As a direct consequence of the Covid-19 crisis which has hit Europe since last March, many European economies are having to face extremely worrying budgetary situations, first and foremost the Netherlands, an economic power terribly dependent on world trade, which is now considering reducing its defense spending. A decision which could have a snowball effect on other NATO countries, which already fear the budgetary consequences of the Covid-19 crisis on all of its members .
It seems unlikely today , given the comments of Defense Minister Ank Bijleveld reported by the national daily De Telegraaf , that the Dutch government will fulfill its budgetary obligations towards the Alliance. Indeed, following the Crimean crisis caused by Russia in March 2014, The Hague committed alongside its transatlantic partners, during the Wales (United Kingdom) summit, to increase its defense spending to the tune of 2% of its GDP by 2024. Although already difficult to achieve - by Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte's own admission - the Batavian Kingdom's declared defense objectives are about to be swept away by the health crisis hitting the continent, undermining the country's notable efforts made over the last five years.
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