Finance
Europe Should Focus on Own Security as Global Threats Mount, Dutch Intelligence Agency Says
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on April 21, 2026
2 min readLast updated: April 21, 2026
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Quick Summary
Europe must shoulder more of its own defence, warns Dutch military intelligence (MIVD), citing weakening Western alliances, China’s support for Russia in Ukraine, cyber threats, and destabilising spillovers from the Middle East and U.S.–Venezuelan tensions.
Europe should focus on own security as global threats mount, Dutch intelligence agency says
By Anthony Deutsch
Mounting Security Challenges and Europe's Response
Pressure on Western Alliances and China's Role
THE HAGUE, April 21 (Reuters) - Europe must take greater responsibility for its own security, the Dutch military intelligence agency MIVD said on Tuesday, citing pressure on long-standing Western alliances and China's support for Russia's war in Ukraine.
The comment by MIVD Director Peter Reesink accompanied the release of its annual report for 2025.
Changing International System and Growing Threats
"The international system we have relied on for decades - with institutions acting as guardians of rules and agreements - is under pressure," Reesink said in a statement. "It is precisely in this space, where rules blur and power becomes more decisive, that threats grow. Europe must increasingly take responsibility for its own security."
Emerging Threats and Cybersecurity Risks
Spillover from Global Conflicts
Spillover from other conflicts including the U.S.-Venezuelan conflict and tensions in the Middle East posed threats to the Netherlands and its interests, the MIVD said in a report published on Tuesday. It also warned about the growing risks of Chinese cybersecurity attacks, which the agency expects to increase this year.
Heightened NATO Tensions and U.S. Relations
The report comes amidst heightened tensions between NATO and U.S. President Donald Trump, who has threatened to leave the alliance due to its reluctance to join the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran.
European Cooperation and Reduced U.S. Reliance
Reesink told journalists in The Hague that the Netherlands still has a strong relationship with the United States. At the same time, he said there is an increased push by European agencies to strengthen cooperation and rely less on what the Dutch intelligence agency called "unpredictable" politics in Washington.
"Europe needs to stand on its own two feet. That applies for the defence sector ... and also for the intelligence community," he said.
Ukraine Conflict Remains the Greatest Threat
The greatest security threat to the Netherlands remains the conflict in Ukraine - Europe's largest since World War Two - he said, citing military cooperation between North Korea, China, Iran and Russia.
(Reporting by Anthony Deutsch; additional reporting by Suban Abdulla; Editing by Tomasz Janowski and Joe Bavier)
Key Takeaways
- •MIVD Director Peter Reesink emphasises that the international rules-based order is under increasing pressure, prompting Europe to take greater responsibility for its own security. (intelbrief.org)
- •MIVD warns of rising cyber threats—particularly from China, expected to intensify in 2026—and hostile spillover risks from conflicts in the Middle East and U.S.–Venezuela tensions. (nltimes.nl)
- •The call for European self-reliance comes amid growing strain in NATO, as U.S. President Trump has threatened to withdraw from the alliance due to members’ reluctance to join the U.S.–Israeli war on Iran, calling NATO a “paper tiger”. (foreignpolicy.com)
References
Frequently Asked Questions about Europe should focus on own security as global threats mount, Dutch intelligence agency says
1Why does the Dutch intelligence agency believe Europe should focus on its own security?
The Dutch intelligence agency asserts Europe must take greater responsibility due to increasing threats and pressure on long-standing Western alliances.
2What are some of the main global threats identified by the MIVD?
MIVD cites China's support for Russia, cybersecurity attacks, and spillover from U.S.-Venezuelan and Middle East conflicts as main threats.
3How is China's involvement raising security concerns for Europe?
The agency notes China's growing cybersecurity attacks and support for Russia's war in Ukraine as major concerns.
4What tensions are affecting NATO according to the report?
The report highlights tensions due to U.S. President Donald Trump's threats to leave NATO over reluctance to support the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran.
5Which regions' conflicts are impacting European security?
Conflicts in the Middle East and between the U.S. and Venezuela are noted as having spillover risks for the Netherlands and Europe.
