In the Netherlands, there is talk of a new threat level
Dutch intelligence has warned of the most serious threat to the country since World War II. Russia and China are cited as the main sources of risk. The agency says the world has become significantly less predictable, according to Reuters.
The Dutch intelligence service AIVD has warned of a sharp increase in threats to national security. This was stated by the agency’s director, Simone Smith, during the presentation of the annual report. According to her, the current situation is unprecedented in recent decades. “In the 80 years of our existence, we have not seen a threat level like the one we face today, where national security is under pressure from many sides at once,” she said.
The report notes that the global order is changing and becoming less stable. Whereas predictability and relative calm were once the foundation of development, the situation is different now. “We are seeing an unstable and unpredictable global order,” Smith emphasized.
The report pays particular attention to Russia’s actions. Intelligence assesses that Russia has become more aggressive toward Western countries, including the Netherlands. This primarily involves cyberattacks and other hybrid methods.
The document also notes that Russia is preparing for a prolonged confrontation with the West. “Military conflict between Russia and the West is no longer unthinkable,” the service’s conclusions state.
China is mentioned in the report as another risk factor. According to intelligence assessments, Beijing is attempting to gain access to advanced technologies, sometimes through illegal means, to strengthen its position in the world.
In conclusion, the AIVD emphasizes that modern threats have become complex and long-term. They encompass not only the military sphere but also cyberspace, the economy, and technology.
France and Poland are preparing joint air force exercises in the Baltic region involving Rafale fighter jets capable of carrying nuclear missiles. During the exercises, they plan to practice, in particular, simulated strikes on targets within Russian territory.
