New Atlanticist

Jul 15, 2022

Europe ‘must get its act together’ on defense, says Dutch defense minister

By Katherine Walla

Ollongren spoke about supporting Ukraine and shoring up European defense with allies at an Atlantic Council Front Page event.

Defense Policy Defense Technologies

The Atlantic Council’s Transatlantic Security Initiative, housed within the Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security, held a public conversation with Minister of Defense for the Kingdom of the Netherlands H.E. Kajsa Ollongren, on July 14, 2022.

Russia’s unprovoked and illegal invasion of Ukraine has ushered in a sea change in European security. All across the NATO Alliance, allies have been reassessing their defense priorities and posture, and funneling new funds into their militaries. The Netherlands has been no exception, designating €5 billion in additional defense spending, pledging to reach the 2 percent of GDP target by 2024, and releasing a new defense white paper outlining how the Netherlands will invest in their forces for future security.

To discuss the Dutch way forward and how European allies can continue to work with the United States to seize this crucial moment after the NATO Summit to enhance security in Europe, the Atlantic Council welcomed Minister Ollongren for this public conversation. The Scowcroft Center’s Transatlantic Security Initiative presented this live event as part of the Atlantic Council’s #ACFrontPage event series, our premier ideas platform spotlighting global leaders and championing constructive solutions to global challenges. The Transatlantic Security Initiative shapes and influences the debate on the greatest security challenges facing the North Atlantic Alliance and its key partners.

Agenda

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