Netherlands: defense asked to save 600 million euros

(BRUSSELS2) The government agreement concluded on Thursday in the Netherlands between the liberals of the VVD (who will have the post of Prime Minister), the Christian Democrats of the CDA and the populists of the PVV of Geert Wilders (who will support the government without participating) contains a budget reduction section (1).

Continued purchase of JSF

The Dutch Ministry of Defense is no exception to this obligation but does not fare too badly. It will thus have to save 600 million euros in the next 4 years, 500 million on equipment, 100 million by reducing the organisation. The purchase of the JSF aircraft is thus confirmed. The Netherlands will buy two test aircraft. But they are expected to lower their order, which is currently for 85 devices.

NB: The number of combat aircraft in the Netherlands will soon increase from 105 to 87 aircraft, including 14 aircraft used for training. This is the consequence of the sale of 18 "overabundant" F-16s to Chile. This agreement, concluded in 2006, will come into force in the coming months. This sale says the ministry will free up funds to purchase other equipment.

Peacekeeping missions paid from the development budget ?

Peacekeeping missions in developing countries will henceforth, as far as possible, be paid for from the development budget. A budget that should melt by 1 billion euros. Joint civil-military missions will be preferred.

In addition, the new government wants to obtain a drop in its contribution to the European Union of 1 billion euros. The Netherlands had taken the lead, during the last definition of the budgetary framework before 2007, of a "club of stingy people", advocating a reduction in European budgets.

(1) This painfully concluded agreement, after more than 110 days of negotiation, is already causing a stir among the signatory parties and their counterparts in Europe. Read : Former EU counter-terrorism coordinator slams his party's door

(Nicolas Gros-Verheyde)