Insurers are seeking broader opportunities to invest in the Dutch defense industry and are in discussions with each other and the government on this matter. The Dutch Association of Insurers is advocating for the creation of a bond or defense fund to facilitate responsible investments, as reported by FD.
Insurer A.S.R. is adjusting its policy to include investments in companies related to the arms industry. Financial institutions, including insurers, are traditionally cautious about investing in weapons and defense materials, avoiding companies involved with cluster bombs or nuclear weapons, or those supplying sanctioned countries.
However, societal pressure is mounting for increased investments due to geopolitical tensions and the war in Ukraine, prompting discussions with the government to explore investment possibilities in defense. The central issue is the balance between security and human rights, according to the Dutch Association of Insurers.
They propose a defense bond or investment fund, allowing insurers to fund politically and socially agreed-upon defense expenditures. Further discussions with the government are scheduled for January to consider the defense bond option.
Today, A.S.R. announces plans to advance its investment policy, allowing direct investments in a Dutch defense company under strict conditions, viewing it as a moral responsibility following a call from the Dutch government for investment capital to bolster the European defense industry.
Source: NOS