Africa
The Netherlands and Belgium are placing the pursuit of drug trafficker Jos Leijdekkers, better known as “Bolle Jos,” firmly on the European agenda this week. For the first time, the 27 EU heads of state and government will jointly address Europe’s drug problem, explicitly including the role of third
NATO & Defense
The Dutch Ministry of Defence is increasingly tightening its grip on publicly available information, as rising geopolitical tensions fuel concerns that even fragmented, open-source data can expose vulnerable military infrastructure, according to insiders in the MoD.
Dutch politics
Questions have been raised in the Dutch House of Representatives about the possible involvement of Dutch shell companies in a corruption investigation surrounding a luxury resort in Albania linked to the US president’s daughter Ivanka Trump and her husband Jared Kushner.
Dutch politics
The Dutch cabinet is expected to issue formal apologies to the Moluccan community in the near future for the way they were treated by the Dutch state.
Asia & Australia
The Dutch government has stepped up diplomatic efforts in the long-running case of the abducted girl Insiya, confirming plans to send a broad delegation to India to advance discussions.
Middle East
There is a sense of relief in The Hague following the agreement reached between the United States and Iran with the mediation of Pakistan. At the same time, uncertainty remains high about the concrete implications for regional security — and in particular for the planned international mission in the Strait of
Dutch politics
The Advisory Council on International Affairs (AIV) is calling for the Netherlands to play a far more active role in the enlargement of the European Union, arguing that expansion is essential for Europe’s security, stability and prosperity. In a new advisory report, the council warns that a passive approach
United States & Canada
The Dutch government has openly acknowledged concerns about the far‑reaching implications of American legislation for its own critical digital infrastructure, including systems as sensitive as DigiD.
Dutch politics
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
Dutch politics
During his testimony under oath before the parliamentary inquiry committee on COVID-19, former Prime Minister Mark Rutte gave an extensive account of his cabinet’s crisis response. Central to his statement was the constant effort to contain the virus without bringing society to a complete standstill — a balance he
Asia & Australia
The Dutch government will continue to advocate for a greater, “meaningful” participation of Taiwan in international organisations and meetings. This is outlined in answers by Foreign Minister Berendsen to parliamentary questions from GroenLinks-PvdA MPs Kati Piri and Tom van der Lee.
Dutch politics
A majority in the Dutch House of Representatives wants the Netherlands to actively push, at the European level, for a trade boycott of products originating from Israeli settlements in occupied territories. In an adopted motion, MPs call on the government to “show active leadership” in pursuing an EU-wide ban