Benelux & Ireland in February 2026: the most important developments in security
In February 2026, defense and the relationship with Russia were the main security topics in the Benelux countries and Ireland. On 16 February the Netherlands said it is prepared for a possible war with Russia, and on 27 February the new Dutch cabinet did not rule out sending troops to Ukraine after peace is reached. On 18 February the Russian foreign ministry said Dutch mercenaries flying Ukrainian planes would be legitimate targets, and on 28 February Belgium did not inform Russia of the reasons for a tanker's detention.
Both countries adjusted their armed forces. Belgium moved on 4 February to scrap the age limit for military reservists, and the Netherlands' Queen Máxima enlisted as an army reservist and began training at 54. Belgium ended its participation in the FCAS fighter jet program on 20 February. A Dutch minister claimed the F-35 fighter jet can be jailbroken, and Dutch politics split over a reduction in Israeli arms purchases.
Elsewhere, police searched European Commission buildings in Brussels on 12 February, and on 10 February an Irish man held in ICE detention in the US said he fears for his life and asked Ireland for help.
by WorldBrief & Maksim Micheliov | AI-generated summary
Click a day in the chart above for that day's brief.