Europe & EU

NATO Summit in Ankara: can Mark Rutte keep President Trump and Europe united?

NATO leaders arrive in the Turkish capital Ankara for a summit that may lack the dramatic headline-making decisions of last year's gathering in The Hague — but could prove just as consequential for the future of the alliance. Behind closed doors, leaders from all 32 NATO member states will assess whether they are actually delivering on the ambitious defence spending commitments agreed in 2025.

They will also confront an increasingly delicate question: can Europe assume greater responsibility for its own security as the United States gradually shifts its focus elsewhere? Will President Donald Trump use the summit to publicly pressure lagging allies? Which countries are falling behind on defence commitments? Could tensions over the Strait of Hormuz further strain transatlantic relations? And how will NATO position itself towards Ukraine as Kyiv increasingly becomes not only a recipient of support, but also a supplier of military expertise?

Those questions are expected to dominate conversations in Ankara — and may determine whether NATO leaves Turkey united or visibly divided.

The dilemma for the Dutch Caribbean: EU shift or status quo? ‌

Should Bonaire, Aruba and the other Caribbean parts of the Kingdom move closer to the European Union – or instead preserve their autonomy? A major new study now before the Dutch House of Representatives makes one thing clear: the answer is far less straightforward than The Hague had hoped.

Insider Preview: Europe's Ukraine coalition meets in Paris, joint military exercises now on the table

Could Monday's gathering of more than 30 Ukraine-supporting countries mark the next step? Will allied nations move beyond political declarations and begin preparing joint military exercises? And what does this mean for Ukraine as hopes for a ceasefire remain distant? Those are some of the questions hanging

Russian spies hacked cameras along Dutch military routes, Dutch Intelligence reveals

Dutch intelligence services have now revealed that Russian state-backed hackers managed to compromise a number of internet-connected cameras in the Netherlands, including devices positioned along military logistics routes used to transport equipment and weapons. The answers offer a rare glimpse into a covert surveillance campaign stretching across NATO

The Netherlands finally unveils new law against Russia's shadow fleet in the North Sea

How far is the Netherlands prepared to go against vessels suspected of helping Moscow evade sanctions? What specific powers will Dutch authorities gain? Which ministries will be responsible for enforcement? Subscribers can read the full political and security implications here.