MINISTERIE VAN DEFENSIE

Their core work

The Netherlands Ministry of Defence contributes operational security expertise to EU research projects focused on border security, explosive threat neutralisation, and countering hybrid threats. As a national defence authority, they bring real-world threat assessment knowledge, security protocols, and practitioner perspectives that academic partners typically lack. Their involvement spans document fraud detection, passenger screening systems, and pan-European security networks, acting as an end-user voice ensuring research outputs meet actual operational requirements.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

Their early H2020 work (2015-2018) centred on physical security threats — urban disaster resilience, explosive neutralisation, and standardisation of explosives expertise. From 2018 onward, their focus shifted decisively toward digital and systemic security: automated document verification, risk-based screening technologies, and countering hybrid threats across European networks. This evolution mirrors the broader European security landscape moving from conventional physical threats toward complex, technology-enabled, and hybrid challenges.

Moving toward hybrid threat countering and pan-European security network coordination, making them a strong partner for projects addressing non-conventional and cross-domain threats.

How they like to work

The Ministry participates exclusively as a partner, never as coordinator — consistent with how defence ministries typically engage in EU research, contributing operational requirements and end-user validation rather than project management. With 91 unique partners across 22 countries in just 6 projects, they operate in large, diverse consortia. This broad network and non-leadership role suggest they are valued as a practitioner voice that grounds research in real operational needs.

Extensive network of 91 partners across 22 countries from only 6 projects, indicating participation in large pan-European consortia. Their reach spans most of Europe, reflecting the cross-border nature of security research.

What sets them apart

As a national defence ministry, they offer something most research and technology partners cannot: direct operational authority and real-world security requirements from one of NATO's founding members. Their dual expertise in both physical security (explosives, screening) and emerging hybrid threats makes them a bridge between traditional and next-generation security research. For consortium builders, having the Dutch MoD as a partner adds credibility and ensures research aligns with actual defence and security procurement needs.

Highlights from their portfolio

• EU-HYBNET
  Their most recent project (2020-2025), addressing the high-priority topic of hybrid threats through a pan-European practitioner network — signals their strategic direction.
• TRESSPASS
  Largest funding share (EUR 249,000) and focused on risk-based passenger screening — a high-impact border security application with clear operational relevance.
• EXERTER
  Pan-European explosives specialists network running until 2023, focused on standardisation — positions them as a key node in European explosives security expertise.