Middle East

Dutch ministers visit Syria after talks in Qatar and Lebanon, focus on migration and ties with Damascus

The Dutch delegation (left) with President al-Sharaa / photo: Syrian Gov

Two Dutch ministers, Minister of Foreign Affairs Berendsen and Minister for Migration Van den Brink has travelled to Syria following earlier visits to Qatar and Lebanon, marking a cautious step in The Hague’s re-engagement with Damascus.

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

☀️ 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

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