic Alliance (CDA), and became leader of the CDA in the Senate on 11 June 2019.

Minister Kamp (Defence)

On 12 December 2002, during the first Balkenende government, Henk Kamp was put in charge of the Ministry of Defence for the first time, following the resignation of Benk Korthals. At the time, Mr Kamp was already serving as Minister of Housing, Spatial Planning and the Environment for the People’s Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD).

Mr Kamp went on to serve as Minister of Defence in the second and third Balkenende governments. His tenure as leader of the Defence organisation ran from 12 December 2002 to 22 February 2007. He will now hold the post again until a new government is formed.

Source: Government of the Netherlands

News item | 17-03-2020 | 16:18

She gave medical capabilities as an example, commenting that the armed forces have a major incident hospital in Utrecht, as well as another emergency hospital that it may be possible to deploy, adding that they also have the capacity to keep people in quarantine. And all this only concerns what is available on land; the armed forces also have capabilities available at sea.

She was referring to the Royal Netherlands Navy, of course. Bijleveld explained that the amphibious transport ships HNLMS Johan de Witt and HNLMS Rotterdam have spacious state-of-the-art sickbays where patients with contagious illness can be treated. She went on to say that the same applies to the logistic support and supply ship HNLMS Karel Doorman. It has its own laboratories and a special quarantine area with a ventilation system, which is ideal for treating patients with contagious diseases. Which of these capabilities are available is currently being investigated.

Proven added value

HNLMS Karel Doorman proved its great added value in 2014 when the ship was deployed in the fight against Ebola in West Africa. All 3 ships have operating theatres and in total they have around 30 intensive care beds.

Bijleveld commented that up until now deployment has not been necessary, but that the armed forces are always ready for when they are needed. She said that it would be hopeless if the armed forces were to wait to start preparations until they were needed.

The preparedness of Defence extends further than just beds and medical help, she continued. Military personnel can of course also be deployed for transport or distribution, or whatever else is needed. The army can build emergency facilities. Should it be necessary, Defence could also support the police with maintaining public order. She commented that supporting civil authorities was one of the tasks of Defence. And while Defence may not always have a strong visible presence at the moment, the Netherlands can always rely on the armed forces. She added that one must of course take long-term deployment into consideration.

Caring for military personnel

Of course, Bijleveld is also keeping an eye out for military personnel, because they are just as susceptible to the virus as anyone else. Defence is therefore following the advice of the RIVM in order to stay on its feet as long as possible. She explained that the situation in deployment areas is being monitored and measures are being taken. In the Netherlands, personnel are working from home where possible. She went on to concur with the prime minister, expressing her great respect for the members of the emergency services, doctors and nurses, and everyone who is now on the frontline of this crisis. She commented that we can only fight the virus together and in a controlled way, and added a word of advice to follow the instructions and help one another if necessary.