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
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
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
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
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
China
The European Union is unlikely to emerge from its current trade talks with China with a sweeping breakthrough, according to Dutch Foreign Trade Minister Sjoerd Sjoerdsma. Instead, Brussels may have to settle for limited agreements in a handful of sectors, while keeping tougher trade measures on the table if negotiations
Caribbean & Latin America
As Europe grapples with a world increasingly shaped by geopolitical rivalry, economic fragmentation and the rise of new powers, the Dutch cabinet is making a strategic bet: the Netherlands must forge deeper partnerships across the Global South, even when interests and values do not always fully align. Exclusive reporting and
Asia & Australia
The Netherlands is preparing to back one of the European Union’s most significant trade agreements in the Indo-Pacific in years. But the deal is about more than lower tariffs and new export opportunities. As geopolitical tensions rise and Europe searches for new sources of critical raw materials, the
Europe & EU
As governments prepare for this year’s UN climate summit in Turkey, the Dutch cabinet is making a clear bet: keep international climate ambition moving forward, even as geopolitical tensions, shrinking development budgets and resistance from major emitters threaten to slow progress. But behind the broad European consensus lies a