New national security requirements for public procurement

These requirements are laid down in the General Security Requirements for Government Contracts (ABRO). The ABRO is a further development of security requirements used for defense contracts. On November 21, the Council of Ministers approved these requirements.

Greater safety thanks to ABRO

The security of the Netherlands is constantly under threat. This occurs, for example, through (digital) espionage, cyber attacks, information leaks, or sabotage. For national security, it is essential to minimize the risks when companies carry out assignments for the Rijksoverheid the police. The ABRO introduces a single set of security requirements for government contracts.

Collaboration with companies

The ABRO not only ensures greater security, but also greater clarity for companies. The same security requirements will apply to public contracts that pose a risk to national security, regardless of whether they are working for a ministry, agency, or the police. The ABRO was developed in active consultation with the business community. A draft version was submitted to a selection of companies, with a request for their insights and feedback. In addition, the ABRO was explained in information sessions with industry and cluster organizations.

Introduction

The Rijksoverheid the police are currently preparing for the introduction of the ABRO from January 2026. Based on the experiences gained here, other government organizations that make purchases that pose risks to national security are likely to follow suit.

Check

The General Intelligence and Security Service (AIVD) and the Military Intelligence and Security Service (MIVD) are jointly responsible for monitoring compliance with the ABRO. The National Bureau for Industrial Security is the new joint organization that performs this task. The AIVD and the MIVD both have more than 60 years of experience in the field of industrial security.