As part of the capital visits aimed to align and strengthen ties with EDA’s shareholders, Chief Executive André Denk went to the Netherlands on 23 September where he discussed ongoing defence initiatives and projects with senior government and military decision-makers, including Minister of Defence and Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs Ruben Brekelmans, Secretary of Defence Gijs Tuinman, and Vice Chief of Defence General Ludy Schmidt.
The visit confirmed the Netherlands’ close ties with the Agency, including participation in joint procurement efforts and a series of capability development projects, where the country continues to play a positive contribution and a forward-looking role.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthen cooperation within EDA’s framework with the Agency remaining in the driving seat for capability development at EU level and underlining the need to invest in short, medium and long terms defence projects.
In the Hague, EDA’s Chief Executive Denk also met with Vice Admiral Jan Willem Hartman, National Armaments Director, and Major General Hanke Bruins Slot, Director for Capability, Armament and Planning.