Dutch to strengthen approach to foreign threats. National security and the democratic legal order must be protected, especially with a war on the European continent, Justice and Security Minister Dilan Yeşilgöz-Zegerius wrote in a reinforced approach to state threats to the House of Representatives on Monday.
The reinforced approach sent on behalf of eight, explains that threats from other countries are increasing.
According to the Dutch government, cooperation with other nations increases both opportunities and threats, and these threats can range from spreading disinformation to the use of (digital) resources for both espionage and sabotage. Additionally, the government wrote that extra efforts are needed to deal with “unwanted interference by China, but other countries are certainly not lost sight of.”
“We must protect national security and democratic rule of law in our country. These are under pressure, especially with a war on the European continent. It is, therefore imperative that we expand and strengthen our approach to state threats,” tweeted the minister.
The reinforced approach suggests four ways to deal with threats. Proactive action when Dutch public interests are harmed, promoting and protecting economic and knowledge security, counteracting unwanted foreign interference, and protecting democratic processes and institutions.
(Sofia Stuart Leeson | EURACTIV.com)
Source: euractiv.com
