During a visit to a military base in Limburg, the King of the Netherlands expressed his concerns about the current state of international politics.
“We may have taken it a bit too much for granted that we would always have freedom and peace,” he told the NOS.
The defence industry’s time to shine
The Limburg military base is currently a site where Ukrainian soldiers are training, and it is precisely this war in Ukraine and the chance of similar conflicts that worries the king.
He believes we must better prepare ourselves to continue living in peace and security, and part of that entails the Netherlands “arming itself to the teeth”.
Strong leadership
This isn’t the first time the king has spoken about international politics. For example, he previously advocated for leadership from a strong European Union.
Meanwhile, his sentiments are emblematic of the current Dutch political climate, as Dutch military forces are ordered to prepare for rapid deployment, and NATO chief Rutte claims we must mentally prepare ourselves for war.
Do you think the king’s statements are too hasty or appropriate for the times? Let us know your thoughts!
The King is right! We have to be able to defend our country. The best way is to promote the fabrication of war material. And strengthen our cooperation with the “willing” countries of Europe and NATO. But first of all we should provide Ukraine with enough weapons and goods to defend themselves successfully against Russia. Because Ukraine fights for Europe as well now. And it will take some time to complete our own defence material and to organise the protection of our civilians. NL is rich. We could easily spend more money for Ukraine, which is also an Investment for our own security and the freedom for our children and grandkids. And Myriam warning: never trust Putin or Trump! No Deals with one of them!
I think this is a very stupid statement & idea…the time of warring states, of preparation & the great amounts of money it wasted are now evident in the primary I in of this sentiment, my country, the USA, whose citizens live in a crumbling infrastructure, no universal healthcare, high cost of higher education, having to work 2 or 3 jobs to survive, unlike the Netherlands where many just work part time… American tax dollars go for continual wars & being “armed to the teeth”… it’s a very low state of consciousness developmental levels that sees enemies everywhere outside itself, & thinks it is “practical” & “realistic” to be hardened in feeling… please get a better king or do away with “royalty” altogether!!!
No. I think it’s very realistic given Russian aggression.