This article focuses on the Dutch and Polish relationship. The main struggle about Poland as the new EU council president is analyzed in depth in this article from Euro Prospects. 

While Poland and the Netherlands share common ground on certain issues, there are also potential friction points. The extent of these implications will depend on how Poland balances its domestic priorities with its role as a neutral facilitator during its presidency. 

During its six months of EU Council Presidency tenure, the biggest focus Poland’s government has is on improving security. Adopting the slogan “Security, Europe”, Poland’s several points within the continent include defense and security, ensuring security and freedom of business, and energy transition. Though both NATO members, Poland prioritizes NATO as the cornerstone of European security, and just like the Netherlands has shown cautious support for further European strategic autonomy, albeit emphasizing that any EU military policy should complement NATO rather than duplicate efforts. Furthermore, Poland’s leadership in fostering collaboration on cybersecurity initiatives adds an extra layer of protection for all member states, including those with significant digital economies, such as the Netherlands. Prior to assuming the EU presidency in January 2025, Poland undertook several initiatives to bolster its cybersecurity framework, achieving varying degrees of success. 

Poland implemented a comprehensive strategy aimed at enhancing resilience to cyber threats and improving data protection across public, military, and private sectors. Key components included developing the National Cybersecurity System and fostering better coordination among law enforcement agencies. In December 2023, Poland collaborated with nations such as Denmark, Estonia, and the United States, to co-found the Tallinn Mechanism to strengthen NATO members’ cybersecurity cooperation, with a particular focus on supporting Ukraine. As of most recently, in November 2024, Poland engaged in discussions to strengthen the implementation of the Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA) and the Network and Information Security Directive (NIS2). By improving coordination between governments, businesses, and other stakeholders, the EU can build stronger cybersecurity resilience, support innovation, and ease the compliance burden. These efforts aimed to enhance the resilience of the digital ecosystem by identifying regulatory gaps and proposing collaborative improvements. With Poland thus at the EU’s helm, such national policies could shape joint EU defense projects. 

One of the priorities that can boost defense projects is the promotion of economic resilience within the EU, both for the Netherlands and Poland. The Netherlands, as one of the EU’s most open and trade-dependent economies, stands to benefit significantly from this emphasis. Even though the upcoming Trump administration seems to be a threat to it, Poland’s leadership could lead to policy frameworks that support innovation, reduce regulatory barriers, and strengthen the EU’s single market. During Trump’s last term in office, The Netherlands and the United States maintained a strong economic partnership. The Netherlands is one of the largest investors in the U.S., and the U.S. is a significant investor in the Dutch economy.  

Just like Poland, The Netherlands, as a NATO member, faced pressure from Trump’s administration to increase its defense spending to meet the NATO target of 2% of GDP. One of the points for Poland’s agenda is to ensure security and freedom of business. A specific area of interest was the U.S.’s pressure on the Netherlands to restrict the export of ASML’s advanced lithography machines to China, citing national security concerns. One of the most important Dutch companies is ASML, specialized in designing, developing, and manufacturing advanced photolithography equipment for the semiconductor industry. Its technology is critical in the production of microchips, which are used in a wide range of electronic devices, from smartphones and computers to automobiles and data centers. ASML is the sole supplier of EUV lithography machines globally, which are essential for manufacturing the most advanced chips. This highlighted the strategic role of the Netherlands in global semiconductor supply chains and the impact of U.S. policies on its decisions.

Dutch industries, particularly in technology and logistics, could find new opportunities to expand and thrive within a more resilient and integrated European economy which emphasizes self-autonomy. Additionally, Poland’s push for equitable distribution of economic benefits across member states ensures that the Netherlands’ contributions to the EU budget are effectively utilized.  

To further improve the EU in its vision, Poland is seeking to reduce dependence on external energy sources. Poland stresses that the reliability and certainty of the supply of energy resources is crucial for the EU’s energy security. However, it was only Russia’s full-scale aggression against Ukraine that led to a reduction in Russian gas and oil imports by about two-thirds and a complete shift away from Russian coal imports. For the Netherlands, a leader in renewable energy and sustainable technologies, this could create new opportunities for collaboration in diversifying energy supplies and advancing green initiatives. Joint investments in energy interconnectors and shared renewable projects could bolster energy independence across the EU, ensuring stability and affordability for Dutch households and businesses. 

An example of potential collaboration is the development of cross-border energy interconnectors to link Polish and Dutch grids, ensuring mutual energy supplies during crises. Poland’s efforts to expand its liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminals and diversify gas supply routes, such as through the Baltic Pipe project, outlined in their agenda, which aligns with Dutch interests in securing and diversifying energy imports. The Netherlands’ expertise in offshore wind energy and hydrogen technologies could complement Poland’s goals, enabling joint renewable energy projects in the North Sea and Baltic regions. 

The interconnected nature of these priorities highlights the potential for synergies between Poland and the Netherlands. For example, enhanced security measures directly support economic stability, as businesses thrive in safe and predictable environments. Similarly, energy resilience contributes to broader economic independence, reducing vulnerabilities to external shocks. The Netherlands, with its expertise in diplomacy and innovation, can play a key role in shaping and implementing policies that align with these shared goals. By actively engaging with Poland during its EU presidency, the Netherlands can leverage this partnership to strengthen the EU’s position globally while securing national interests. 

Poland’s EU Council presidency offers a roadmap for collaboration that benefits both Poland and the Netherlands. From security and energy to economic growth, the alignment of their priorities underscores the importance of solidarity and cooperation within the European Union. By embracing these opportunities, the Netherlands can contribute to a stronger, more resilient, and united Europe.