International

The SP is demanding that exporters of military goods no longer be eligible for export credits. As a result of such credits, the Dutch state renders itself responsible for the risks involved in exporting weaponry to unstable or poor countries. SP Member of Parliament Krista van Velzen describes this as “unacceptable”.

Dutch firms looking to supply medical equipment are no longer considered for this kind of state-backed guarantee, yet a huge export credit assurance has just been granted for the delivery of naval vessels to Indonesia.

“It's absurd that the Dutch state would rather encourage the export of weapons than the export of medical equipment,” Ms Van Velzen commented. A major slice of the global debt burden has been accumulated as a result of the fact that poorer countries have been unable to pay for imported goods. Why would we then wish to continue to facilitate the export of weapons to these countries?”