Africa - The Hague Insider

Dutch politics

Why the Dutch government is struggling to counter foreign interference in the Netherlands

Efforts by the Dutch government to counter unwanted foreign interference are running into difficulties. Key legislation has stalled, while new instruments — including a dedicated reporting hotline — have yet to become operational and are facing delays. This is outlined in a letter to parliament by Justice and Security Minister David van

Africa

Dutch Parliament approves Morocco extradition deal, Justice Minister wants Colombia next

The Dutch House of Representatives has backed a new extradition treaty with Morocco by a large majority, clearing the way for closer judicial cooperation between the two countries in the fight against serious crime. Only the Party for the Animals (PvdD) and Denk voted against the agreement, which was signed

Europe & EU

Turmoil in The Hague: ICC chief prosecutor Karim Khan suspended, removal looms

The International Criminal Court (ICC) has formally suspended its chief prosecutor, Karim Khan, following the conclusion of an internal investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct. The decision was announced on Monday by the court’s governing body, marking an unprecedented step against one of the ICC’s most prominent officials.

Middle East

Dutch cabinet opts for pragmatic dialogue with Algeria despite church closures, after SGP questions

The Dutch government wants to engage in dialogue with Algeria on the position of religious minorities, despite ongoing concerns about the closure of Protestant churches and restrictions on Christians in the country. The cabinet is not inclined to summon the Algerian ambassador or increase diplomatic pressure.

Dutch politics

The fine print of Minister Sjoerdsma's budget deal on development aid: no new money, just shifts - and a shadow agreement

Dutch politics

Dutch minority cabinet secures budget deal after last‑minute boost to development aid: more money to Ukraine, Syria, Lebanon and humanitarian aid

Europe & EU

The Netherlands and Italy sign migration declaration: Dutch resume asylum returns to Italy and explore 'return hubs' in North Africa

Africa

The Netherlands threatens Sierra Leone: The Hague pushes to suspend EU funds to Freetown

Dutch politics

Majority in Dutch Parliament supports new extradition treaty with Morocco

Africa

Dutch cabinet calls humanitarian situation in eastern Congo "extremely worrying", may continue part of Dutch aid programme

The humanitarian and security situation in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is rapidly deteriorating, according to Dutch Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation Sjoerdsma. In answers to parliamentary questions from D66 MP Bamenga, the minister announced millions in emergency aid, while uncertainty remains over the future of

Dutch politics

The Netherlands embraces "values-based realism" as Prime Minister Jetten sets out pragmatic foreign policy course

Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten has set out a sharply pragmatic vision for the Netherlands’ foreign policy, arguing that realism — not nostalgia or moral absolutism — must guide Europe’s role in an increasingly unstable world. In a keynote speech at the Next Gen: The Hague Security Conference on 27 May,

Africa

Dutch cabinet: no evidence that Dutch food exports displace African farmers, study in Senegal and Ivory Coast finds

Dutch agri-food exports to vulnerable countries in sub-Saharan Africa do not have demonstrable structural negative effects on local farmers or food markets. This is the conclusion of a study examining Dutch onion exports to Senegal and potato exports to Ivory Coast—two trade flows with relatively large market