Ukraine
The Dutch government has announced a new €500 million military support package for Ukraine, with a strong emphasis on drone warfare and deepening defence cooperation between the two countries amid the ongoing conflict with Russia.
Europe & EU
The Dutch government wants to become significantly less dependent on the United States for its security and defence in the coming years. That is the central message of the new International Security Strategy 2026–2030, presented to parliament this week.
Africa
The Netherlands and Belgium are placing the pursuit of drug trafficker Jos Leijdekkers, better known as “Bolle Jos,” firmly on the European agenda this week. For the first time, the 27 EU heads of state and government will jointly address Europe’s drug problem, explicitly including the role of third
NATO & Defense
The Dutch Ministry of Defence is increasingly tightening its grip on publicly available information, as rising geopolitical tensions fuel concerns that even fragmented, open-source data can expose vulnerable military infrastructure, according to insiders in the MoD.
Dutch politics
Questions have been raised in the Dutch House of Representatives about the possible involvement of Dutch shell companies in a corruption investigation surrounding a luxury resort in Albania linked to the US president’s daughter Ivanka Trump and her husband Jared Kushner.
Dutch politics
The Dutch cabinet is expected to issue formal apologies to the Moluccan community in the near future for the way they were treated by the Dutch state.
Asia & Australia
The Dutch government has stepped up diplomatic efforts in the long-running case of the abducted girl Insiya, confirming plans to send a broad delegation to India to advance discussions.
Middle East
There is a sense of relief in The Hague following the agreement reached between the United States and Iran with the mediation of Pakistan. At the same time, uncertainty remains high about the concrete implications for regional security — and in particular for the planned international mission in the Strait of
Dutch politics
The Advisory Council on International Affairs (AIV) is calling for the Netherlands to play a far more active role in the enlargement of the European Union, arguing that expansion is essential for Europe’s security, stability and prosperity. In a new advisory report, the council warns that a passive approach
News about foreign policy and defense from The Hague
The Dutch government has openly acknowledged concerns about the far‑reaching implications of American legislation for its own critical digital infrastructure, including systems as sensitive as DigiD.
Efforts by the Dutch government to counter unwanted foreign interference are running into difficulties. Key legislation has stalled, while new instruments — including a dedicated reporting hotline — have yet to become operational and are facing delays. This is outlined in a letter to parliament by Justice and Security Minister David van
During his testimony under oath before the parliamentary inquiry committee on COVID-19, former Prime Minister Mark Rutte gave an extensive account of his cabinet’s crisis response. Central to his statement was the constant effort to contain the virus without bringing society to a complete standstill — a balance he
The Dutch government will continue to advocate for a greater, “meaningful” participation of Taiwan in international organisations and meetings. This is outlined in answers by Foreign Minister Berendsen to parliamentary questions from GroenLinks-PvdA MPs Kati Piri and Tom van der Lee.
The Dutch government has firmly rejected a new proposal for the European Union’s next multiannual financial framework (MFF), underscoring its continued alignment with ‘frugal’ member states pushing for a smaller and more disciplined EU budget. Cyprus, which currently holds the EU Council presidency, presented a new proposal on Thursday
A majority in the Dutch House of Representatives wants the Netherlands to actively push, at the European level, for a trade boycott of products originating from Israeli settlements in occupied territories. In an adopted motion, MPs call on the government to “show active leadership” in pursuing an EU-wide ban
The Dutch government’s Israel policy is showing two distinct faces. While Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen (CDA) is working within the European Union on stricter measures against Israel — including a potential EU-wide import ban on products from illegal settlements — Defence Minister Dilan Yeşilgöz is maintaining close and active contacts
The construction of new anti-submarine warfare (ASW) frigates for the Dutch navy is rapidly turning into one of the most problematic defence programmes in recent years. What was once a key strategic project is now increasingly labelled a “fiasco” in The Hague, as delays mount, costs surge, and doubts
A broad coalition of 23 Western and partner countries — including the Netherlands, the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany and France — has issued a joint statement sharply criticising the activities of Iranian security services and a series of recent violent incidents in Europe.
Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten has called for intensified cooperation between the Netherlands and Germany as both countries position themselves at the forefront of efforts to strengthen the European Union. Speaking during a government lunch at Kasteel Duivenvoorde, part of the three-day state visit by German President Frank-Walter
The Netherlands, together with a group of like-minded EU countries, is pushing for a major overhaul of the EU enlargement process, proposing stricter safeguards and significantly longer transition periods before new members can fully benefit from EU membership. The initiative is outlined in a government letter to parliament and
The Dutch House of Representatives has approved a bill to expand the number of elected representatives and executive board members on the Dutch Caribbean islands of Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba. The proposal, introduced by Minister for Kingdom Relations and Effective Government Eric van der Burg, aims to strengthen democratic
