The Netherlands should actively prepare for a European defence structure within Nato that does not rely on US support, a key government think-tank has warned ahead of the Nato summit in The Hague at the end of June.
The growing uncertainty about continued US commitment to the alliance is both a challenge and an opportunity to strengthen Europe’s role, the Advisory Council on International Affairs (AIV) said in a new report More Europe, Less America, which was published on Tuesday.
“Those who want to guarantee security must be prepared to act – even if US support disappears,” AIV chairman Bert Koenders said. “That requires deployable European capacity, political will and intensive support for Ukraine. The Netherlands must demonstrate responsibility in this: militarily, diplomatically and financially.”
Europe, the report said, must be able to carry out Nato’s deterrence and defence strategy independently if necessary. That means building a stronger European presence in Nato’s command structure and preparing to lead operations if US forces are unavailable.
Targeted military investment
The report recommends strategic investment in key capabilities, including air defence, long-range weapons, strategic transport, artillery and electronic warfare.
The Netherlands should also contribute to strengthening Nato’s eastern flank, which will affect the size and deployment of Dutch armed forces, the AIV said. In addition, the Netherlands should take part in a military presence in Ukraine after a ceasefire and support the integration of Ukraine’s defence industry into European production chains.
Reforming decision-making
Effective European defence also depends on faster, more decisive political processes. The AIV is proposing the creation of a European security council, made up of a core group of EU and Nato member states, with additional flexible participation.
The Netherlands should play an active role in this council, the AIV said. The council also stressed that security is about more than just military readiness and highlighted the importance of diplomacy, public support and a strong European defence industry.
The Netherlands, the agency said, should help scale up production by securing long-term contracts, adjusting legislation and investing in staff and raw materials. The AIV also recommends using European financing tools, such as joint loans and temporary budget flexibility, to support collective security.