Europe & EU

Norway and the Netherlands elevate ties as 'middle powers' seek strength in an uncertain world

Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre and Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten / photo: RVD

At a time when Europe is grappling with a more assertive Russia, growing pressure on critical infrastructure and mounting economic uncertainty, the Netherlands and Norway are drawing closer together. Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten and his Norwegian counterpart Jonas Gahr Støre signed a new strategic partnership that goes beyond symbolic diplomacy. Read on for the full story and how a strategic partnership signals broader geopolitical shift.

Exclusive reporting and analysis from The Hague.
First month €2.50

Start reading

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

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

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

Read more

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

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