NATO & Defence
NATO’s top military commander has taken the unusual step of publicly outlining how the alliance would respond to a potential attack, declaring that any aggressor would be met with a strategy designed to “block, blunt and break” enemy forces. The rare intervention comes as Russia intensifies its criticism of
Europe & EU
The Netherlands has flatly rejected a new Irish compromise proposal for the European Union’s next long-term budget, raising fresh doubts about the chances of reaching a deal before the end of the year. With Germany also signalling resistance, one of Prime Minister António Costa’s key political objectives
NATO & Defence
In a new overview of European defence cooperation sent to parliament, Defence Minister Dilan Yeşilgöz presents an unusually detailed picture of how the Netherlands is positioning itself at the centre of European military integration, from joint weapons procurement and military mobility to defence-industrial cooperation and support for Ukraine. The
United States & Canada
As European governments work to tighten economic pressure on Moscow, Dutch Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen has publicly questioned a new fuel deal between the United States and Russia. The agreement may help ease global diesel prices, but critics warn it could also provide fresh revenue for the Kremlin's
Middle East
A missile strike on Riyadh's international airport has triggered international condemnation, disrupted air traffic and raised fresh fears of a broader regional escalation. The Netherlands has joined European leaders in denouncing the attack. Exclusive reporting and analysis from The Hague. First month €2.50 Start reading
Europe & EU
The Netherlands has once again delivered a blunt message to Brussels on the EU's next long-term budget. During a meeting in The Hague with European Council President António Costa, Prime Minister Rob Jetten made clear that the current proposal for the next Multiannual Financial Framework remains unacceptable
United States & Canada
The United States has unveiled its most far-reaching sanctions yet against the International Criminal Court, targeting the Hague-based institution as a whole. Yet in diplomatic circles in The Hague, one detail is being treated as a rare glimmer of hope: the measures will not take effect for six
Russia
One day after Defence Minister Dilan Yeşilgöz bluntly declared that Russia is "the enemy" of the Netherlands, Prime Minister Rob Jetten publicly endorsed the characterization. Yet Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen appeared far less willing to embrace the same label, exposing a striking difference in tone at the top
United States & Canada
The International Criminal Court received two highly visible signs of support on Friday, just as The Hague braces for what could become the most serious American assault on the court in its history. While King Willem-Alexander received ICC President Tomoko Akane and former ICC judge Navanethem Pillay was awarded
Russia
The Dutch government has flatly rejected a Russian request to extradite nine officials from the International Criminal Court (ICC), underscoring The Hague's determination to shield the court from growing international pressure. But while Russia's demands were swiftly dismissed, diplomats and legal experts are increasingly watching another
Middle East
The Dutch government has publicly endorsed the core conclusions of a major Amnesty International investigation into Iran's crackdown on the Women, Life, Freedom protests, while quietly examining what further role it could play in international efforts to hold Iranian officials accountable. But how far is The Hague willing
Russia
The Dutch cabinet has long described Russia as the aggressor in its war against Ukraine. But Defence Minister Dilan Yeşilgöz chose a markedly different label in parliament on Thursday, triggering an angry response from the Russian embassy and raising questions in The Hague about who gets to define Dutch foreign