Africa
As the United Nations grapples with mounting geopolitical tensions, declining influence and a multi-billion-dollar funding crisis, world leaders will gather in New York this month for the 81st session of the UN General Assembly. The Dutch government has now unveiled its priorities, ranging from defending the international rules-
Europe & EU
Denmark says it expects to be ready by the end of 2027 to start sending rejected asylum seekers to a return centre outside the European Union. Now, together with the Netherlands, Germany, Austria and Greece, it wants to secure agreements with third countries before the end of this year. But
United States & Canada
The Dutch government says it is preparing with European partners to shield the International Criminal Court (ICC) from growing American pressure, after Washington expanded sanctions against court officials and signalled it could take further measures. Behind the scenes, The Hague is working on contingency plans ranging from financial protections to
Russia
The Dutch government has summoned Russia's ambassador after Germany formally accused Moscow of being behind explosive-laden drones found at and around Leipzig Airport. While The Hague has joined a growing number of European capitals in backing Berlin's conclusions, the diplomatic move also highlights a deeper
Asia & Australia
Could a proposed change to India’s foreign funding rules further weaken the position of Christian organisations and other religious minorities? And how far is the Netherlands willing to go in pressing its concerns with one of its most important strategic partners? Responding to parliamentary questions from SGP MP Diederik
Dutch politics
The Dutch government wants to give its intelligence agencies far greater powers to act against suspected hackers, foreign intelligence services and terrorist networks, arguing that today's geopolitical and technological threats are evolving faster than existing oversight procedures can handle. But with memories of the controversial 2018 "sleepwet&
China
Can Europe still protect its industry without abandoning its free-trade principles? And how far should Brussels go to counter what Dutch government advisers describe as unfair economic competition from China and increasing dependence on both Beijing and Washington? A new report by the Dutch Scientific Council for Government Policy
Asia & Australia
Hundreds of Afghans who helped Dutch military, diplomatic and development missions believed they would eventually secure a more permanent future in the Netherlands. Now, after the entry into force of the EU's new asylum and migration rules, many are discovering that a permanent asylum residence permit in The
Dutch politics
How far is the Dutch government willing to go in defending the International Criminal Court against mounting pressure from Washington? And what do the latest measures mean for the future of the Hague-based court? Those questions are growing more urgent after the Trump administration imposed a new round of
Asia & Australia
Five years after the fall of Kabul and the chaotic withdrawal of Western forces from Afghanistan, an uncomfortable question is returning to European politics: was the Taliban supposed to remain isolated forever? If European governments insist they will never recognise the regime, why are they once again sitting around the
Russia
The Netherlands will send dozens of marines to Greenland as part of a NATO mission aimed at strengthening security in the Arctic. Officially, the deployment is a response to growing Russian and Chinese activity in the region. Yet the move also comes after months of tensions over President Donald Trump&
Summer Briefings
Every Saturday and Sunday this summer, The Hague Insider publishes a special Summer Briefing, taking a deep dive into the politicians, companies and policy issues shaping The Hague, Brussels and beyond. Today: Dutch Finance Minister Eelco Heinen. Our Summer Briefings are freely accessible during the summer period. If you'