NATO & Defence

Netherlands launches DARPA-style defence institute with €350 million annual budget

Minister for Arms Procurement and Personnel, Derk Boswijk / photo: Defensie

The Netherlands is setting up its own version of the US defence innovation agency DARPA, with hundreds of millions of euros a year to accelerate military technology and reduce Dutch dependence on foreign suppliers. Its first test is particularly urgent: finding new ways to protect critical infrastructure in the North Sea against espionage and sabotage.

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The Hague races to secure ICC payments as US sanctions deadline looms

The Netherlands has only weeks to find a way to keep international payments flowing for the International Criminal Court in The Hague after new US sanctions put its banking arrangements at risk. Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen says finding a solution is “challenging”, with the measures due to take effect in

Jetten’s minority government in turmoil as coalition scrambles for tax plan deal

The leaders of the three coalition parties will separately negotiate with opposition parties in a last-ditch attempt to secure support for the Dutch government’s tax package, as confusion over the strategy of Prime Minister Rob Jetten’s minority government continues to grow in The Hague. Exclusive reporting and

Sri Lanka corruption scandal costs Dutch government nearly €30 million

The Netherlands has paid out nearly €30 million after insuring loans for a Sri Lankan hospital project now at the centre of a major Dutch corruption investigation, raising fresh questions about the risks The Hague takes when backing exports abroad. Exclusive reporting and analysis from The Hague. First month €2.

Trump defeat in US midterms sparks celebration in progressive The Hague

Dutch progressive politicians have reacted with open delight to the Democrats’ sweeping victory in the US midterm elections, portraying the result as a rejection of Donald Trump and an opportunity to rebuild the transatlantic relationship. But the response in The Hague also reveals how politically charged relations with Washington have

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The Hague races to secure ICC payments as US sanctions deadline looms

Jetten’s minority government in turmoil as coalition scrambles for tax plan deal

Sri Lanka corruption scandal costs Dutch government nearly €30 million

Trump defeat in US midterms sparks celebration in progressive The Hague