Photo: Ewout Blaauw (DHL) and State Secretary for Defense Derk Boswijk
Arnhem, May 8, 2026 — DHL, together with all of its business units, has signed the Reservist Employer Agreement with the Ministry of Defense. In this agreement, DHL and the Ministry of Defense commit to granting employees special leave both for their reservist training and for their deployments. The signing took place at the Bronbeek Estate in Arnhem and was carried out by State Secretary for Defense Derk Boswijk and Ewout Blaauw, Director of Corporate Affairs for DHL Benelux.
State Secretary for Defense Derk Boswijk: “Reservists are essential for an armed forces that can scale up quickly when needed. That’s why I’m pleased that a major employer like DHL actively gives its employees the opportunity to serve the Ministry of Defense as well. This agreement shows that security is not only the responsibility of the Ministry of Defense, but something the government, the business community, and society take responsibility for together.”
Contributing to a strong society
Blaauw on DHL’s role: “DHL sees it as its responsibility to help build a safe and strong society. Logistics and the Ministry of Defense understand each other’s world well. In both organizations, it’s about getting the right people and resources to the right place at the right time.” It is therefore no coincidence that the company employs many former service members and, through this agreement, is strengthening its ties with the Ministry of Defense.