Europe & EU
The Dutch government is pressing Germany to reduce or rethink its controversial border controls, after new figures revealed a sharp rise in traffic accidents along key routes into Germany. But despite growing criticism from Dutch officials, border municipalities and Brussels, Berlin appears determined to maintain the checks. Why is the
The Dutch cabinet has now responded to parliamentary questions about former European Commission vice-president and current Minister of State Frans Timmermans' controversial comparison between Israeli politicians and Nazi ideology. But did Prime Minister Rob Jetten take the opportunity to distance himself from the remarks, as Israel's
NATO & Defense
Can local authorities still rely on the Dutch armed forces when a major crisis strikes? What happens to bomb disposal units, military medical teams and security operations if the Netherlands is drawn into a conflict? And how far is The Hague willing to go in prioritising national and NATO defence
Dutch politics
With just weeks to go before Prinsjesdag, Prime Minister Rob Jetten faces a political balancing act few Dutch leaders have encountered before. His minority coalition must not only find support from opposition parties to pass the 2027 budget, but also keep increasingly visible disagreements within its own ranks under control.
Middle East
What exactly happened to Omar Elshal during his latest court hearing in Egypt? Why was the Dutch ASML employee not brought before the judge while Dutch diplomats were reportedly present to observe the proceedings? And will The Hague now increase pressure on Cairo after this latest twist in a case
Russia
The Netherlands will send dozens of marines to Greenland as part of a NATO mission aimed at strengthening security in the Arctic. Officially, the deployment is a response to growing Russian and Chinese activity in the region. Yet the move also comes after months of tensions over President Donald Trump&
Europe & EU
One week after tens of thousands of migrants stormed into Ceuta, the immediate crisis may be over, but many questions remain. How many migrants are still inside the Spanish enclave? Could some yet reach mainland Europe despite Madrid's assurances? What is the Dutch government's position, and
Middle East
Weeks after protesters tried to silence him at a Rotterdam holocaust commemoration, Israel's Ambassador to the Netherlands is going public with a demand of his own. In an interview with the Reformatorisch Dagblad he wants The Hague to explicitly distance itself from a remark by former GroenLinks-PvdA-
Summer Briefings
Every Saturday and Sunday this summer, The Hague Insider publishes a special Summer Briefing, taking a deep dive into the politicians, companies and policy issues shaping The Hague, Brussels and beyond. How much support is Ukraine actually receiving from the Netherlands, what new projects are quietly taking shape behind the
Summer Briefings
Every Saturday and Sunday this summer, The Hague Insider publishes a special Summer Briefing, taking a deep dive into the politicians, companies and policy issues shaping The Hague, Brussels and beyond. Today: Dutch Finance Minister Eelco Heinen. Our Summer Briefings are freely accessible during the summer period. If you'
Asia & Australia
The Dutch government has sharply condemned the Taliban's violent crackdown on a women's rights protest in Afghanistan, accusing the regime of violating fundamental human rights. Yet at the same time, The Hague is supporting European efforts to maintain technical contacts with the Taliban on sensitive issues,
United States & Canada
The United States views the Netherlands as its most important partner in Europe. Yet behind the warm words of US Ambassador in The Netherlands, Joe Popolo, lies a tougher message: Washington expects continued Dutch alignment on trade, technology and security, and is prepared to push back when Dutch policy moves