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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After the Ceuta crisis: no breach of Schengen, but the Netherlands demands tougher action from Spain and Brussels

After the Ceuta crisis: no breach of Schengen, but the Netherlands demands tougher action from Spain and Brussels

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

Israel's ambassador to the Netherlands: why is the Dutch cabinet silent on 'Minister of State' Frans Timmermans' Nazi comparison?

Israel's ambassador to the Netherlands: why is the Dutch cabinet silent on 'Minister of State' Frans Timmermans' Nazi comparison?

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-

☀️ The Hague Insider Summer Briefing: how big is Dutch Support for Ukraine? New documents reveal billions, new drone factories and an expanding military partnership

☀️ The Hague Insider Summer Briefing: how big is Dutch Support for Ukraine? New documents reveal billions, new drone factories and an expanding military partnership

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

☀️ The Hague Insider Summer Briefing: Dutch Finance Minister Eelco Heinen

☀️ The Hague Insider Summer Briefing: Dutch Finance Minister Eelco Heinen

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'