Minister of Defense: Army Lacks Ammunition, Fuel, Clothing and Spare Parts

Departing Minister of Defense Hans Hillen (Christian Democrat), says that the Army lacks fuel, clothing, and spare parts. He says that according to agreements in NATO, the Netherlands is committed to spend two percent of the Gross Domestic product for Defense. In reality it only spends one percent. The budget cuts on defense of the new cabinet may endanger the constitutional tasks of the Dutch army. Ten years ago, the U.S paid for 50% of NATO’s costs and Europe the other 50%. Now the U.S pays for 75%. Europe is sponging off of the Americans.   

www.elsevier.nl/web/Nieuws/Politiek/353749/Hillen-snijden-in-defensie-mogelijk-ongrondwettelijk.htm