United States & Canada
Could the European Union soon deploy one of its most powerful legal tools to shield the International Criminal Court in The Hague from Washington? The Dutch parliament is showing unity in defence of the International Criminal Court as fears grow that Washington could announce new sanctions against the Hague-based
Russia
Russia currently shows no intention of attacking NATO immediately after the war in Ukraine ends. But according to the Dutch military intelligence service MIVD, Moscow could be ready for a limited conflict with the alliance in less than a year under the right conditions. How serious is the threat, and
Middle East
After nearly a quarter-century of almost uninterrupted Western military involvement in Iraq, a remarkable chapter is coming to an end. With the formal closure of the US-led Operation Inherent Resolve, Dutch troops have now left Iraq entirely. The question facing The Hague, Baghdad and NATO allies is what
United States & Canada
The Dutch government has formally informed parliament about the special meeting at which 82 of the 125 ICC member states voted to remove former prosecutor Karim Khan. The outcome itself is no longer news. Yet the cabinet's report highlights a more pressing question for The Hague-based court:
Africa
For years, the Sahel was a cornerstone of Dutch efforts to combat terrorism, reduce irregular migration and promote stability on Europe’s southern flank. But after a wave of military coups, growing insecurity and expanding Russian influence, The Hague is now asking a difficult question: how much can it still
Middle East
Are Dutch customs officers now searching passengers arriving from Israel for prohibited settlement goods? Israeli officials and international commentators say yes. But according to Dutch authorities, the reality appears far less dramatic. As a diplomatic dispute between The Hague and Jerusalem escalates, claims about extensive airport checks are adding a
Dutch politics
For weeks, budget talks in The Hague appeared stuck. Now Prime Minister Rob Jetten's minority cabinet has made a series of significant concessions on social security, taxation and purchasing power in a bid to secure parliamentary support for its 2027 budget. But one crucial question remains: will it
NATO & Defence
More than three months after parliament was briefed behind closed doors on the troubled Dutch-Belgian frigate programme, the future of one of Europe's largest naval procurement projects appears increasingly uncertain. The Dutch government is still working towards a decision on how to proceed. In a new update
Europe & EU
The International Criminal Court in The Hague is facing renewed pressure from Washington, and two of Europe's key supporters are drawing a line in the sand. During a joint visit in The Hague on Monday, Dutch Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen and his German counterpart Johann Wadephul pledged unwavering
NATO & Defence
The Netherlands plays a pivotal role in moving NATO troops and equipment across Europe. But what happens if military transport needs to expand rapidly during a crisis? A new HCSS report commissioned by the Dutch government concludes that the country's rail system is not yet prepared for that
Middle East
Israel’s decision to strip Dutch diplomats in Ramallah of their diplomatic status has prompted a further escalation from The Hague. Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen has summoned Israel’s ambassador to the Netherlands and says he "deeply regrets" what he calls an "unnecessary" measure, taken in
Caribbean & Latin America
The Dutch government is preparing a major overhaul of the rules governing Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba, promising stronger local democracy, more tailored financial oversight and greater room for the islands to invest in infrastructure. But behind the technical legislative changes lies a broader question that has troubled successive governments