Middle East
After drawing criticism for meeting and posing for a photograph with Syria’s president Ahmed Hussein al-Sharaa at the United Nations General Assembly, Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten has defended the encounter as a necessary part of Dutch diplomacy. The meeting touched on issues ranging from Syria’s reconstruction
Dutch politics
A decisive vote has settled one of the most sensitive questions facing the newly merged Dutch progressive party PRO. But while members have chosen a European home, the result also exposes lingering divisions between the party’s former GroenLinks (GreenLeft) and PvdA (Labour) wings, raising questions about how united the
United States & Canada
As pressure mounts on the International Criminal Court and Washington prepares sanctions against the Hague-based tribunal, Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten used his debut address to the United Nations General Assembly to deliver one of his strongest international messages yet: the ICC must be protected. Exclusive reporting and analysis
Dutch politics
Justice Minister David van Weel survived a vote of no confidence in the early hours of Friday, but only after an public climbdown that revealed just how vulnerable the Netherlands' minority government can be when opposition parties unite. His political future now appears secure, for the moment. Yet the
Middle East
Dozens of diplomats walked out as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the United Nations General Assembly on Thursday, repeating a protest seen during his speech last year. But what was the response of the Dutch delegation? Exclusive reporting and analysis from The Hague. First month €2.50 Start reading
Ukraine
Twelve years after the downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17, the five governments leading the international effort to secure justice for the victims have issued a renewed pledge to pursue accountability. But beyond reaffirming their commitment, the new diplomatic statement contains little in the way of fresh developments, underscoring how
United States & Canada
The Dutch government is intensifying efforts to head off a new round of American restrictions on ASML's China business, as pressure mounts in Washington for tougher controls on advanced chip technology. Prime Minister Rob Jetten says he is confident a compromise can still be reached, but the outcome
Middle East
One photograph from a diplomatic reception in New York may reveal more about the future of Dutch-Syrian relations than months of carefully worded government statements. Standing side-by-side are Syrian President Ahmed Hussein al-Sharaa, Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten and Queen Máxima. Just a few years ago,
Russia
For years, Western leaders have largely avoided direct encounters with Vladimir Putin, seeking to isolate the Russian president after his full-scale invasion of Ukraine. But if Putin accepts an American invitation to the G20 summit in Miami this December, Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten is prepared to be in
Asia & Australia
As Europe looks increasingly toward the Indo-Pacific and Western allies seek to strengthen ties amid growing geopolitical tensions, the Netherlands and Australia have agreed to elevate their relationship to a formal strategic partnership. But beyond the diplomatic language, the agreement offers a detailed roadmap for cooperation on defence, critical
United States & Canada
The Dutch government is preparing for the possibility of a new escalation in Washington’s campaign against the International Criminal Court, but Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen insists the European Union’s powerful 'blocking statute' remains a weapon of last resort. As pressure on the Hague-based court grows
Europe & EU
Last-minute compromise preserved sanctions on 3,000 Russia-linked individuals and entities, but behind the scenes diplomats warn the price paid could weaken the EU's sanctions regime for years to come. Exclusive reporting and analysis from The Hague. First month €2.50 Start reading