The Hague Insider - The Hague Insider (Page 2)

Middle East

The Dutch 'two-faced' Israel policy: Foreign Minister works on EU sanctions, while Defence Minister meets Israeli ambassador for 'support and longstanding friendship'

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

NATO & Defense

Frigate 'fiasco': Dutch anti-submarine warfare frigates hit by delays, rising costs and political criticism - Dutch government considers taking stake in Damen

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

Middle East

23 Western nations condemn Iran over attacks and voilent incidents in Europe

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.

Europe & EU

Dutch Prime Minister Jetten: Netherlands and Germany must lead Europe in uncertain times

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

Europe & EU

Dutch 'non-paper' on EU enlargement: stricter criteria, "gradual integration" and longer transition periods for new member states — phased Ukraine membership possible

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

Caribbean & Latin America

Strengthening democracy on Bonaire, Saba and Sint Eustatius: Dutch Parliament approves more representatives and officials on Dutch Caribbean islands

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

Africa

Dutch Parliament approves Morocco extradition deal, Justice Minister wants Colombia next

The Dutch House of Representatives has backed a new extradition treaty with Morocco by a large majority, clearing the way for closer judicial cooperation between the two countries in the fight against serious crime. Only the Party for the Animals (PvdD) and Denk voted against the agreement, which was signed

Europe & EU

How the Netherlands is strengthening ties with Germany during a three-day state visit

The Netherlands and Germany are using this week’s three-day state visit by German Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier to further deepen their already close bilateral relationship. At a time of growing geopolitical uncertainty, King Willem-Alexander stressed at the start of the visit that the two countries are

Europe & EU

Turmoil in The Hague: ICC chief prosecutor Karim Khan suspended, removal looms

The International Criminal Court (ICC) has formally suspended its chief prosecutor, Karim Khan, following the conclusion of an internal investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct. The decision was announced on Monday by the court’s governing body, marking an unprecedented step against one of the ICC’s most prominent officials.

NATO & Defense

Dutch Defence turns more active: new law for night drills and war scenarios, plus new 'DEFTECH' innovation unit

The Dutch government is moving to make Defence significantly more active, operationally flexible and innovation-driven. The cabinet approved the final draft of the Defence Readiness Act (Wet op de Defensiegereedheid, Wodg), which will now be sent to parliament, while the Ministry of Defence is also working on a new

Middle East

The Netherlands and other Western allies urge Israel to allow unrestricted humanitarian aid to Gaza

The Netherlands has joined a broad coalition of Western and partner countries in a sharply worded joint statement expressing "profound concern" over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and warning that new Israeli legislation could severely hamper the delivery of aid.

Middle East

Dutch Prime Minister Jetten on Iran War: EU must pressure Iran, US and Israel to negotiate - Dutch embassy in Tehran reopening 'uncomfortable'

Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten has called for a coordinated European effort to bring Iran, the United States and Israel back to the negotiating table, warning that a fragile ceasefire is rapidly deteriorating and requires urgent diplomatic intervention.