NATO & Defence
The Netherlands and France have held their first meeting on nuclear deterrence cooperation, opening a new chapter in bilateral defence relations as European governments seek to assume greater responsibility for their own security. Ministers insist the initiative complements NATO, but the talks underscore a broader shift in Europe's
Middle East
The Netherlands will contribute €15 million to the reconstruction of Syria before the end of this year, marking one of the first concrete financial commitments to a new World Bank-backed recovery fund. The move signals a further shift in Dutch policy from humanitarian relief towards longer-term stabilisation, while
United States & Canada
The Netherlands is stepping up criticism of a new US-Russia diesel agreement, with Prime Minister Rob Jetten arguing that the deal undermines efforts to increase pressure on Moscow over the war in Ukraine. Speaking ahead of this week's EU summit, Jetten said the Dutch government has already
Russia
Just days before the World Artistic Gymnastics Championships open in Rotterdam, a diplomatic row has erupted between the Netherlands and Russia. Three of Russia's biggest medal contenders have been denied visas, prompting accusations of discrimination and raising questions about how far political and security considerations can shape international
Europe & EU
The Netherlands is digging in for a fight over the European Union's next long-term budget. While the Irish presidency insists a deal should be reached before the end of the year, Prime Minister Rob Jetten says The Hague will not be rushed into accepting a proposal that
Europe & EU
Russia’s war against Ukraine may be spilling even closer to NATO territory. After two commercial vessels were struck by drones near Bulgaria’s territorial waters, Sofia is pointing toward Moscow, NATO is reviewing its posture in the Black Sea, and The Hague has publicly thrown its support behind the
NATO & Defence
The Netherlands plays a crucial role in NATO plans to move troops and military equipment across Europe. But a new audit suggests the country’s roads, railways and bridges are not yet ready for the large-scale military transport that could be required in a major conflict. Bringing the network
Middle East
The Dutch government and a broad majority in parliament are voicing outrage over public expressions of support for Hamas in the Netherlands. Yet despite growing political pressure, critics argue that the cabinet's proposed law criminalising the glorification of terrorism risks becoming more of a political signal than a
United States & Canada
The Dutch government has rejected a final attempt to overturn its controversial decision to block the sale of government IT provider Solvinity to US technology company Kyndryl. After additional investigations and a court-ordered review, The Hague has again concluded that the acquisition threatens the public interest, sending a strong
Dutch politics
Victims of intimidation by foreign governments were promised a dedicated reporting hotline years ago. But despite growing warnings about foreign interference in the Netherlands, the cabinet now admits that the initiative may not become operational before the middle of 2028, raising fresh questions about the pace of The Hague’s
Europe & EU
European Foreign Ministers have rallied behind the International Criminal Court after the United States announced sanctions against the institution, according to Dutch Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen. But while EU capitals are united in their support for the court, they are also seeking to use a six-month window before the
Middle East
The European Union has approved a new three-year mission in Lebanon aimed at strengthening the country's military and internal security forces. The Netherlands has immediately signalled its support and says it is willing to contribute. But what exactly will the mission do, and how far is Europe