Jun 19, 2020

Burdens—and decisions—should be shared

Sico van der Meer, Clingendael Institute, Netherlands
Fighter jet on the deck of an aircraft carrier

The Dutch government traditionally closely observes German policies. With regard to nuclear sharing, the Dutch government sees it as a NATO task, which consequently cannot be a burden for one or very few member states only; the burden should be shared. Any discussions on nuclear sharing should preferably be coordinated within NATO, to prevent any alleingang [go it alone] from any country (which may play into the hands of countries that try to undermine cohesion within NATO as well). In the past, there have been discussions between Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands to coordinate their positions towards nuclear sharing and this kind of policy coordination remains the preferred option to deal with the topic. 

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Sico van der Meer, Research Fellow, Clingendael Institute