The Dutch government is preparing for a scenario where their alliance with the United States may cease to exist. Prime Minister Dick Schoof confirmed this during a European defence debate in parliament.
While stressing the importance of transatlantic ties, Schoof acknowledged the need for contingency planning, RTL Nieuws explains.
“We don’t want it, but you always have to think about it. But you don’t do that in the public domain. We do that in the secret rooms of a number of departments”, he stated yesterday.
To Plan B or not to Plan B
While most political parties support strong US ties, Pieter Omtzigt (NSC) and Rob Jetten (D66) probed whether Europe should prepare for a future without American support.
Schoof acknowledges these concerns but emphasises that “We are heading for that transatlantic bond [with the US],” believing it is too soon to discuss a ‘Plan B’.
What would this Plan B entail? Perhaps a scenario where the US leaves NATO — but like Schoof says, that’s a topic for the future (or well, hopefully, it’s not).
Either way, the discussion gains urgency as Trump suspends aid to Ukraine, increasing pressure on Europe to take action and bolster its defences.
While maintaining its commitment to NATO, the Dutch government quietly considers all possible outcomes.
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