The threat of war and hybrid attacks, especially in light of increasing tensions on Europe's eastern flank, has a profound impact on the Netherlands.
The country, which plays a key role as a logistics hub for NATO operations, faces challenges in the areas of mobility, energy supply and societal stability. Hybrid threats, such as cyberattacks and disinformation campaigns, pose a real threat to the continuity of essential services and daily life.
The Netherlands is strategically positioned geographically, making it vulnerable to the consequences of military and hybrid conflicts. The main transport corridors, such as the A1 motorway and the port of Rotterdam, are crucial for military transport. In times of conflict, these routes can be reserved for troop movements and the movement of military equipment. This means that civilian traffic is severely restricted, which can lead to disruptions in the supply chain and economic damage.
As NATO Secretary General, however, Rutte seems to be striking a different tone. The shift in his rhetoric, from austerity to massive investment advocate, could be both an advantage and a pitfall. Mark Rutte faces a complex task now that Donald Trump is returning as president of the United States in January 2025. The combination of an assertive American president and the continuing threat from Russia puts additional pressure on Rutte's diplomatic skills. Former NATO chief Jaap de Hoop Scheffer sees a key role for Rutte in this and calls him ideally suited to maintain this geopolitical balance.
Cyberattacks on traffic management systems are another major risk. Manipulating GPS signals or traffic lights can paralyze mobility and lead to chaotic situations on the road. In addition, this slows down the response of emergency services, which can have life-threatening consequences.
A vulnerable electricity grid
Another worrying aspect is the vulnerability of the electricity grid. Sabotage or cyber attacks can lead to long-term power outages, with far-reaching consequences. In the event of a blackout, not only the power supply is lost, but also crucial infrastructures that depend on electricity.
Mark Rutte, the new Secretary General of NATO since 1 October 2024, made a remarkable appeal to the member states during his inaugural speech. He warned that the current defence spending of many NATO countries is insufficient to effectively combat the increasing threats, especially from Russia. This plea comes in a context in which Rutte's previous policy as Dutch Prime Minister was characterised by significant cuts in defence. During his premiership, which lasted from 2010 to 2023, Rutte pursued a policy aimed at reducing government spending. The armed forces suffered heavy blows in the process. Under his leadership, Dutch tanks were sold to Germany because their maintenance was considered too expensive. The defence also struggled with a lack of ammunition, reserve material and sufficient training opportunities for soldiers. These choices led to criticism at the time, both within the Netherlands and abroad.
Telecommunications are directly affected, causing mobile networks and the internet to stop working. This not only hampers personal communication, but also the coordination of emergency services. The failure of electric pumps for drinking water and waste management can lead to water shortages and health problems. Supermarkets and distribution centers lose their cooling capacity, which can lead to food shortages. In healthcare, a power outage means that hospitals and care institutions are forced to switch to emergency generators, which are not suitable for long-term use.
society in preparation
To reduce these risks, the Dutch government is investing in increasing the resilience of society. There is intensive cooperation with companies and citizens to better protect vital infrastructures. Information campaigns encourage citizens to be prepared for emergencies, for example by putting together an emergency package with drinking water, non-perishable food and cash for at least 72 hours.
In addition, the government focuses on combating disinformation, a commonly used tactic in hybrid warfare. The spread of fake news can polarize society and undermine trust in democratic institutions. Initiatives to increase media literacy and promote reliable sources of information are therefore crucial.
stronger together
Dutch society plays an essential role in increasing preparedness. Trust in the government, cooperation between public and private sectors and the involvement of citizens are of great importance to minimize the consequences of military threats and hybrid attacks. Through a joint effort, the Netherlands can not only guarantee the continuity of essential services, but also create a stable basis for societal resilience in times of crisis.
Photo: Copyright NATO – NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and the President of Ukraine, Mr. Volodymyr Zelenskyy
