Working Worldwide for the Security of the Netherlands Working Worldwide for the Security of the Netherlands terrorism, and disrupting transnational links between criminal and terrorist networks (see goal 10). Through the diplomatic counterterrorism network that has recently been established, the Netherlands can now better support countries in achieving a good balance between preventive and repressive measures. Cooperation with the private sector and civil society organisations is crucial to this effort. counter disinformation. This includes raising awareness within government organisations and vital sectors through information, training and exercises. Goal 8: Societal resilience to foreign interference The government aims to achieve a single Dutch approach to undesirable foreign interference, by coordinating our international, national and local approaches. This will allow the targeted deployment of the broad spectrum of Dutch foreign and security policy instruments to prevent and combat undesirable foreign interference. Our approach to undesirable foreign interference focuses on a sound information position, conducting a dialogue with countries of concern, increasing resilience in the Netherlands and a coordinated response when incidents occur. An effective approach begins with identifying vulnerabilities and gathering and jointly interpreting signs of possible interference. | 34 | Where possible, the Netherlands is also investing in bilateral cooperation and in a joint EU approach. Dutch intelligence and security services are investigating state actors that may pose a threat to the Netherlands’ security and interests. This investigation helps provide greater insight into undesirable foreign interference. Definition of undesirable foreign interference Undesirable foreign interference refers to intentional, often systematic and, in many cases, covert activities by state actors (or actors who can be linked to state actors) in the Netherlands or aimed at Dutch interests. Such activities may undermine the Netherlands’ political and social system and our efforts. Goal 9: Safeguarding economic security Protecting our economic security embraces all economic activities that affect national security.14 The Dutch economy is open and internationally oriented, which means that protecting economic security often has an international dimension. It entails keeping trade routes open, combating cyber espionage and threats, ensuring a secure supply of energy and raw materials and ensuring that foreign investments do not undermine national security. Technological developments and the possible deployment of cyber capabilities make this issue all the more timely. Safeguarding economic security and protecting the country against cyber sabotage and espionage, in cooperation with the business community, are a priority for the government. The same applies defending crucial digital and physical communications links, such as the internet and electricity and gas networks. Ports and power stations are also increasingly coming under threat. Energy supply security is another aspect of economic security. To safeguard energy supplies, we may need to reduce our dependence on energy-producing countries. This could have a destabilising effect on the countries concerned. The low oil price as a result of shale oil and gas extraction, for example, has affected the stability of oil-producing countries. A change in the degree of dependence on oil as a fuel can also have geopolitical consequences. The US, for example, has become an energy-dominant state. By reducing dependence on fossil fuels, future innovations in energy generation can help solve the problems posed by climate change. In addition, energy (both electricity and gas) is of vital importance for social continuity. A good energy transition can help reduce the risks of major supply failures. For the Netherlands and the rest of Europe, measures to promote low-carbon energy will help reduce dependence on fossil fuel producers. Investigating the intentions and capabilities of state actors is necessary to enable us to anticipate and respond appropriately to this threat. In addition, the Netherlands has diplomatic instruments at its disposal to call countries to account for interference. These range from picking up signals at an early stage and discussing them through diplomatic channels to publicly calling the country concerned to account. The Netherlands is also taking ongoing measures to increase our resilience against undesirable foreign interference. These include protecting those holding political office, especially at local level. Lastly, the Netherlands is investing in targeted strategic communication to actively Undesirable interference in and hostile foreign takeovers of vital processes like telecommunications, nuclear energy and ports can harm national security and public order. This can happen if they threaten the continuity of these processes, lead to strategic dependence or erode the integrity of information. The government therefore gives priority to implementing ex-ante impact assessments to determine whether supplementary measures are required to protect national security in the event of takeovers in sectors with vital processes.15 The distinction between economics and politics has been blurred in recent years: economic instruments are used more often to exert political influence. This particularly affects vital areas in the Caribbean parts of the Kingdom, because their small size makes them relatively vulnerable to regional instability, hostile foreign takeovers and trade distortions. 13. See, for example, the Terrorist Threat Assessment for the Netherlands (DTN) published periodically by the 14. National Security Profile 2016 National Coordinator for Security and Counterterrorism (NCTV). 15. Letter to parliament on business takeovers, 2017; Progress report on economic security, 2017 | 35 |