Netherlands wants to double army personnel, NOS reports
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The Netherlands plans to expand its military personnel from 74,000 to 200,000, with a particular emphasis on increasing its reserve forces.
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French-US "Royal Blackhawk" military exercise with French, US, Dutch, British, and Belgian troops, on May 20, 2015, in Baume-Les-Dames, eastern France. (AFP)
The Netherlands intends to expand its military personnel from 74,000 to 200,000, with a strong focus on strengthening its reserve forces, Dutch public broadcaster NOS reported, citing sources familiar with the plan.
The report did not provide a specific timeframe.
According to official data, the Dutch military, a NATO member, currently consists of 42,305 active-duty soldiers, 24,212 support staff, and 7,483 reservists.
Rising concerns over Russia and uncertainty regarding continued US military support are pushing European nations to reevaluate their defense policies.
The European Council's statement, published on Thursday, said that European Union member states will offer military support to Ukraine voluntarily, taking into account each nation's interests.
"All military support, as well as security guarantees for Ukraine, will be provided in full respect of the security and defense policy of certain Member States and taking into account the security and defense interests of all Member States," the document read.
It also underscored that a lasting peace must be accompanied by "robust and credible security guarantees" for Ukraine, to which EU member states can contribute.
However, Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof confirmed that halting military aid to Ukraine is not under consideration.
Speaking at the European Council meeting in Brussels, Schoof stated that suspending military assistance as part of a potential peace deal was "non-negotiable".
The halt of military aid for Ukraine is "not an option" for most European countries, he said, affirming that the Netherlands will continue supporting Ukraine politically, financially, and militarily.
On Wednesday, an EU report advocated for increased military spending, enhanced cooperation on joint defense initiatives, and a stronger emphasis on acquiring European-manufactured weaponry.
Meanwhile, Poland, another NATO member, plans to train 100,000 volunteers by 2027.
