Middle East

Dutch cabinet rebukes UN rapporteur Francesca Albanese over NATO and Ukraine remarks

Francesca Albanese, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian Territory / photo: UN

The Dutch government has renewed its criticism of controversial UN special rapporteur Francesca Albanese, arguing that comments attributed to her about Ukraine, NATO and the Cuba embargo fall outside her official mandate. While The Hague stops short of pursuing formal action against her position, newly released parliamentary answers show growing frustration within the Dutch cabinet over her public interventions.

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Dutch government warns US sanctions could hit European internet services

The Hague warns that US control over key parts of the internet leaves Dutch and European organisations vulnerable to American sanctions, as concerns grow over Washington’s ability to disrupt European digital services. But despite taking an unusually critical tone towards its closest ally, the Dutch government is not yet

The Netherlands prepares new China policy as economic security moves up the agenda

The Dutch government is preparing a series of decisions on China, economic security and international trade that will give a clearer picture of how The Hague intends to protect strategic interests while keeping the Netherlands open for business. A newly released government planning document reveals when parliament can expect the

Dutch Foreign Minister Berendsen says US did not ask The Hague to soften tone on Russia

Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen says the Netherlands will continue to describe Russia as NATO’s biggest security threat, amid reports that Washington has urged several allies to tone down their rhetoric. Exclusive reporting and analysis from The Hague. First month €2.50 Start reading

Netherlands aims to replace Palantir with sovereign military AI system by 2028

The Netherlands has set a target of mid-2028 for a sovereign military AI system that could eventually replace key functions currently provided by US technology company Palantir. But despite political pressure to reduce its dependence on the controversial American supplier, the Dutch Ministry of Defence is stopping short of

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Dutch government warns US sanctions could hit European internet services

The Netherlands prepares new China policy as economic security moves up the agenda

Dutch Foreign Minister Berendsen says US did not ask The Hague to soften tone on Russia

Netherlands aims to replace Palantir with sovereign military AI system by 2028