The Netherlands is a trusted defense partner to the United States in military operations and capacities, as was shown in the Anti-Isis coalition and Afghanistan. The Netherlands will further enhance cooperation with the US by investing in missile defense, cybersecurity and space. To underscore this relationship, Minister Ollongren will meet with Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III at the Pentagon.

Earlier this month, the Ministry of Defense unveiled its Defense White Paper for 2022 outlining strategies to future-proof the Dutch armed forces embedded in NATO, the EU, and within Dutch society. As Russia’s invasion of Ukraine enters its fourth month, the white paper takes into account the new reality of war in Europe and charts an ambitious and realistic plan for the future of the Dutch military and contributes to a stronger NATO and a stronger European Union.

Additionally, to invest in a robust security architecture and build the armed forces of the future, the Dutch government recently announced an extra 2 billion euros on top of the 3 billion euros allocated by the government this January, for a total increase of 40 percent in defense spending.

On July 14, the Minister will give a keynote address at the Atlantic Council on the Dutch Defense White Paper and discuss transatlantic security and the war in Ukraine. Members of the media are invited to attend the Atlantic Council event. Click here to register.

Minister Ollongren will also visit Arlington National Cemetery to place a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.