The Dutch cabinet is to take more steps to ensure the country can withstand a major armed conflict or other crises, such as a pandemic or long-lasting collapse in essential services, justice minister David van Weel and defence minister Ruben Brekelmans said on Friday.

“The Russian aggression, which extends beyond Ukraine, has made possible something that was once unthinkable: the direct involvement of Nato—and thus our country—in a large-scale armed conflict,” the ministers said in a 19-page briefing to parliament.

“While this conflict may not occur on Dutch soil, if our country is involved or if it takes place in the vicinity of the Netherlands, we will also be part of it.”

The focus is also on attempts from abroad to destabilise Dutch society, create unrest or cause economic damage, the ministers said. As part of this, the ministers said, all Dutch households should have emergency supplies on hand – such as sufficient food and a radio – as they did during the Cold War.

Russian aggression

“During a war or crisis, it is crucial that the economy keeps running and that the government remains intact,” he said. “In this way, the armed forces can focus on combat if necessary. But businesses and governments must be prepared for disruptive scenarios. If we show our resilience and readiness, it will deter Russia and China.”

Next year, the cabinet will also launch a nationwide campaign to make sure people are prepared to deal with any threats. Research by the counter-terrorism unit NCTV, published on Friday, shows that four in 10 people are increasingly worried about geopolitical and military threats and their potential consequences for the Netherlands.

At the same time, 75% of Dutch citizens say they have yet to take any action to better prepare to deal with the risks.

The Netherlands is not at war, but “no longer at peace”, Brekelmans said. “In this grey area, we have to defend ourselves against hybrid attacks and increase our military’s preparedness.”