The Dutch caretaker government has agreed to significantly increase its defense budget to 3.5% of its gross domestic product (GDP), a move hailed as a “historic decision” by acting defense minister Ruben Brekelmans.

In addition to the core defense budget increase, the government aims to allocate an additional 1.5% of GDP to projects that bolster defense capabilities, including cybersecurity enhancements and infrastructure upgrades. This broader initiative is being referred to as “general resilience.”

The decision, made by the caretaker cabinet consisting of the VVD, NSC, and BBB parties, aligns with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte’s urging for member states to dedicate 5% of their GDP to defense-related commitments. The current NATO guideline is 2%, a threshold the Netherlands has only recently met.

According to Brekelmans, the increased spending is crucial for ensuring national security and strengthening the military. He has been advocating for the Netherlands to support NATO’s position in advance of the alliance’s summit in The Hague later this month.

While the caretaker cabinet can propose new policies, it remains uncertain whether the increase will receive majority support in parliament. The largest opposition party, GL–PvdA, has not yet issued a public statement, and the far-right PVV, which recently withdrew from the coalition, opposes the defense spending boost. Parliament is scheduled to debate the matter on Tuesday.

The estimated cost of the additional spending ranges from €16 billion to €19 billion per year, but the caretaker government has not yet determined how it will be financed. Brekelmans stated that the next cabinet will be responsible for finalizing the funding plans.

Rutte has consistently encouraged NATO’s 32 member states to increase their defense budgets, and a formal agreement to target 3.5% of GDP is anticipated to be adopted at the upcoming summit in The Hague.