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Netherlands maintains reservations about EU rearmament plan

by AI | 07.Mar 2025 | Europe in brief AI

After the special European summit, the Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof reiterated on Thursday evening that the Netherlands believes that debts must remain manageable. “We have made our usual reservations” and there is “no tampering with budgetary rules”.

The Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof (Photo: Ramon Van Flymen/ANP/dpa)

BRUSSELS (Reuters) – The European Commission may proceed with the development of proposals to invest an additional €800 billion in defense over the next four years, according to the cabinet. According to Schoof, all 27 leaders are “truly convinced that defense must be strengthened”.

A majority of the House of Representatives does not want the Netherlands to participate in the Commission’s rearmament plans. No voting has taken place on plans, according to Schoof. The plans are now being developed “urgently” and the House may still consider these proposals.

According to Schoof, budgetary rules are not being adjusted or relaxed. According to him, he is not in disagreement with the French or Germans on this. However, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said before the summit began that European budgetary rules should be eased for the “long term”.

Support for Ukraine was also discussed. President Volodymyr Zelensky did not receive any new commitments and Hungary was traditionally obstructive. According to the prime minister, there was a “great degree of unity” and there was hardly any discussion about the resistance of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán.

“He has a different view on how we should achieve peace. That’s okay. And again, it’s a well-known view of Mr. Orbán and we actually didn’t spend any further debate on it today because we felt it was important for the 26 to come to an agreement,” said Schoof.

Hungary could pose a serious problem in the near future, for example if sanctions against Russia need to be extended. But Schoof saw no enthusiasm for taking a tougher approach to the country for now.

(March 7, 2025)