Dutch companies need to think about helping the military, Cabinet says

Dutch businesses need to prepare for crises such as war by supporting the military and ensuring critical infrastructure can withstand prolonged disruptions, Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans said Friday. Speaking at the Mauritssymposium in Utrecht, Brekelmans emphasized the essential role of private companies in bolstering the nation’s resilience.

"In times of peace, the question was what the military could do for society. Now, in this gray zone between peace and war, the question is what you can do for the military," Brekelmans told attendees, which included representatives from businesses and research institutions.

He stressed that the involvement of companies is "indispensable" to strengthen the country's defense posture. This call comes amid growing concerns over external threats, such as sabotage by nations like Russia.

"For a truly resilient society, we need everyone," Brekelmans said. This includes not only the defense industry and developers of military innovations but also companies providing energy, communication, and food supplies for the armed forces. Employers must also support their staff in serving as military reservists. "There are countless examples of how businesses can contribute," he added.

Brekelmans urged companies to consider their role in wartime now, asking, "What can you deliver in the event of war? Can Defense and your company connect effectively when it matters most?"

The symposium, which focused on national resilience, is part of broader preparations for the NATO summit in June in The Hague, where resilience will be a key topic.

The call for businesses to step up is echoed by employers’ organization VNO-NCW, which is pushing for a permanent political structure to prepare the Netherlands for the economic consequences of potential crises, such as war. VNO-NCW chair Ingrid Thijssen suggested this new organization could operate under the Ministry of Economic Affairs and manage various aspects of crisis preparedness, such as coordinating food stockpiles and advising companies on sourcing strategies.

"This organization shouldn’t be a reactive crisis body but something structural that helps us prepare for crises," Thijssen said during the symposium. She emphasized the need for a government-led body with deep connections to the private sector to implement necessary changes proactively.

As an example, Thijssen described how such an organization could guide companies in diversifying their supply chains. "If you’re sourcing a key ingredient from a country with a tense relationship, the organization could advise you to find alternative suppliers in other nations," she said.

Thijssen pointed to Finland as a model, noting its preparedness due to its proximity to Russia. "They didn’t let their guard down after the fall of the Berlin Wall. Last year, we visited Finland, and I was impressed by their structured approach," she said.

She also highlighted the lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russian invasion of Ukraine, where collaboration between the government and businesses proved effective. "We need to make that overarching approach permanent," Thijssen said.

As part of these efforts, VNO-NCW has already reached agreements with the Cabinet and labor union FNV to address the role of reservists during collective labor agreement negotiations. This includes clarifying responsibilities between employers and the Ministry of Defense if reservists are injured during their service.

The Ministry of Defense plans to significantly increase the number of reservists in the coming years, from 7,500 to at least 20,000. Thijssen noted, "There are already many excellent initiatives, but are we reaching everyone? That’s the challenge."