Environmental Rules in the Netherlands Hamper Army Operations – Media

Environmental regulations in the Netherlands are hindering the operations of the Dutch military and obstructing NATO’s efforts to ramp up defense capabilities, according to a report by the Dutch government’s scientific advisory body, TNO.

The report, reviewed by De Telegraaf and cited by European Pravda, discovered that many military facilities in the Netherlands are located in or near protected areas where nitrogen emissions are tightly regulated.

The TNO study concluded that the Dutch armed forces are “almost unable to conduct training or expansion,” raising concerns about the country’s ability to maintain its defense readiness.

Researchers analyzed five military sites, including ports, training grounds, and an air base.

“Many construction and renovation projects are at risk. According to a court ruling, permits are also required for other nitrogen-emitting activities at military barracks,” the report said.

Minister for Arms Procurement and Personnel Gijs Tuinman warned that the current restrictions on nitrogen emissions could undermine the government’s goal to spend 3.5% of GDP on defense.

“The armed forces must be prepared if something goes wrong on NATO’s eastern flank,” he said.

Last month, the Dutch Ministry of Defence’s plans to build an ammunition depot near the town of Starhorst in the north of the country were delayed due to the discovery of a badger sett in a nearby protected forest.

Thierry Francou, CEO of French munitions manufacturer Eurenco, said in April that EU environmental regulations were stalling efforts to scale up arms production and meet growing military demand.

“We are operating under peacetime standards,” Francou told Euractiv, adding that current planning rules across the EU are inadequate for the needs of the defense sector.

Despite billions of euros in investment in new production facilities and soaring demand for missiles and artillery shells, European defense manufacturers are struggling to fulfill government contracts.