How Cooperation Between the Netherlands and the US Is Quietly Changing

The Netherlands has long relied on close cooperation with the United States in security, trade, and diplomacy. Under President Donald Trump, that relationship has become more delicate. Dutch politicians are avoiding direct confrontation, but behind the scenes, cooperation is changing in noticeable ways.

Public statements from The Hague remain restrained, even when U.S. actions raise serious concerns. Officials stress the importance of keeping the alliance stable, while quietly adjusting how and where the Netherlands works with Washington.

Prime Minister Dick Schoof has repeatedly chosen careful wording when responding to Trump’s statements and actions. When Trump raised controversial ideas about Greenland or security commitments, Schoof acknowledged the risks to European and NATO stability but avoided personal criticism.

This cautious approach reflects the Netherlands’ difficult position. The country values its historic ties with the United States, yet must also protect European security, international law, and its own overseas territories.

Tensions rose sharply after U.S. military action against Venezuela’s government. The Netherlands is uniquely exposed because Aruba, Curaçao, and Bonaire lie just off the Venezuelan coast. Any regional instability directly affects Dutch territory.

Foreign Minister David van Weel urged respect for international law but stopped short of condemnation. Others within Dutch politics were less restrained. Some coalition figures warned the action undermined global legal norms, while right-wing voices openly supported Washington.

As host to international courts in The Hague, the Netherlands faces a credibility challenge when close allies bypass international legal frameworks.

Defence cooperation remains central, especially within NATO. Trump’s demands for higher defence spending have pushed European allies to commit to major increases. At the 2025 NATO summit in The Hague, members agreed to raise spending targets to 5 percent of GDP by 2035.

Former Dutch prime minister Mark Rutte, now NATO’s secretary-general, played a key role in managing relations with Trump. Personal diplomacy, praise, and careful framing helped keep the alliance intact, even as European leaders worried about unpredictability.

The summit itself was unusually short, reflecting concerns about avoiding confrontation and keeping discussions tightly controlled.

Security cooperation continues, but with new caution. Dutch intelligence agencies still work with U.S. counterparts on terrorism and cyber threats, yet they now assess information sharing more carefully.

Officials have confirmed that not all intelligence is automatically shared. Decisions increasingly depend on the purpose, legal context, and potential political use of the information. At the same time, cooperation with European partners has deepened.

This shift does not signal a break, but it does indicate reduced trust compared to earlier years.

Another growing concern is the Netherlands’ reliance on U.S. technology companies. Government data and digital infrastructure depend heavily on American cloud providers, raising fears about access under U.S. law.

The American CLOUD Act allows U.S. authorities to demand data from U.S.-based companies, even when stored in Europe. Privacy experts warn this clashes with European data protection rules.

Many Dutch municipalities would prefer European alternatives, but years of underinvestment mean viable options remain limited. What began as a practical choice has become a strategic vulnerability.

The United States remains one of the Netherlands’ most important economic partners. Dutch companies are major investors in the U.S., and American firms play a large role in the Dutch economy.

However, proposed U.S. tariff increases threaten exports in chemicals, pharmaceuticals, machinery, and vehicle parts. Economists warn this could raise inflation and slow growth. A broader trade conflict between the U.S. and the EU would also increase prices for Dutch consumers.

As a result, policymakers are reassessing economic exposure while trying to preserve access to the American market.

Support for Ukraine adds another layer of complexity. The Netherlands depends on U.S. backing for continued military and political support. Recent international meetings showed signs of a more transactional U.S. approach, with American representatives attending but avoiding firm commitments.

Dutch leaders publicly express confidence in U.S. support, but privately acknowledge growing uncertainty. Any deployment of Dutch troops would require parliamentary approval, making future commitments politically sensitive.

Taken together, these developments point to a fundamental shift. The Netherlands still cooperates closely with the United States, but with more caution, less automatic trust, and greater emphasis on European coordination.

Defence Minister Ruben Brekelmans has stressed that the Netherlands avoids involvement in U.S. operations near Venezuela, reflecting a broader defensive posture. Experts note the dilemma clearly: the Netherlands must uphold international law, protect its territories, and maintain U.S. support for Ukraine: all without provoking Washington.

The result is a relationship where no one openly challenges Trump, yet cooperation is being reshaped across diplomacy, security, technology, and trade. The alliance remains, but it is more fragile, more cautious, and increasingly influenced by the Netherlands’ growing need for European strategic autonomy.