Amsterdam Safety Chief pushes for larger military base
Tijs van Lieshout, director of the Veiligheidsregio Amsterdam-Amstelland (the Amsterdam-Amstelland Safety Region), has called for the creation of a significantly larger military base within the city to strengthen Amsterdam’s defense capabilities amid increasing geopolitical instability. Speaking on AT5’s Park Politiek, Van Lieshout warned that the current facility at the Marineterrein is inadequate to meet the growing security needs of the city.
"I would very much like to see a barracks that provides the facility for the extra troops who are now being readied and can be stationed near the capital in times of major threat," Van Lieshout said.
Since the beginning of the year, Van Lieshout has been visiting various locations to advocate for better preparation for more complex and prolonged crises. While Amsterdam is well-equipped to handle traditional emergencies, such as airplane crashes or large fires, Van Lieshout emphasized the need to plan for more modern threats, including cyberattacks, sabotage, and potential disruptions caused by foreign nations. "I find it important as a former military officer that there is military presence in the capital," he said.
"We need to prepare for larger and longer crises than we are currently used to," Van Lieshout stated. "What makes this time unique is that a crisis can also be caused by another country. If vital systems are disrupted, the outage could last much longer."
The Veiligheidsregio is also focusing on preparing for the possibility of a prolonged power outage. Van Lieshout considers this scenario critical to overall readiness, stating, "If you’re prepared for that, you’re prepared for just about everything."
Van Lieshout explained that a power failure would lead to far-reaching consequences beyond simply being unable to use electricity. "You can’t make payments anymore. Store shutters won’t close. Camera systems stop working. The sewage system runs on electric pumps and will go down. We’ve secured drinking water for nine days, but in flats higher than two floors, water pressure will disappear. A wide range of essential systems will shut down. You simply can’t carry on with everyday life."
Given these growing risks, Van Lieshout has strongly advocated for a greater military presence within Amsterdam itself. While the Amsterdam city council is considering converting the Marineterrein into a residential area, Van Lieshout stressed that his proposal extends beyond that location.
"This is not about the Marineterrein," he explained. "Defense is preparing to expand to 200,000 personnel. They want to recruit young men and women from Amsterdam as well. Having a recruiting office here would be helpful."
Van Lieshout added that the Ministry of Defense is planning to increase the number of security battalions—units of around 1,000 personnel designed to protect cities and secure vital infrastructure.
"The Marineterrein is now too small for that. You need a larger site," he continued. "I would very much like to see a bigger barracks on the outskirts of the city or in the Havengebied, one that can house the extra troops being readied and that can defend the capital in times of serious threat."
Van Lieshout has already presented his proposal to the Amsterdam city government and believes that the mayor is receptive to the idea. "This is not about the Marineterrein, but a location somewhere in Amsterdam where, together with the Ministry of Defense, you can build a facility where defense can perform its duties."
He argued that the proximity of military forces is essential, and expanding defense capabilities in other regions of the country is not a viable alternative. "If you look at the types of attacks happening in Ukraine, you don’t see tanks rolling into Kyiv. Everything comes from the air—missiles and drones. You need to respond with air defense, and that must happen locally," he said. "That’s why I would hope there will also be a location somewhere in Amsterdam where these kinds of military tasks can be carried out."
