Senior Course 142 Field Study 3: Visit to the Netherlands

The first visit on June 2023 was to the Parliament, where the group was briefed by parliamentarians of the Committee of Security and Defence: Mr Raymond de Roon, Mr Alexander Hammelburg, Mr Harmen Krul, Mr Peter Valstar and Mr Laurens Dassen. COL Eric de Landmeter, NDC Senior Faculty Advisor, Academic Policy & Engagement Branch and the Netherland’s Senior National Representative, introduced panelists and gave the floor to the Chair, Mr Raymond de Roon, who provided an overview of the Committee’s work. In his speech, Mr de Roon focused on investment on defence, which will improve the country’s operational readiness of forces and interoperability. He also explained how the 2% GDP target, a NATO and EU objective, is being met by the Netherlands. As regards the Russian aggression in Ukraine, he highlighted that the Netherlands fully supports the liberation of Ukraine’s occupied territories. He then focused on international cooperation, the challenge of China, and climate change. The panelists answered questions in a compelling Q&A session that covered current topics such as defence budget expenditures, the Netherland’s support to Ukraine, procurement, the importance of the global market, and the threat of terrorism.

After lunch at the Ministry of Defence, the NDC delegation was hosted at the Peace Palace, a remarkable building that houses the Permanent Court of Arbitration; the United Nations International Court of Justice, and The Hague Academy of International Law, where Ms Monique Legerman, First Secretary of the Court, briefed Course Members about the Palace and the various mandates of its institutions. She underlined the prestige and significance of the Library of the Peace Palace, that is also open to the public. Ms Legerman then kindly answered questions by Course Members, eager to learn more about this important establishment. That evening, the group participated to a dinner organized at the Ministry of Defence.

The second day started at the Ministry of Defence of the Netherlands, where Senior Course 142 was welcomed by Vice Admiral Boudewijn Boots, Deputy Chief of Defence. In his welcome remarks, VADM Boots introduced the day’s topics. He then answered questions focused on Southern Flank and the Netherlands’ ambitions, adaptation of the armed forces in light of future threats, hybrid warfare, the challenge of China, climate change and its impact on defence, the digital revolution, and multidomain operations.

Afterwards, COL De Landmeter introduced COL Sander Luijten, Deputy Military Representative to the European Union, who outlined the EU’s structure and how it functions, its decision-making process inside the Council and working groups, and explained how each is devoted to specific topics. He also spoke of the EU Military Committee and its role within the Council to provide early warning, situation assessments, strategic planning, and develop communication and information systems and concepts. COL Luijten then focused on the EU Strategic Compass and the responsibility of Member States to adapt their defence capabilities to new security challenges. He described the differences between NATO and EU Military Staff (EUMS), mainly in terms of human resources. At the end of the presentation, there was an enriching Q&A period, during which CMs of SC 142 focused on the complementary and cooperative relationship between NATO and EU, and possible division of tasks to avoid duplication of effort. The subject of Ukraine was discussed, along with changes required should it be accepted to join the EU.

At the end of the briefing, all Italian Course Members convened colleagues to share thoughts on the occasion of the Italian National Holiday. LTC Salvatore Mottola, Course Member of ITA Guardia di Finanza (ITA Economic and Financial Police) made a speech and spoke of the importance of the fundamental values Italy considers the pillars of a peaceful coexistence among peoples. These values are shared with European and NATO countries with whom commitment to a common path is one that is constructed internally and outside the European Union.

The next briefing was on Strategic Culture, presented by Dr Marenne Jansen, Head of the Strategic Unit of the Ministry of Defence, who gave a short introduction to the Defence White Paper. After sharing some insights about the Ministry’s Strategic Cycle and how the unit prepares strategic papers, Dr Jansen spoke on the Strategic Concept, its objectives, current trends in the strategic security context, as well as climate change, hybrid warfare, and digital transformation which are fundamental topics to consider in the strategic plannin process. Several questions, made by Course Members during the presentation, enriched and stimulated the discussion.

In the afternoon, a panel discussion composed of Ms Kimini Delfos, from the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management, Mr Niels van Campen, from the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Mr Jos Leenheer, from the Ministry of Defence, CDR Marcel Claessens, from the Ministry of Defence, Mr Marcel van den Bogaard, from the Ministry of Justice and Security and Mr Daniel Kooij, from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs discussed “Critical Infrastructures in the North Sea”. Panelists underscored the importance of protecting infrastructure, citing the North Stream 2 sabotage as a case in point, and how this very topic would be discussed at the next NATO summit in Vilnius. Protecting infrastructure is not a problem of just a handful of countries. All nations must contribute and share information and consider legal implications in conformity of international law. Course Members provided substantive contributions through their questions, which led to discussions on possible risks of Chinese investments in the region; influence of private companies in infrastructure regulations; cyber security, and how NATO can contribute to the protection of maritime infrastructures.

The panel discussion was the final engagement for Senior Course 142, which officially ended the Dutch portion of their Field Study 3 trip.

NDC Public Affairs Office