The fact that the Dutch and German militaries work closely together is nothing new under the sun. But the fact that Oirschot’s 13th Light Brigade now also comes under German command is certainly an important new step. Because that’s how all Dutch brigades end up under a German division. The NRC reports. The regrouping of the Dutch and German armies therefore appears to be complete.
According to Mart de Kruif, former ground forces commander, the close cooperation is unique within NATO. “This is a big step, it affects 50,000 soldiers.” The merger is the result of a years-long process, he says. ‘It started in the mid-90s. Initially from the pursuit of cost efficiency. But now it’s about something more. In this way, Dutch troops can continue to train with tanks, without having to own them».
No European army
This is by no means a step towards a European army, says De Kruif. ‘You really have to integrate something like that from the top. Then you must first have a common European foreign policy and security policy. We’re not there yet. Dutch-German cooperation has grown from below, but with the same goal: a more efficient army.’
Germany also has a close military relationship with France. Is a Franco-Dutch cooperation approaching? This possibility seems less likely to the former commander. ‘You are looking for a partner who thinks like us in terms of foreign policy. With the Germans it’s two hands on one stomach’