Broad coalition urges Dutch Informateur to reinvigorate ‘Dutch Diamond’ approach and strengthen foreign policy

Foreign policy, a national interest

In their letter (in Dutch), the coalition argues that a robust and united Dutch foreign policy is not merely a matter of international solidarity – it is a core national interest. The signatories believe that in an age of heightened geopolitical tensions, the Netherlands cannot afford a fragmented or inward looking foreign policy. Rather, safeguarding national security, prosperity and global standing is dependent on how the country positions itself abroad. 

They warn that foreign policy in recent years has too often been treated as a ‘budget item’ – prompting cuts in diplomacy, development cooperation, and funding for foreign trade enhancement. The coalition asserts that this has undermined decades of investments that built the Netherlands’ reputation as a reliable partner, and has damaged its capacity to respond to global challenges. 

Dutch Diamond: A call for renewal

Central to the coalition’s plea is the strengthening of the Dutch Diamond approach – the model of collaboration between the Government, private sector, knowledge and research institutes, and civil society. As the letter states, this broad partnership approach ‘has brought much to our country and garnered international admiration’. 

Yet, the coalition warns that the ‘diamond’s brilliance is fading’. To continue its effectiveness, they call for renewed Government leadership: re establishing coordination, ensuring long term multi year policies in commerce, trade, climate, and security; making funding available; supporting knowledge exchange (including through international students); and, reinforcing capacity for joint action. 

This approach, the authors state, would allow Dutch businesses, research institutes and NGOs to contribute fully – each in their complementary role – to global cooperation, trade and sustainable development. This call was also heard at the recent Waterpoort meeting that NWP hosted, that brought together Dutch members of parliament and government officials with the private sector, knowledge and research institutes, and NGOs.

Reinvesting in diplomacy and presence

Another key demand of the coalition is to rebuild the Netherlands’ diplomatic infrastructure. In recent years, budget cuts have weakened the network of embassies, consulates and multilateral posts, structures which serve as vital ‘gateways’ for Dutch enterprises, institutions and NGOs to collaborate internationally. The letter argues that given global instability, humanitarian crises and rising geopolitical competition, there is a pressing need to reverse those cuts. 

Strengthening the diplomatic presence would not only enable better support for international partnerships, but also help restore Dutch influence and credibility abroad – something deemed indispensable for protecting national interests.

Long-term vision and global partnerships lead to stability

The coalition encourages the Government to adopt a long-term vision for foreign policy – one that is predictable, coherent across different portfolios (trade, climate, development, security) and aligned with the needs and aspirations of partner countries in the Global South. The letter emphasises that building equitable partnerships –  rather than transactional relationships – is essential in strengthening mutual trust, expanding sustainable cooperation and increasing global stability. 

As part of that commitment, the coalition also points out its own readiness to engage: members have pledged to intensify cooperation among each other, coordinate across sectors (including with existing sector specific multistakeholder platforms such as the Netherlands Food Partnership and NWP). 

Importance of a united voice from the Dutch Water Sector

The coalition’s letter paints a compelling picture of how the Netherlands can reclaim its standing as a credible, strategic international partner through re embracing collaboration, reinvesting in diplomacy and pursuing a unified, long term foreign policy. As the Cabinet formation process continues, the letter represents a concerted effort by Dutch societal stakeholders to influence the direction of foreign policy and international cooperation in the years ahead.

Netherlands Water Partnership has also encouraged its members to sign the letter, following its own endorsement. “We have emphasised in the past, and will continue to emphasise, the importance of a united voice from the Dutch water sector. We will keep members and partners informed about developments, and involved in the next steps,” says Rick Elmendorp, Director-Chair of NWP.

This action is fully in line with NWP’s objective of consistently working towards supporting and engaging the Dutch Government on water and related policy issues. By endorsing the letter, NWP reinforces the importance of close cooperation between the Government and the water sector, emphasising that this collaboration is essential to address the challenges of the coming years. NWP looks forward to a constructive and fruitful dialogue with the pending new Cabinet, and to working together to achieve both national and international water objectives.

Read the letter and review the signatories here.