Middle East
Eight Dutch embassy employees based in Ramallah on the occupied West Bank have been ordered by Israel to hand in their diplomatic papers, a move that could severely hamper their ability to work and travel in the Palestinian territories. The measure, announced by Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, is the
Asia & Australia
The Dutch state has won the final legal battle over the fate of 42 Afghan men who guarded the Netherlands' embassy in Kabul before the Taliban takeover. After years of litigation, the Supreme Court has ruled that the men have no legal right to be brought to the Netherlands,
Africa
The European Union has suspended €18 million in budget support to Sierra Leone, a decision that Dutch ministers are openly presenting as a warning to a government accused of sheltering one of the Netherlands’ most wanted criminals. But while The Hague celebrates the move as a victory in its campaign
NATO & Defence
As drones reshape battlefields from the Black Sea to the Red Sea, the Dutch military is betting that traditional naval air defence is no longer enough. The Netherlands is now moving to equip its warships with a new generation of anti-drone systems, but the project also highlights a broader
Middle East
Development Cooperation Minister Sjoerd Sjoerdsma has rejected calls to bring sick and wounded children from Gaza to the Netherlands for medical treatment, despite growing pressure from PRO, SP, Volt, ChristenUnie and DENK. During a parliamentary debate on Thursday, the minister defended the government's decision to prioritize medical care
Africa
The European Union has formally approved new return rules for rejected asylum seekers, a decision that Dutch Migration Minister Bart van den Brink called a “historic day”. The agreement provides the legal foundation for the creation of return centres in countries outside the EU, a long-sought objective for a
Russia
Russia is stepping up sabotage, cyberattacks and intimidation against Europe. But according to Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten, the answer is not caution or restraint. Instead, NATO allies should do exactly what the Kremlin is trying to prevent: increase military and political support for Ukraine. Exclusive reporting and analysis from
United States & Canada
Could the European Union soon deploy one of its most powerful legal tools to shield the International Criminal Court in The Hague from Washington? The Dutch parliament is showing unity in defence of the International Criminal Court as fears grow that Washington could announce new sanctions against the Hague-based
Russia
Russia currently shows no intention of attacking NATO immediately after the war in Ukraine ends. But according to the Dutch military intelligence service MIVD, Moscow could be ready for a limited conflict with the alliance in less than a year under the right conditions. How serious is the threat, and
Middle East
After nearly a quarter-century of almost uninterrupted Western military involvement in Iraq, a remarkable chapter is coming to an end. With the formal closure of the US-led Operation Inherent Resolve, Dutch troops have now left Iraq entirely. The question facing The Hague, Baghdad and NATO allies is what
United States & Canada
The Dutch government has formally informed parliament about the special meeting at which 82 of the 125 ICC member states voted to remove former prosecutor Karim Khan. The outcome itself is no longer news. Yet the cabinet's report highlights a more pressing question for The Hague-based court:
Africa
For years, the Sahel was a cornerstone of Dutch efforts to combat terrorism, reduce irregular migration and promote stability on Europe’s southern flank. But after a wave of military coups, growing insecurity and expanding Russian influence, The Hague is now asking a difficult question: how much can it still