Dutch Defense Minister Raises Alarms Over Cyber Threats to Critical Industries
The Hague, Friday, 1 August 2025.
Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans warns of increasing cyber threats to key industries from China, prompting strengthened US-Netherlands cooperation on cyber defense and export controls.
Rising Cyber Threats in the Semiconductor Sector
On July 31, 2025, Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans warned about escalating cyber threats targeting critical Dutch industries, specifically naming the semiconductor sector as a major area of concern. The Netherlands’ semiconductor industry, led by ASML, plays a crucial role in global technology supply chains, making it a significant target for state-sponsored espionage activities from China. ASML, a leading company in semiconductor technology, based in Veldhoven, Netherlands, is essential for the production of advanced microchips, fostering technological advancement worldwide [1].
Understanding the Semiconductor Technology
Semiconductors are the backbone of modern electronics, essential for devices ranging from smartphones to sophisticated military hardware. They function by controlling the flow of electricity in electronic devices, thereby enabling the execution of complex computations and operations. ASML, the Netherlands-based company responsible for pioneering this sector, is at the forefront of innovation with its photolithography machines that create intricate circuit patterns on microchips [1].
Benefits and Risks of Semiconductor Innovation
The advancements in semiconductor technology offer numerous benefits, including enhanced computational capabilities, energy-efficient devices, and higher data processing speeds. These innovations bolster applications in artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and telecommunications. However, the sensitive nature of the technology makes it a focal point for international espionage, as evidenced by cyber threats targeting ASML. The implications of compromising semiconductor technology could lead to significant disruptions in global supply chains and national security vulnerabilities [1].
US and Netherlands Strengthen Cyber Defense Cooperation
In response to the cyber threats highlighted by Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans, the United States has expressed solidarity with the Netherlands. Both nations are enhancing cooperation on export control coordination and cyber defense measures. This alignment underscores a broader strategy to protect critical industries from espionage and reinforce technological sovereignty. Such cooperation is pivotal in safeguarding not only national security interests but also maintaining the competitiveness of Western democracies’ technology industries in the face of growing state-sponsored cyber threats [1].