Netherlands to Consider Security Budget Increase Amid Terrorist Threat

The proposal, which is expected to be discussed at Friday’s cabinet meeting, implies a moderate security budget increase in Netherlands this year and a radical rise by 2020 that could top $112 million.

MOSCOW (Sputnik) – The Dutch cabinet will consider increasing the country’s security budget in order to strengthen its capabilities against terrorism, local news agency ANP reported on Friday quoting sources close to the cabinet.

The country's opposition has prompted the government to increase the budget on security issues since the services are stretched after the early January’s attacks in Paris. Security at public buildings as well as Jewish institutions has been reinforced.

Security services are also concerned about the threat presented by jihadist ideas spreading among the country’s youth. The proposal also envisages strengthening measures to prevent youngsters becoming jihadis.

Earlier this month Dutch Foreign Minister Bert Koenders canceled visas for three controversial imams who were planning to visit the Netherlands due to their links with the Salafist version of Islam.

The Islamic State jihadist group actively recruits foreigners under its banners, including many citizens from the European Union. According to a UN estimate, more than 15,000 foreign fighters have travelled to Syria and Iraq to join extremist groups since 2011.

Over the past year, ISIL has seized vast areas across Syria and Iraq. Known for its brutal tactics, the group has attracted thousands of foreign fighters and declared an Islamic caliphate on the territories under its control.

A US-led coalition comprising more than 60 countries is conducting air strikes against the rebel group.