NATO & Defense

Dutch watchdogs warn new spy law gives AIVD and MIVD sweeping powers: "Not in balance"

AIVD in Zoetermeer / photo: AIVD

The Dutch cabinet’s push to give intelligence services broader powers to counter espionage, cyber threats and foreign interference appears to enjoy wide political backing in The Hague. But as the proposed overhaul of intelligence law enters public consultation, two key oversight bodies are issuing an unusually stark warning: the balance between state power and democratic safeguards may be tipping too far.

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Why strikes are bringing the Netherlands to a standstill despite major cabinet concessions on welfare reforms

As a nationwide transport strike brings large parts of the Netherlands to a standstill, the conflict over welfare reforms is showing little sign of easing. Although the Dutch minority cabinet has scrapped or postponed several planned social security cuts, unions insist the concessions do not go far enough, setting the

EU moves to shield Armenia from Russian trade pressure with new market access plan

The European Union is preparing to open its market further to Armenian products after Russia imposed sweeping trade restrictions on key Armenian exports. The move is presented as a temporary economic lifeline, but it also reveals a broader geopolitical calculation in Brussels and European capitals: keeping Armenia anchored to Europe

Dutch parliament backs Israel settlement sanctions despite efforts to overturn them

A majority in the Dutch House of Representatives has again backed the government's sanctions regime targeting products from Israeli settlements, rejecting a series of motions aimed at delaying, reversing or narrowing the measures. Read on for the full story, including where Dutch political parties stand on the issue

How the Netherlands is investing heavily to secure ASML's future in Eindhoven

For years, Dutch politicians, regional authorities and industry leaders have shared a common concern: what if ASML can no longer grow in the Netherlands? As construction begins on a major new campus near Eindhoven, the answer is becoming clear. From housing and infrastructure to energy and permits, the Dutch state

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Why strikes are bringing the Netherlands to a standstill despite major cabinet concessions on welfare reforms

EU moves to shield Armenia from Russian trade pressure with new market access plan

Dutch parliament backs Israel settlement sanctions despite efforts to overturn them

How the Netherlands is investing heavily to secure ASML's future in Eindhoven