Asia & Australia
Hundreds of Afghans who helped Dutch military, diplomatic and development missions believed they would eventually secure a more permanent future in the Netherlands. Now, after the entry into force of the EU's new asylum and migration rules, many are discovering that a permanent asylum residence permit in The
Europe & EU
The Dutch government has strongly criticised the United States after Washington imposed sanctions on ICC President Tomoko Akane and prosecutor Abdoulaye Seye. The latest round of US sanctions against senior officials of the International Criminal Court has triggered sharp reactions from The Hague, Brussels and Tokyo. But how far are
Middle East
How far should the Netherlands go in responding to one of Israel’s most controversial ministers? After Itamar Ben-Gvir called for the killing of dozens of Palestinians every day in Gaza, Dutch members of parliament from D66, CDA and PRO are not only demanding renewed action against Ben-Gvir
Dutch politics
How far is the Dutch government willing to go in defending the International Criminal Court against mounting pressure from Washington? And what do the latest measures mean for the future of the Hague-based court? Those questions are growing more urgent after the Trump administration imposed a new round of
United States & Canada
As the Trump administration reviews where US troops should remain stationed in Europe, a questionnaire sent to NATO allies is raising eyebrows across the continent. The Netherlands has now confirmed it received the survey and will respond. Officially, it is presented as part of discussions on Europe's growing
Middle East
The mayors of Amsterdam, Utrecht and Arnhem participated in Nakba commemorations in May, triggering political controversy, criticism from the Israeli Embassy in the Netherlands, and parliamentary questions from pro-Israel parties. How is the Dutch government responding? How far is The Hague willing to go in supporting such commemorations? And
Dutch politics
On Monday, Prime Minister Rob Jetten’s minority cabinet begins crucial talks with opposition parties over the 2027 budget. But with budget deficits under pressure and coalition partners short of a parliamentary majority, can the government persuade opposition leaders to back its plans? How much room is there for concessions?
Asia & Australia
Five years after the fall of Kabul and the chaotic withdrawal of Western forces from Afghanistan, an uncomfortable question is returning to European politics: was the Taliban supposed to remain isolated forever? If European governments insist they will never recognise the regime, why are they once again sitting around the
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.