VVD calls for boosting Dutch defense spending to at least 3.5 percent of GDP

The Netherlands must significantly increase its defense budget, raising spending to at least 3.5 percent of gross domestic product (GDP), according to the VVD. Party leader Dilan Yesilgöz made the call during a meeting with party members at the Oorlogsmuseum (War Museum) in Overloon, citing the need to counter Russian threats and provide stronger support for Ukraine, NOS reports.

The proposal goes well beyond the current NATO guideline of 2 percent of GDP, which the Schoof Cabinet has committed to meeting. If implemented, the increase would add more than 15 billion euros to the annual defense budget.

Yesilgöz emphasized the urgency of expanding military spending in response to global security concerns. “To stand up for our safety, to confront the Russian threat, and to support Ukraine decisively, we must scale up our defense budget to at least 3.5 percent of GDP—possibly even higher,” she said. The backdrop of her speech at the War Museum included a World War II-era military plane and a jeep.

She also urged the Dutch government to press other European nations that are failing to meet the NATO standard of 2 percent. “Countries like Spain, Italy, and Luxembourg lag far behind. That is unacceptable,” Yesilgöz stated.

Her remarks align with recent statements by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, who argued that member states should invest between 3.6 and 3.7 percent of GDP to meet future alliance objectives. Former U.S. President Donald Trump has gone even further, suggesting NATO allies should spend 5 percent, though the United States itself has not yet reached that level.

The VVD’s proposal faces resistance from coalition partners PVV, NSC, and BBB, who have expressed skepticism about increasing defense spending beyond the agreed 2 percent. The PVV, the largest governing party, insists that any discussion of higher military funding must be paired with financial relief for Dutch households. “It’s both or neither,” PVV leader Geert Wilders warned in the Tweede Kamer last month. On social media, he reinforced his stance, stating that additional defense spending is negotiable only if there are significant cuts to climate policies and other VVD priorities.

NSC and BBB have also voiced concerns, arguing that billions in additional defense spending are difficult to justify while the country faces pressing economic challenges, including rising living costs and financial security issues.