Government sets aside over €2 billion in aid for Ukraine
The Netherlands’ support for Ukraine is steadfast. For 2024 the government has set aside over €2 billion in aid. This sum is mainly intended for military support, but a portion of it will also go to criminal investigations and justice, recovery and reconstruction, and donations to funds. This was announced by Minister of Defence Kajsa Ollongren, Minister of Foreign Affairs Hanke Bruins Slot and Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation Liejse Schreinemacher.
This decision is in keeping with the pledge made by the government at last summer’s NATO Summit in Vilnius. By signing the G7 Joint Declaration of Support for Ukraine on that occasion, the Netherlands committed itself to continue supporting Ukraine over the long term.
The portion earmarked for military support will meet Ukrainian needs in terms of ammunition and the maintenance of platforms and systems that have already been provided. For example, the Netherlands is seeking to help strengthen Ukraine’s air defences, so the country can continue to defend itself against attacks on its vital infrastructure.
In addition, the government is reserving €102 million for the first four months of 2024 for humanitarian support, recovery and reconstruction. In the spring of 2024 Ukraine will again take stock of its needs, and on that basis the government will determine its future contribution to recovery and reconstruction. Another €89 million will be set aside for accountability; this amount includes funds to cover the cost of setting up a special tribunal for Ukraine. Lastly, €3 million will be donated for cybersecurity for Ukraine.
In its letter to parliament on the subject, the government noted, ‘With this gesture the Netherlands is sending a message of undiminished solidary with the Ukraine people. They can count on predictable Dutch support for as long as necessary. It is also a political signal to Russia that the Dutch government is determined to continue its support to Ukraine.’
The amount in question is similar to what was reserved for this year: a total of €2.5 billion was set aside for 2023. A further €1.7 billion was added this past summer to ramp up military support.