Dutch people concerned with U.S., Russia, Ukraine developments; More support EU army

Netherlands residents are very concerned about the developments around the Russia-Ukraine war and the United States’ attitude toward it. Most Dutch believe that Europe can no longer count on the United States for military support. Half of Dutch now support starting a European army, but the willingness to serve has not grown along with that sentiment, Ipsos I&O found in a study conducted among 1,944 Dutch people on behalf of NOS.

Dutch people were already concerned about a new term with Donald Trump as president of the United States in October last year. Over a month into his second term, their concerns have not proved unfounded. In recent weeks, Trump and his vice president J.D. Vance called Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenksyy a dictator, said Ukraine started the war with Russia, strongly criticized European democracies, and advocated for cooperation with the German far-right party AfD. The U.S. also started peace talks with Russia without involving Europe or Ukraine. And Trump has repeatedly threatened to leave NATO if other members don’t spend more on defense.

In the wake of this, 69 percent of Netherlands residents consider the EU too dependent on the U.S. in the field of defense and only 29 percent expect the US to continue to protect its European NATO partners.

The Ukraine war is increasingly topping Netherlands residents' list of concerns. 19 percent of Dutch people now list the war as one of the three most important political themes of the moment, compared to only 6 percent a year ago. 41 percent are very concerned about the war in Ukraine, the highest since the outbreak of the war in 2022.

Netherlands residents are seriously concerned about Russia expanding toward Europe, especially with Trump at the helm in the U.S. Many believe America is allying with Russia. “That idiot Trump is playing into Russia’s hands, and thereby changing the balance of world politics,” one responded summarized the sentiment. Netherlands residents believe that Europe is on its own against Russia, and not strong enough to manage.

These concerns are reflected in the sentiment toward defense spending. Six in ten Dutch think the Netherlands should do more to strengthen European defense, compared to 43 percent two months ago. Even a majority of PVV voters, notoriously against any European spending, are in favor of strengthening defense at a European level.

Support for establishing a European army has also clearly increased, from 42 percent last year to 49 percent now. Though few Dutch people are willing to serve in such an army. Currently, 18 percent of Dutch consider themselves willing and able to join the army. Two months ago, it was 17 percent. “These percentages still correspond with the previous international research from 2015,” the researchers said.

Interestingly, 36 percent of Dutch are in favor of reintroducing military service. “Proponents are mainly older than 45, which would mean that they themselves would not have to join,” the researchers said. “Younger Dutch people, for whom this would apply, are often against.”