By Melike Pala
BRUSSELS (AA) - The Dutch parliament appears open to discussions on the French president's proposal for closer cooperation on nuclear weapons, with coalition parties D66, VVD, and CDA expressing support, broadcaster NOS reported.
Emmanuel Macron recently outlined plans to expand France's nuclear arsenal and explore collaboration with several European countries, including the Netherlands.
The Dutch coalition parties liberal D66, the right-wing People's Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD), and Christian Democratic Appeal (CDA) have welcomed the initiative.
D66 lawmaker Fatimazhra Belhirch said European nuclear security is vital amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, while VVD leader Ruben Brekelmans described Macron's initiative as "a deterrent for Europe."
CDA lawmaker Maes van Lanschot emphasized that European strength depends on cooperation among member states, calling the proposal "a positive development."
However, opposition parties responded cautiously.
GroenLinks-PvdA called the proposal "interesting" but warned against equating security solely with nuclear weapons, whereas Socialist Party warned that more nuclear arms could spark a new arms race.
Details about the proposal are still under discussion. Dutch participation could include joint exercises, shared maintenance of storage facilities, or strategic deployment planning.