×
GreekEnglish

×
  • Politics
  • Diaspora
  • World
  • Lifestyle
  • Travel
  • Culture
  • Sports
  • Cooking
Monday
02
Mar 2026
weather symbol
Athens 15°C
  • Home
  • Politics
  • Economy
  • World
  • Diaspora
  • Lifestyle
  • Travel
  • Culture
  • Sports
  • Mediterranean Cooking
  • Weather
Contact follow Protothema:
Powered by Cloudevo
> World

Netherlands decides to increase defence spending to 3.5%

"Historic decision", says Defence Minister Reuben Brekelmans - Another 1.5% of GDP will be allocated to military readiness spending

Newsroom June 13 08:00

 

The Dutch government has given the go-ahead for a significant increase in defence spending, just as NATO is pushing its members to raise the figure to 5%.

The caretaker coalition has agreed to increase defense spending to 3.5% of GDP, with an additional 1.5% allocated to infrastructure that supports military readiness, public broadcaster NOS reported Friday.

Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans called it a “historic decision” amid rising tensions with Russia and calls for European defense autonomy.

It will be recalled that last week the ruling coalition had collapsed, leaving a caretaker government in place until autumn elections.

>Related articles

Hundreds of flights canceled in France and the Netherlands as snow and ice hits Western Europe

Netherlands: Government pledges another €700 million in aid for Kiev in 2026

Israel will participate in Eurovision; Spain, the Netherlands & Ireland withdraw

Although the Netherlands did not give a timetable for meeting the target, the plan brings the Netherlands in line with the new NATO spending framework proposed by Secretary General Mark Rutte, with a target of 5% of GDP. According to NOS, the estimated annual cost of €16 to €19 billion has not yet been budgeted and will be left to a future coalition to resolve.

The proposed increase in the Netherlands comes on the heels of pressure from Trump, who has urged NATO allies to increase their defense contributions or accept a reduced U.S. role in the military alliance.

The plan is expected to be discussed – and possibly approved, as Politico notes – at the NATO summit in The Hague on June 24 and 25.

Ask me anything

Explore related questions

#defense spending#Netherlands
> More World

Follow en.protothema.gr on Google News and be the first to know all the news

See all the latest News from Greece and the World, the moment they happen, at en.protothema.gr

> Latest Stories

Goldman Sachs warning: Gas prices in Europe could surge 130% in worst-case scenario

March 2, 2026

Tensions in the Middle East triger Athens Stock Exchange: General index opens nearly 4% down

March 2, 2026

Greece: Rising as a European air power superpower, second only to France in fighter jet strength and technology

March 2, 2026

Iran strikes RAF Akrotiri runway with drone, London says

March 2, 2026

Banks blacklist citizens just for accessing the out-of-court debt platform — Warning from Pierakakis via official letter

March 2, 2026

The Iran crisis and how this could affect Greece: Two scenarios for fuel prices and its effect on electricity bills

March 2, 2026

US F-15 shot down, crashes in flames in Kuwait; pilots eject at the last moment – Watch video

March 2, 2026

Iranian strike on Saudi oil facilities – Israel attacks Hezbollah in Lebanon (updated)

March 2, 2026
All News

> Lifestyle

James Bond: Announcement for the next 007 approaches – Filming of the new movie to begin this year

Who are the frontrunners for the iconic role

February 26, 2026

Porn star Bonnie Blue pregnant after controversial “400 men challenge”

February 25, 2026

Reactions to Rosie Huntington’s appearance: “My God, what’s wrong with her face?”

February 20, 2026

Marilyn Monroe’s Palm Springs home listed for $3.3 million

February 20, 2026

Maria Menounos: The revealing dress she wore on her trip to Greece – see photos

February 20, 2026
Homepage
PERSONAL DATA PROTECTION POLICY COOKIES POLICY TERM OF USE
Powered by Cloudevo
Copyright © 2026 Πρώτο Θέμα