Block U.S. from EU markets, restrict ASML exports, Dutch think tank urges
Dutch experts from the think tank DenkWerk called on the Netherlands and Europe to actively use economic power to counter the United States and China, citing the escalating dispute over Greenland as a flashpoint in a broader struggle, De Telegraaf reported.
In a report released Tuesday, DenkWerk’s senior analysts Frans Blom and Bernard ter Haar said Europe can never achieve complete strategic independence from Washington or Beijing, but it can hit back with economic measures. They specifically proposed restricting access to European markets and imposing export limitations on Dutch chipmaker ASML to pressure the U.S.
Blom said, “If you want to act geopolitically, you also have to do geopolitical things.” Ter Haar added that in extreme circumstances, the Netherlands should be ready to apply export restrictions even toward the U.S., noting the significant leverage Europe holds through ASML’s chip machines, which the American tech sector depends on. The report emphasized that chip factories require a continuous supply of parts, service, calibration, and software, and European withdrawal could reduce output within weeks.
DenkWerk highlighted Europe’s vulnerabilities, pointing out dependence on the U.S. and China for defense, cloud services, AI, and critical raw materials. The analysts stressed that while dependence can be reduced, full autonomy is unrealistic. Blom said, “The situation is more serious and worse than we realized. We are even more dependent than I thought. Many plans exist on paper, but too little comes of their execution.”
Ter Haar criticized Dutch political awareness of the issue. “In Brussels, initiatives have been started, but you see nothing of it in the Dutch political debate,” he said. Blom added, “It cannot be true that in The Hague they don’t see, hear, or observe what is happening.”
The report suggests Europe identify and deploy “pressure points” in the geopolitical struggle, particularly amid rising tensions between President Donald Trump and European nations over Greenland. Blom said, “You must ensure you are no longer blackmailable and be prepared to use pressure points. Two major assets are our internal market and ASML.”
The report also discusses broader applications of economic leverage. “Limiting market access through tariffs, standards, or bans can directly cost third countries,” the report states. Blom and Ter Haar argue that governments may need to assume partial ownership of critical companies to exert geopolitical influence, citing the telecom sector as an example. “If we want to be a top player in 6G, why not allow Nokia and Ericsson to merge?” Blom said, warning that acquisitions by American companies like Nvidia could shift key technology outside European control.
Despite advocating assertive measures, Blom emphasized that most of the economy would continue functioning normally. “Ninety percent of the market can operate as usual,” he said. Ter Haar added, “World politics is now more important than competition policy or the functioning of our internal market.”
