Finance
Dutch Are Facing Biggest Security Threat in Decades, Intelligence Agency Says
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on April 23, 2026
2 min readLast updated: April 23, 2026
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Dutch intel agency AIVD warns the Netherlands is confronting its most severe security threat since WWII, driven by aggression from Russia and China, alongside rising domestic jihadist and far-right extremism in an increasingly unstable global order.
Netherlands Faces Greatest Security Threat in Decades, AIVD Reports
Overview of National Security Threats Identified by AIVD
Unprecedented Threat Levels Since World War Two
ZOETERMEER, the Netherlands, April 23 (Reuters) - The Netherlands is facing the greatest threat to its national security since the end of World War Two, chiefly from Russia and China, against the backdrop of a much more "unpredictable" world order, Dutch intelligence agency AIVD said on Thursday.
"In the 80 years of our existence, we have not seen a threat level like the current one, where national security has been put under pressure from so many sides at once, for such a long time," AIVD director Simone Smit said at the presentation of the agency's annual report.
"We see an unstable and unpredictable world order, after decades where stability and predictability were the foundation of prosperity and peace."
Main External Threats: Russia and China
Russia's Aggressive Stance and Cyber Attacks
As in past years, the AIVD stressed the threats to the Netherlands, a founder member of both NATO and the European Union, emanating from Russia and China.
It said Russia had become even more aggressive against Western countries including the Netherlands, mainly through cyber attacks.
"Russia is preparing for a long confrontation with the West," the AIVD said. "As a consequence, a military conflict between Russia and the West is no longer unthinkable."
Russia denies any plan to attack NATO countries but accuses what it calls the "collective West" of threatening its own national security, especially through its financial and military support for Ukraine.
China's Technological Ambitions and Economic Espionage
The AIVD said China was continuing "illegal" efforts to acquire advanced technological expertise in its push "to reshape the world order .. to better serve its own interests".
The AIVD has long labeled China as the largest threat to Dutch economic security, and said that threat had deepened in 2025.
China denies acting illegally in pursuit of its economic interests or posing any threat to Western countries.
Domestic Security Concerns
Jihadist and Far-Right Groups
Domestically, jihadist and far-right groups pose the main security threat in the Netherlands, with both groups gaining a worrying popularity among some young people, the agency said.
Reporting and Attribution
(Reporting by Bart Meijer)
Key Takeaways
- •AIVD calls current threat level unprecedented in its 80-year history, citing prolonged, multi-faceted pressure on national security (english.aivd.nl).
- •Russia is engaging in aggressive cyberattacks, espionage and potential sabotage, signaling a long-term confrontation with the West (nltimes.nl).
- •China intensifies illegal economic espionage and tech acquisition to advance its global influence, challenging Dutch economic security (nltimes.nl).
- •Jihadist and far-right extremist groups are gaining ground, especially among youth, fueling societal polarization and posing growing domestic threats (scribd.com).
References
Frequently Asked Questions about Dutch are facing biggest security threat in decades, intelligence agency says
1What is the main security concern for the Netherlands according to AIVD?
The AIVD says the greatest threat to Dutch national security comes from Russia and China, mainly through cyber attacks and economic espionage.
2How has Russia threatened the Netherlands?
Russia is accused of aggressive cyber attacks and preparing for long-term confrontation with Western countries including the Netherlands.
3Why does AIVD label China as an economic security threat?
AIVD reports China conducts illegal efforts to gain advanced technological expertise to reshape the global order for its interests.
4What domestic security threats does the Netherlands face?
Domestically, far-right and jihadist groups are the main security threats, especially among some young people.
