Gov't Commits Additional EUR1bn For Ukraine In '24, EUR3bn In '25

Dutch PM Mark Rutte has stated that the Dutch gov't has pledged an additional EUR1bn in support for Ukraine in 2024, with a further EUR3bn earmarked in 2025. The announcement comes after a call between the outgoing PM and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and will sit alongside EUR400mn set to be provided for reconstruction.

• NL Times: "The government is also investing in defense to meet the NATO standard of spending 2 percent of the gross national product (GDP) on the armed forces. The Netherlands just missed that target last year. With the additional investments, Dutch defense spending will be 2.15 percent this year, 2.05 percent in 2025, and 2.22 percent in 2026. After that, it is up to the new government to ensure it adheres to the NATO standard.
  Almost all parties listed adhering to the NATO standard as a priority in their election programs last year, so these investments are likely to continue."
• Having been something of an historical laggard when it comes to defence spending. However, with Rutte seen as the frontrunner to serve as the next NATO secretary general, and concerns that a future gov't involving the right-wing populist Party for Freedom may look to curtail financial and military support for Ukraine, the demissionary cabinet has sought to ensure funding for at least the next few years.