Dutch politics

Discussion over Israel policy in VVD as veterans urge party to condemn Israeli death penalty law

Prominent figures within the Dutch liberal coalition party VVD have publicly called on their party’s parliamentary group to unequivocally condemn Israel’s controversial death penalty legislation, exposing growing internal unease over the party’s stance on the conflict.

Foreign Ministry report reveals where Dutch human rights funding is spent in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Russia and China

From discreet support for Russian journalists to multi‑million euro investments in Gaza, Congo and China, a new Foreign Ministry report offers a rare, detailed look at how the Netherlands is putting its human rights policy into practice. But behind the long list of projects lies a stark reality: shrinking

Rotterdam Holocaust commemoration proceeds with Mayor Schouten and Israeli Ambassador Zvi Aviner Vapni despite protests from activists and politicians

Will Rotterdam's annual Holocaust commemoration become a moment of remembrance — or another flashpoint in the city's increasingly polarized debate over Israel and Gaza? After days of speculation and political pressure, Mayor Carola Schouten has confirmed that she will attend and speak at Thursday's Holocaust

A Dutch return to Damascus? The Netherlands explores reopening its embassy in Syria

The Netherlands is quietly laying the groundwork for a diplomatic return to Syria. After years without an embassy in Damascus, the Dutch government is taking another step towards restoring its presence on the ground — and exploring what could come next. Which options are now on the table, how far is

Dutch government downplays reports of U.S. push to expand nuclear deployments in Europe

Reports that Washington is exploring the expansion of U.S. nuclear weapon deployments across more NATO countries have sparked political concern — but the Dutch government says it has seen no concrete proposal. Behind the carefully worded denials, however, ministers reaffirm a hard reality: nuclear deterrence remains central to Europe’s