An extensive review of the defence ministry is to be launched on Wednesday afternoon because of disagreement over spending within the cabinet, reports ANP news service.

Five ministries, experts, civil servants and social organisations are to examine the discrepancy between the department’s finances and ambitions. The review will last until the end of 2009.
The Netherlands currently spends 1.4% of its gross national product on defence but the ChristenUnie defence minister Eimert van Middelkoop wants this to go up to the EU norm of 2%. But finance minister Wouter Bos (Labour) is opposed to the increase.