Europe & EU

Belgium threatens to walk away from Damen frigate deal as costs soar and delays mount — Belgian Defence Minister Francken explores alternatives across Europe and Turkey amid growing frustration over Dutch shipbuilder

photo: Damen

The future of a major Dutch-Belgian naval procurement programme is in doubt. Belgian Defence Minister Theo Francken has warned that Belgium may seek alternative suppliers for its next-generation frigates after costs reportedly doubled and delivery schedules slipped by years. The move raises fresh questions about the future of Dutch shipbuilder Damen Naval — a company facing mounting challenges but one that remains strategically important to the Netherlands. Read on for the full story.

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☀️ The Hague Insider Summer Briefing: The Netherlands and Israel — balancing a historic friendship with growing pressure and sanctions

☀️ The Hague Insider Summer Briefing: The Netherlands and Israel — balancing a historic friendship with growing pressure and sanctions

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 policy towards Israel. Once among Israel's closest allies in Europe, the Netherlands is now navigating

☀️ The Hague Insider Summer Briefing: Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten — five months into an experiment

☀️ The Hague Insider Summer Briefing: Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten — five months into an experiment

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 Prime Minister Rob Jetten — the Netherlands' first D66 prime minister, the country's youngest-ever

ICC member states remove chief prosecutor Karim Khan over sexual misconduct allegations — what happens next for the International Criminal Court, the Netherlands and high-profile war crimes cases in The Hague?‌

A historic decision has shaken the International Criminal Court in The Hague. Member states have voted to remove chief prosecutor Karim Khan from office over allegations of sexual misconduct, ending the tenure of one of the world's most influential international prosecutors. But what happens next? Khan has already

Possible China visit by Dutch Prime Minister Jetten under consideration, multiple options on the table

Possible China visit by Dutch Prime Minister Jetten under consideration, multiple options on the table

After visits by Food Security Minister Silvio Erkens and Foreign Trade Minister Sjoerd Sjoerdsma, the Dutch government is preparing for more cabinet-level engagement with China. A visit by Prime Minister Rob Jetten could follow as early as this autumn or in spring 2027, according to sources familiar with the