The Dutch parliament has voted against the bloc’s €800 billion defense plan, citing financial risks and unclear guidelines
The Dutch parliament has rejected the EU’s multibillion-euro plan to boost military spending, citing financial risks and a lack of clarity, according to the Volkskrant newspaper. This rejection comes as Brussels pushes for increased military spending to counter a perceived threat from Russia.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen introduced the REARM plan earlier this month, proposing €150 billion in loans to EU governments for defense, alongside fiscal exemptions. This could potentially unlock up to €800 billion ($870 billion) for military spending over the next four years.
However, Dutch lawmakers have expressed concern that the plan lacks a solid financial structure and could trigger an economic crisis. Despite initial support from Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof, a slim parliamentary majority – including the Party for Freedom (PVV), New Social Contract (NSC), and the Farmer–Citizen Movement (BBB) – voted against the proposal on Tuesday.
Lawmakers voiced concerns that the plan’s reliance on joint EU loans would increase member states’ debt and expose them to financial vulnerabilities. An NSC representative stated that while the party supports aid to Ukraine and larger EU military budgets, it opposes eurobonds or expanding budgetary standards, as proposed by REARM.
The EU’s push for militarization intensified after US President Donald Trump repeatedly criticized European NATO members for not meeting defense spending targets. Last month, Trump warned that the US might not automatically defend NATO allies who failed to increase their financial contributions, stating, “If they don’t pay, I’m not going to defend them.”
In response, European leaders have moved to increase their military budgets, with some using a supposed Russian threat to justify the increased spending. French President Emmanuel Macron recently described Russia as a “threat to Europe” and suggested extending France’s nuclear umbrella to other EU countries.
Moscow has consistently denied any intention to attack NATO or EU countries, dismissing such claims as “nonsense.” The Kremlin has also condemned the EU’s plans to increase defense spending, calling it “militarization” that is “primarily aimed at Russia” and expressing “deep concern” over such moves.