Coalition agreement: new cabinet fails to make real investment in peace

If we compare the coalition agreement with the plans of the previous government, we see progress. However, it would be a mistake to take the previous far-right government as a starting point. We must not normalise far-right ideology. The decision by D66, the CDA and the VVD to engage in an arms race and invest very little in matters that contribute to peace is unacceptable. Especially at a time like this, when tensions are running high. The break with the previous cabinet is positive, but not enough to ensure a peaceful society.

During the formation of the new government, we gave thirteen recommendations (Dutch) that truly focus on a just and inclusive peace policy. With those recommendations in mind, this is what strikes us about the coalition agreement:

International cooperation and diplomacy are crucial for sustainable peace. We see that funds are being made available for this again, and we are positive about that. Unfortunately, the amounts involved are small. This certainly does not meet the UN standard of spending 0.7 per cent of national income on international cooperation.

Moreover, the investments stand in stark contrast to the mega-investments in defence that the incoming cabinet wants to make. It is committing itself to the NATO/Trump standard of 3.5% of national income (plus 1.5% for related matters). This arbitrary standard should be reconsidered. The investments offer false security for Europe and the rest of the world and contribute to a dangerous arms race.

This cabinet is going back in time when we look at the passage on nuclear weapons. The three parties are constructive about strengthening European nuclear deterrence. This is about strengthening illegal weapons of mass destruction, which is at odds with international agreements that commit to nuclear disarmament. The commitment to nuclear disarmament is completely absent from this coalition agreement, whereas previous cabinets did include it.

We also read worrying plans regarding the arms trade. The new cabinet wants to accede to the Aachen Treaty, which facilitates Dutch arms exports that contravene European export criteria. This goes against what is needed: no European or Dutch arms to Sudan, Israel, or dictatorships and countries where human rights or the laws of war are violated. After all, it is always civilians who are the victims of this.

It is absurd that D66, the CDA and the VVD are not proposing any additional measures against Israel, which is still committing genocide in Gaza. No tough sanctions, no arms embargo. This can no longer be justified in any way. The agreement mentions efforts to combat impunity, but the parties are not elaborating on this. It is very important that this is done and implemented.

On a positive note, support for Ukraine remains unchanged. It is important that the Ukrainian people are explicitly involved in negotiations on peace in the country.

In recent years, peace policy has been neglected, while threats and conflicts have increased. We must therefore invest in peace now. We call on D66, CDA, VVD and all other parties in the House of Representatives to come up with ambitious plans for peace.