Dutch gov’t shifts Arctic policy from climate to defense as Russia expands presence
The Netherlands is shifting its Arctic policy from a climate-change-centered approach to a defense- and security-driven strategy. The new version reflects rising tensions with Russia since the start of the war in Ukraine, while the previous one aimed to protect the Netherlands from the impacts of the warming Arctic. The move is set out in the Dutch Polar Strategy 2026-2030, which is updated every five years.
Russia has reportedly expanded its presence in the Arctic, including increased activity linked to economic and strategic interests. NATO has also increased the number of exercises in the region. The developments come amid wider geopolitical tensions, including U.S. President Donald Trump’s claim that Greenland is important for U.S. security.
Foreign Affairs Minister Tom Berendsen (CDA) wrote that “for the Netherlands, the Arctic region is now an integral part of the International Security Strategy, in which collective deterrence and defense, protection of the international legal order, and increasing Dutch and European autonomy are key priorities.”
Climate change is also increasing access to the region and raising its economic value. “The melting ice also makes it easier to sail, fish, and extract resources — including oil and gas — for longer periods of the year. Access to shipping routes and natural resources in the region leads to greater interest in the area and potentially further geostrategic competition,” Berendsen said.
The Dutch government said resource extraction could reduce Europe’s dependence on external suppliers but emphasized environmental limits. “The Netherlands considers it important that harmful environmental impacts are kept to a minimum.”
In February, the Dutch amphibious transport ship HNLMS Johan de Witt (L801) departed Den Helder to join a NATO Arctic exercise in Norway. The vessel is set to take part in the Cold Response exercise, scheduled for March under NATO’s newly established Arctic Sentry mission.
According to the Dutch Ministry of Defense, Cold Response involves 25,000 military personnel from 14 nations and aims to deter Russia. The exercise spans land, sea, air, space, and cyber domains, with operations conducted in Norway’s mountainous Arctic terrain. Norwegian army commander Eirik Kristoffersen told The Guardian that a Russian invasion in northern Norway cannot be ruled out.
