Eurodefense Nederland nieuws

  Following the first European Defence Policy Update Webinar held on 29 May, Eurodefense Netherlands, the Defence and Security department of the Royal Netherlands Society of Engineers (KIVI DV) and The federation of European Defence Technology Associations (EDTA) are pleased to invite you to a second edition on Monday, 9 November 2026 . With European defence policy evolving rapidly, this follow-up edition will review key developments since our previous session, assess progress on current initiatives, and explore our European institutions’ plans for future policies. Perspectives from the European Commission, the European Parliament and the European Defence Agency will provide insight into the direction of EU defence policy and its implications for Member States and Europe’s defence technology and industrial sectors. Programme : All times are Brussels time (CET). 13:45 - Opening of the webinar 14:00 - Mr Micha Comnick Cabinet of Commissioner Kubilius: Recent and upcoming EU...

  Our continent is facing severe geopolitical headwinds. While the Russian threat is increasing, the United States is gradually distancing itself from Europe. This means that Europe must take responsibility for its own security. Although our current( Netherlands) government is taking useful measures, these do not go far enough on several fundamental aspects of European policy. This view is not driven by political ideology, but by factual developments that are relevant to both our country and Europe. In this article we propose four lines of action that could contribute to strategic autonomous Europe. Our government appears to underestimate the extent to which the United States is becoming less interested in European security. This shift in priorities has been underway for years, but it is now having far-reaching consequences. The United States is withdrawing NATO-assigned assets from Europe and redeploying them to other parts of the world. This trend is unlikely to reverse, even if ...

  On 5 September 2026, our former chairman, Drs. Ernst van Hoek , passed away at the age of 84  following a long and courageous battle with illness In the1980's, Ernst served as Director of Scientific Research at the Netherlands Ministry of Defence and, from 1992 to 1997, as Director of the NATO Agency for Research & Technology (RTO/STO). In these roles, he made a significant contribution to scientific research, technological development within the defence sector, and the Netherlands role in these fields. Following his retirement, he remained active as a board member of the Defence Technology Department of the Royal Netherlands Society of Engineers (KIVI). For many years, he chaired the Prof. Ir. Dr. J.M.J. Kooy Fund and served as member of the Kooy Symposium Committee , with which Eurodefense is affiliated since this year. In 2010, KIVI appointed Ernst as a Member of Merit in recognition of his outstanding contributions. He also became a dedicated member of Eurodefense ...

Under the current treaties of the European Union ( Article 346 TFEU), arms export s are a national responsibility. Defence relations and specifically their export dimension constitute a crucial element of foreign policy. At the same time, export potential is a key factor in the international competitiveness of the defense industrial and technological bases (DITBs). Member States have solid experience in controlling arms exports to prevent the diversion of exported products to unauthorized destinations, such as countries subject to international sanctions established by the EU or the United Nations.  According to data released by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) and the European Defence Agency (EDA), European suppliers have significantly consolidated their footprint, with the 27 MS accounting for 28% of all   global arms exports in 2021-2025.  Cooperation in the arms sector has enabled the establishment of strat...

  Report of Eurodefense working group 37 1  on Strategic European Defence Download the full report here The growing instability of the international system, ongoing conflicts in Europe’s eastern and southern neighbourhoods, and increasing uncertainty about US strategic priorities have intensified the debate about Europe’s defence responsibilities. Although the European Union is a major economic and regulatory power, it remains militarily dependent on external security guarantees. To become a more autonomous strategic actor, Europe needs to develop stronger military capabilities, strengthen its defence industrial base, and improve policy coordination among member states. The EU treaties already provide mechanisms that could eventually lead to a common defence, but the unanimity requirement makes progress slow and politically difficult. As a result, some states may seek flexible arrangements or intergovernmental initiatives to advance defence integration and incorporate like-min...

  Towards a European Defence Union   At the end of 2024, the European Commission decided to establish a European Defence Union (EDU) . In response to a request from European Commissioner Kubilius, the international Eurodefense network drafted strategic advice for the creation of this Union. A Phased Political and Operational Process The EDU should not be viewed as a static body, but as a step-by-step political process . Central to the advice—prepared by three Eurodefense working groups (Strategic Concept, Industry, and Export)—is the strengthening of political authority through a European Security Council and the improvement of operational and material cooperation via joint defence planning . To finance further integration, the advice calls for common investments and a stronger focus on Europe's own defence industry . It emphasizes that member states must join forces and prioritize interdependence over fragmented national interests. Ultimately, the advice aims for increa...

  Since the inauguration of the new European Commission in 2024, including for the first time a European Commissioner for Defence Industry and Space, defence developments at the European level have gained significant momentum and speed. A vast array of new regulations and funding instruments are being developed, published, and adopted. T o name a few: the  European Defence Industrial Strategy  (EDIS), the  European Defence Industry Programme  (EDIP) (€1.5bn), the  European Readiness 2030  white paper, the  SAFE instrument  (€150bn), the  waiver on the EMU Stability and Growth Pact  (€650bn), and the  legal Omnibus , which includes plans for simplified procurement rules. While these policies and instruments are being implemented, the European Commission continues developing far reaching plans such as  European Common Defence , a  European Defence Union , a  European Single Market for Defence , a  European DAR...

