In recent days, the geopolitical landscape has shifted rapidly. These developments create clear challenges for internationally active companies, but they also open substantial new opportunities. Hundreds of billions of euros are being directed into European strategic autonomy programs, including initiatives such as Re-Arm Europe, EU cloud sovereignty, the EU Digital Strategy, industrial sustainability targets, and the energy transition.

Periods of transition often bring what economists describe as “creative destruction,” where innovative companies replace less productive ones. Dutch companies are often well positioned in such environments. The open and highly international nature of the Dutch economy has long required businesses to adapt quickly to changing market conditions, making many of them more agile than competitors in more protected markets.

Against this backdrop, several initiatives have been developed to support Dutch companies in capturing emerging opportunities.

Strengthening connections through Defence Tech NL

The Defence Tech NL alliance was established to connect Dutch companies offering dual-use technologies directly with major European defence contractors. These large industrial players are actively seeking new suppliers and development partners to build resilient supply chains capable of supporting rapidly expanding defence programmes. The alliance aims to position Dutch innovators at the centre of these developments.

Hannover Messe repositioning and opportunities

Hannover Messe is increasingly evolving into a central platform for Europe’s major investment and strategic autonomy programmes, while maintaining its role as the world’s leading industrial technology trade fair. This repositioning creates expanded opportunities for Dutch companies to develop new markets, partnerships, and customers across multiple sectors.

Interest in the 2026 mission to Hannover Messe has already exceeded previous years, even before the most recent geopolitical developments. This strong participation supports more effective lead generation and matchmaking. Companies are using digital tools to ensure visibility among key target groups, many of whom now plan trade show visits in a highly targeted and research-driven way.

Growing momentum for Defence Tech NL

Registrations for the Defence Tech NL alliance continue to increase. Its business relevance is growing rapidly for companies already active in dual-use markets as well as for those exploring new opportunities in the defence and security sectors.

On 15 January 2026, a delegation of Defence Tech NL members participated in an invite-only EU defence tech event at Euronext. The event brought together technology companies, financial institutions, the European Investment Bank, government agencies, NATO representatives, and other stakeholders from France and the Netherlands. Due to exceptionally high demand, only 15 places were secured for the alliance, with many additional companies placed on a waiting list.

The strong level of interest has already led to plans for follow-up sessions that will accommodate larger groups and enable more extensive networking and matchmaking for cross-border partnerships in the defence technology sector.

Launch of the Defence Tech NL website

Given the growing interest among companies in exploring new markets linked to major EU investment programmes, the Defence Tech NL website is now being launched. It provides information on participation opportunities, collaboration, and upcoming initiatives connected to both Defence Tech NL and the Hannover Messe 2026 mission. Relevant materials can be shared with organisations in your network that may benefit from participating in Defence Tech NL or the Hannover Messe mission.