Deloitte survey: Perception of threat and peace in the Netherlands

Rotterdam, 3 July 2025

Key findings:

•    War (32.7%) and cyberattacks (29.9%) are perceived as the primary threats to security in the Netherlands. Young people under 30 years (40%) and women (37%) are most concerned about war. 

•     One third of the Dutch population (32%) has (very) high confidence in NATO. Only 7% have very little to no confidence in the organisation. 

•     International security is a current theme for the Dutch; six out of ten (61%) think about this topic at least once a week. 

•      Dutch people hold dialogue in high regard. Strengthening international (diplomatic) relations (69%) and improved European cooperation (72%) are considered crucial for maintaining peace in the Netherlands, alongside strengthening military capabilities (65%).

Threats and security

When asked about the greatest threat to security in the Netherlands, respondents state war (32.7%) to be their biggest concern. Followed by cyberattacks (29.9%) and disinformation (16%), which includes the deliberate dissemination of misleading information, often with malicious intent, and influencing by foreign actors. 

"These figures show that the danger of disinformation is underestimated," says Sjoerd van der Smissen, Industry Lead Government & Public Services sector at Deloitte Netherlands. "Disinformation can lead to further polarization and a lack of trust in institutions, such as NATO, which we need to maintain peace and security."

Women are more concerned about war (37%) than men (28%). Conversely, men (19%) are more worried about disinformation than women (13%). Young people under 30 years (40%) most often identify war as the greatest threat to security in the Netherlands, while they least frequently mention the possibility of a cyberattack (25%) as a threat. Dutch citizens aged 60 and over perceive this to be the greatest risk (34%). 

Trust in NATO

One in three Dutch citizens (32%) has (very) high confidence in NATO when it comes to maintaining peace in Europe. Only 7% have very little to no confidence in NATO. 

Looking more broadly at how often people think about international security, six out of ten Dutch citizens (61%) say they think about it at least once a week. This encompasses international cooperation to tackle global problems, as well as the potential (local) consequences of international conflicts and the resulting uncertainty in daily life.

Dutch citizens aged 60 and over most frequently think about international security; one in five (21%) indicates they think about it daily. In comparison, among those under 30 years, this share is significantly lower (12%). 

Keeping peace in the Netherlands

Dutch policy is focused on keeping peace, both nationally and internationally. 65% of Dutch people believe that further strengthening military capabilities - a larger army, more equipment - contributes to keeping peace in the Netherlands. Nearly seven out of ten Dutch citizens (69%) also think that strengthening international (diplomatic) relations can help maintain peace in the Netherlands. Additionally, seven out of ten Dutch citizens (72%) believe that improving European cooperation contributes to this. 

Van der Smissen continues: “The results show a growing concern about peace and security in the Netherlands. This underscores the importance of emphasizing the added value of institutions like NATO and other international organisations. It is also notable that there is now a greater appreciation for European cooperation. This offers a positive perspective, although there is still room for dialogue with dissenting parties. It is essential that the government, citizens, and private parties join forces and collaborate, each from their own expertise, to achieve a balanced approach for the preservation of peace and security."