Security is under pressure in Europe. Europe’s response remains confined to substantial investment in defence, up to as much as 5% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP). At the same time, the Netherlands has drastically cut spending on diplomacy and international cooperation: things that contribute to genuine and lasting peace. The balance has been upset.
Europe must pursue peace in keeping with its own principles. Security is one component of this but not enough in itself. Experience tells us that lasting peace and security require an integrated approach: a political strategy that not only relies on deterrence but also invests in diplomacy, international cooperation and democracy.
A more detailed explanation on the Emergency Package for Peace can be found here.
