Dutch PM champions tough sanctions on Russia after NATO breakthrough

Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof voiced optimism that the European Union will pass a new sanctions package against Russia, expressing support for what he described as a “strong” set of measures aimed at tightening economic pressure on Moscow.

Speaking to reporters, Schoof said he was “hopeful” that consensus would be reached during the meeting, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

“I am hopeful that it will be passed during today’s meeting,” he stated, referring to the proposed sanctions package designed to curtail Russia’s war capabilities and economic resilience.

Schoof’s remarks follow his arrival from The Hague, where a high-profile NATO summit, that was widely praised as a diplomatic success, was held.

“It was a very good summit,” he said. “It achieved a big result” with NATO members agreeing to adopt a new 5% defence spending target—a significant step toward enhancing the alliance’s collective security posture.

On transatlantic ties, the Dutch premier reiterated the enduring strength of NATO’s foundational commitments.

“It’s clear that the US remains committed to NATO and Article 5,” Schoof affirmed, referring to the alliance’s mutual defence clause.

He also expressed hope that ongoing trade disputes within the transatlantic relationship could soon be resolved, though he offered no specifics on the nature of those issues.

By Vafa Guliyeva