Africa
The Dutch government is continuing to push for additional sanctions against those sustaining Sudan's civil war, but is unwilling to suspend EU trade negotiations with the United Arab Emirates despite fresh allegations about foreign support networks linked to the conflict. The position highlights the delicate balance The Hague
Dutch politics
The International Criminal Court has received yet another powerful display of international support. After a Nobel Peace Prize linked to former ICC judge Navi Pillay and a symbolic reception by King Willem-Alexander, the Hague-based court has now been awarded the European Parliament's 2026 Sakharov Prize for
Asia & Australia
The Dutch government has decided to extend its military contribution to the United Nations Command (UNC) in South Korea until the end of 2028, underlining a growing Dutch security interest in the Indo-Pacific at a time of rising tensions in East Asia and deepening cooperation between Russia and North
Europe & EU
The Dutch government is backing a more overtly strategic use of European development policy, arguing that Brussels should be transparent about its own interests when building partnerships around the world. Exclusive reporting and analysis from The Hague. First month €2.50 Start reading
China
The Dutch government has voiced concern about China's growing focus on national and industrial security after Beijing expanded restrictions on foreign travel for large groups of public-sector and state-owned enterprise employees. But while acknowledging the potential implications, The Hague is stopping short of directly criticising the
Asia & Australia
The Dutch government has defended the participation of Dutch diplomats in a controversial Azerbaijani-organised visit to Nagorno-Karabakh, arguing that such trips are a normal part of diplomatic work despite ongoing international concerns over cultural heritage, disputed historical narratives and the 2023 exodus of more than 100,000 Armenians
Asia & Australia
Dutch Finance Minister Eelco Heinen has walked out of an IMF meeting in Bangkok during a speech by Russia's Finance Minister, in a sign of growing Western unease over Moscow's return to international economic forums. The protest comes as the United States and other hosts have
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