Parliament supports 10-year security agreement with Ukraine

The Tweede Kamer, the lower house of the Dutch parliament, supports the ten-year security agreement that the outgoing Cabinet concluded with Ukraine. After two years of war, there is still strong support for Kyiv in the Kamer, but there are concerns about the consequences if the PVV ends up in a new Cabinet. That became apparent on Thursday during a debate on the state of the war in Europe.

The government has stood firmly behind Ukraine since the Russian attack began. It took a leading role in arms support. Over 2.8 billion worth of military goods have already been sent to Kyiv. Prime Minister Mark Rutte recently signed a 10-year security agreement with Ukraine during a visit to Kyiv.

A broad majority supports that treaty. It includes agreements about, among other things, military support in the medium and long term and assistance with reconstruction. However, several parties, including NSC and BBB, believe that the Cabinet should first have submitted the treaty to parliament.

Part of the Kamer is concerned that a possible new Cabinet of PVV, VVD, NSC, and BBB will reduce aid to Kyiv. The three parties negotiating a coalition with the PVV are all in favor of continuing long-term aid to the Ukrainians.

But the PVV has so far always opposed all support measures. However, in view of the coalition negotiations, Geert Wilders has indicated that he is prepared “to discuss any form of aid.” The PVV was absent from the debate because foreign spokesperson Raymond de Roon had called in sick. The party did not send a replacement.

D66, GroenLinks-PvdA, Volt, and CDA wanted to hear from VVD parliamentarian Ruben Brekelmans that he will maintain the current level of support in the negotiations. “This is about the safety of the Netherlands,” said Jan Paternotte of D66.

The concerns about the PVV are “very legitimate,” said Laurens Dassen (Volt). He pointed out that the PVV in the Senate recently voted against an aid package for Ukraine and that Wilders is an admirer of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, who continues to thwart EU plans for Ukraine. Wilders also criticized the 10-year security agreement after the outgoing Cabinet announced it.

“I don’t feel like playing political games,” Brekelmans responded. He stressed that he would prefer to increase aid significantly. He did not say whether that is a deal-breaker for the VVD. “I’m not going to negotiate here.” According to him, there is no need to doubt the commitment of the liberal faction.