Dutch-German Military Cooperation: An Example For Europe?

On Monday, March 19th the Netherlands Atlantic Association and the Royal Netherlands Society for Military Art and Science (KVBK) organized a program with generals Markus Laubenthal and Jan Swillens titled: “The Integration of Dutch-German Land Forces: an Example for Closer European Defence Cooperation?” The Dutch-German military cooperation started with the founding of the bi-national headquarters in Münster in 1995. In the following years, this cooperation continued and developed. This resulted into the detachment of the 43 Mechanized Brigade to the 1st Panzerdivision, while a German battalion, including a Dutch tank company, is under the command of the 43 Mechanized Brigade. Such military integration brings about questions regarding the political decision making process concerning the deployment and the military effectiveness of these kind of divisions. Major General Laubenthal and Brigadier General Swillens talked about their view on these questions, followed by a panel discussion with several members of the Dutch House of Respresentatives with André Bosman (VVD), Isabelle Diks (GroenLinks) and Herman Schaper (D66). Follow us on social media: Facebook: Twitter: Website: