The Netherlands Unveils Strategic Plan to Lead the Global Quantum Technology Sector
The Hague, Monday 5 October 2026
Launched on 5 October 2026, the Dutch quantum strategy aims for global leadership by 2035 while urgently upgrading national encryption to prevent cyber-attacks from quantum computers.
A Dual-Use Strategy for Economic and Sovereign Strength
On 5 October 2026, the Dutch Cabinet officially presented its comprehensive National Quantum Strategy (Rijksbrede Quantumstrategie) to the House of Representatives [1][3]. Jointly submitted by Heleen Herbert, the Minister of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy, and Willemijn Aerdts, the State Secretary for Digital Economy and Sovereignty, the framework establishes a roadmap to position the Netherlands as a global leader in quantum technology within the next 9 years [1]. Recognised as a critical priority under the National Technology Strategy, quantum technology is poised to revolutionise sectors ranging from high-tech systems and materials (HTSM) and robotics to energy transition hardware, such as advanced batteries and high-precision navigation systems [1][3]. To date, the Dutch government has already committed €614.9 million via the National Growth Fund to the Quantum Delta NL initiative to build a robust foundation for this emerging ecosystem [1].
Mitigating National Security and Cybersecurity Risks
While quantum computing promises unprecedented processing power, it simultaneously introduces severe national security threats, particularly to information and cyber security [1][2]. The primary concern is that cryptographically relevant quantum computers will eventually have the capability to decrypt current encryption protocols [2]. This vulnerability exposes highly sensitive data, including confidential government communications, financial systems, medical records, and critical infrastructure [2]. Security agencies have warned that malicious actors are already intercepting and storing encrypted data today with the intention of decrypting it once quantum hardware matures [2].
Offensive Capabilities and Intelligence Integration
The Dutch government does not view quantum technology solely through a defensive lens; it also plans to leverage quantum hardware for offensive intelligence and law enforcement operations [2]. The strategy highlights that police, forensic institutes, and intelligence and security services could, in exceptional circumstances, utilise quantum computing to analyse encrypted criminal communications [2]. The cabinet drew direct parallels to historical cryptographic milestones, such as the cracking of the Enigma code and the more recent dismantling of the EncroChat network [2]. To realise these capabilities, the strategy mandates that Dutch security and intelligence services must secure relatively rapid access to a cryptographically relevant quantum computer, ensuring the nation remains resilient and strategically capable in a quantum-enabled world [2].