Europe & EU
The Netherlands is backing Montenegro's reform efforts as the Balkan country moves closer to possible EU membership. During talks at the Catshuis, Prime Minister Rob Jetten praised Montenegro's cooperation on Ukraine and Russia, while making clear that the road to Brussels still runs through reforms. Exclusive
Africa
Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen has travelled to Algiers as the Netherlands seeks to deepen cooperation with Algeria on energy, trade, migration and regional security, in a visit that appears to go beyond diplomatic courtesies. Algerian reports point to plans to revive formal cooperation mechanisms and strengthen economic ties between the
Middle East
Ministries currently have no insight into whether foreign powers are financing pro-Palestinian demonstrations at Dutch universities, as the government says it lacks the legal basis to investigate individual people and organisations. The Hague is now turning to a broader national security review of foreign funding, leaving a politically sensitive
Europe & EU
The Dutch government is pushing Brussels to create a new state aid mechanism that would allow targeted public funding for critical industries where Europe remains dangerously dependent on foreign suppliers. The proposal puts the Netherlands at the centre of a growing debate over economic security, industrial policy and strategic autonomy.
United States & Canada
The Hague warns that US control over key parts of the internet leaves Dutch and European organisations vulnerable to American sanctions, as concerns grow over Washington’s ability to disrupt European digital services. But despite taking an unusually critical tone towards its closest ally, the Dutch government is not yet
China
The Dutch government is preparing a series of decisions on China, economic security and international trade that will give a clearer picture of how The Hague intends to protect strategic interests while keeping the Netherlands open for business. A newly released government planning document reveals when parliament can expect the
Russia
Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen says the Netherlands will continue to describe Russia as NATO’s biggest security threat, amid reports that Washington has urged several allies to tone down their rhetoric. Exclusive reporting and analysis from The Hague. First month €2.50 Start reading
Middle East
The Dutch government has renewed its criticism of controversial UN special rapporteur Francesca Albanese, arguing that comments attributed to her about Ukraine, NATO and the Cuba embargo fall outside her official mandate. While The Hague stops short of pursuing formal action against her position, newly released parliamentary answers show growing
United States & Canada
The Netherlands has set a target of mid-2028 for a sovereign military AI system that could eventually replace key functions currently provided by US technology company Palantir. But despite political pressure to reduce its dependence on the controversial American supplier, the Dutch Ministry of Defence is stopping short of
Dutch politics
Coalition tensions are rising as VVD pushes for a deal with right-wing parties while D66 looks to the left, leaving Prime Minister Jetten with an increasingly difficult choice ahead of crucial budget votes. Exclusive reporting and analysis from The Hague. First month €2.50 Start reading
Middle East
Tensions between The Hague and Cairo are likely to intensify after Dutch prosecutors significantly widened their investigation into Egyptian national Ahmed Nasser, whose arrest has already prompted diplomatic pressure from Egypt and days of protests outside the Dutch embassy in Cairo. What began as a criminal case involving an alleged
King Willem-Alexander and Prime Minister Rob Jetten will travel to St Eustatius for the 250th anniversary of the First Salute, one of the most symbolic moments in Dutch-American history. In The Hague, there had been speculation about a possible appearance by US President Donald Trump, but sources now