Dutch government announces major defence cutbacks

The Dutch cabinet has announced heavy cutbacks in defence spending, with €1 billion less to be spent on personnel and equipment over the next four years. Up to 12,000 full-time jobs will have to go, half of which forced redundancies. The Minister of Defence and Prime Minister claim the cutbacks will not prevent the armed forces from playing a meaningful role internationally. The trade unions are outraged at the consequences for personnel and are planning protest meetings.