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'
Asia & Australia
The Dutch government has sharply condemned the Taliban's violent crackdown on a women's rights protest in Afghanistan, accusing the regime of violating fundamental human rights. Yet at the same time, The Hague is supporting European efforts to maintain technical contacts with the Taliban on sensitive issues,
Middle East
The Netherlands is taking another step towards a possible international mission in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most strategically important maritime chokepoints. A small multinational headquarters team is set to board the Dutch frigate HNLMS De Ruyter in the Gulf region, following a request from
Russia
Can Russian aluminium still find its way onto the European market despite existing import bans? More than four years after Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine and after twenty EU sanctions packages, loopholes appear to remain. According to signals from the Dutch aluminium industry, Russian aluminium may still