Defence Minister Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert
March 15, 2013 defense-aerospace.com
(Source: Dutch News In English; published March 14, 2013)
More Military Partnership with Germany
THE HAGUE --- The Netherlands and Germany will sign a declaration of intent next month to expand their partnership in the military area further, said Defence Minister Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert in the Lower House.
The two countries already work together in the German-Dutch Army Corps. Additionally, they have joined forces in the North Afghan province of Kunduz. The Germans are responsible there for the protection of the Dutch police training mission.
Hennis already stated earlier that she wants to push for broadening and deepening of international partnership in the coming years. She is mainly seeking bilateral partnership, as an edict from the European Commission to strengthen military cooperation will not work, Hennis believes.
The EU heads of state and governments will discuss European defence at a summit in December. Proposals will then be discussed on the disposition of defence budgets and capacity available as effectively as possible, among other things. Prospects such as a single EU headquarters or a single commander will not be on the agenda, according to Hennis.
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