  Wim van Eekelen Lecture 2026 On 8 April 2026, Member of the European Parliament Bart Groothuis delivered the first Wim van Eekelen lecture during the annual “Kooy symposium” organised by the Royal Netherlands society of Engineers (KIVI) with partners   Arte Pugnantibus Adsum (APA ), the  Royal Netherlands Association of Naval Offices (KVMO ) , Eurodefense Netherlands , Mars&Mercurius , the  Applied Physics Laboratory (TNO ) and the  Royal Netherlands Aerospace Centre (NLR) . The lecture is in memory of Dr. Wim van Eekelen , who built an impressive track record over a 60-year period, consistently prioritising the importance of national defence and European cooperation. His motto in this regard was " We cannot do it alone ". Dr. Van Eekelen passed away in 2025 at the age of 94. Under the title " Knowing What You Want ," Bart Groothuis argued that Europe must fundamentally revise what it demands of itself militarily, now that the decades-long depen...

  By means of the "National Security Strategy of the United States of America" (November 2025), Europe has once again been forced to face the facts. The US invasion of Venezuela and the claim on Greenland do not strengthen our confidence in the US either. So, don't count on U.S. protection and even take into account unwanted interventions and threats. There are additional reasons for Europe to strengthen its self-confidence, as one of the US defence industry's best customers, an important trading partner and investor and potentially a partner in problems elsewhere in the world. "Well-being" is ranked higher in Europe than in the US and we have allowed ourselves to be too dependent on the US. Now let's make ourselves more independent again. What Europe needs today for its security is self-confidence, defence capability, solidarity and unity of defence policy, command and execution. This requires unanimity in political decision-making and a centrally manag...

Bring on the cake and candles: on 11 August 2025, it is 75 years since Winston Churchill called for the immediate creation of a unified European Army in Strasbourg; subject to European democratic control and in close cooperation with the United States and Canada. The never fully ratified treaty establishing the European Defence Community provided for a European security council (the Commissariat) and the formation of a European armed force of 40 divisions with a clearly defined division of tasks and safeguards for the powers of national governments and parliaments, such as conscription or the recruitment of professional soldiers. A common defence budget, military disciplinary law, international barracks, and training are regulated in the treaty in a common European Defence Union. The deployment in relation to the United Nations, NATO, and disaster relief is also clearly elaborated in the text. As its main objective, the treaty mentions nothing less than the maintenance of internatio...

It is with great sadness that we have to announce the passing of our honorary president, Dr. W.F. van Eekelen (February 5, 1931 - June 25, 2025) Diplomat (1957-1977) State Secretary for Defence (1978-1981) State Secretary for European Affairs (1982-1986) Minister of Defence (1986-1988) Secretary General of the Western European Union (1989-1994) Member of the Senate for the VVD (1995-2003) Royal decorations include: Commander in the Order of the Netherlands Lion Grand Officer of the Legion of Honour In this difficult time, we extend our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. Wim van Eekelen, founder and long-standing president of Eurodefense Netherlands, has left an indelible impression on all of us. Brilliant in his views, a visionary and diplomat with a very warm heart for European and NATO defense cooperation. His wise counsel and pleasant presence were always a source of inspiration and support. We highly valued his insights and guidance and will cherish them in our conti...

On 9 april 2025, Jan Wind (president Eurodefense Nederland and president of the Federation of European Defence Technology Associations (EDTA)) had the opportunity to speak on European Cooperation at the Digital Innovation Summit. During his speech, he explained new intended policies of the European Commission, comments on these proposals as well as several technical issues and recommendations for solutions. European Union Policy Since the beginning of the war in Ukraine, European authorities have become increasingly aware of the growing threats to our Union. NATO says we are between peace and war. In this twilight zone, hybrid attacks occur often. Sometimes physical attacks, but numerous cyber-attacks take place every single day on our continent. These attacks target the armed forces, but also governments, critical infrastructure and numerous companies. You all know that . In response, the new European Commission developed an unprecedented programme now called Readiness 2030. On 19 Ma...

It is crucial that the European Union moves quickly and collectively towards a Defence Union, creates a robust military structure for this purpose, and jointly purchases and maintains capabilities. In doing so, it is necessary for all member states to put European interests first with a bit of altruism. The fragmented industry can be made more effective by concentrating it in technology clusters, and financing for the expansion of capacities and companies can be better realised with European financial guarantees instead of Eurobonds. Picture; AI generated Europe faces a fundamental choice: remain dependent on the American military umbrella or develop a strong, independent and integrated European defence. This choice is about our sovereignty and security. The past week has shown that this choice could be entirely taken away from us if the 80-year-old American guarantee for our security disappears. The exclusion of European countries in recent peace negotiations and the statements of U...