Middle East
A decision to cancel the final of a European student debating championship because Israeli universities were due to participate has reignited a political and cultural controversy in the Netherlands. But despite pressure from multiple far-right parties in parliament, Education Minister Rianne Letschert (D66) has carefully avoided condemning either the
Dutch politics
The first day of the Dutch parliament's annual general political debate revealed deep uncertainty not only among opposition parties, but also within the political forces expected to keep Prime Minister Jetten's minority government afloat. As politicians sparred over welfare cuts, migration and budget support, one question
Europe & EU
The European Union is exploring an unprecedented new form of partnership with Canada, and the proposal is already receiving a positive response in The Hague. As Brussels considers making Canada the EU’s first-ever “associate member”, Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten sees opportunities for closer cooperation on security, trade
Europe & EU
Dutch political parties have reacted in different ways to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s proposal for a new European Security Council, exposing a broader debate in The Hague about the future balance between European defence cooperation and NATO. While supporters see the initiative as a necessary response
Middle East
Iranian intelligence services have been quietly infiltrating the devices of dissidents, activists and journalists living in the West, according to a rare joint warning issued by Dutch, British and American security agencies. Behind seemingly harmless software downloads lies a sophisticated espionage operation capable of taking complete control of a victim&
Caribbean & Latin America
The Dutch government wants to turn a long-discussed Kingdom conference into a permanent fixture, bringing together the Netherlands, Curaçao, Aruba and Sint Maarten every year. But while ministers are presenting the initiative as a new chapter in Kingdom cooperation, key questions about the format, agenda and political role of
Africa
The Dutch government has reversed plans to close its embassy in South Sudan and its consulate-general in Antwerp, marking a significant retreat from earlier cuts to the diplomatic network. Yet the reprieve comes with a catch: five other diplomatic posts will still shut their doors as The Hague reshapes
NATO & Defense
The Dutch defence budget will rise to a record €28.9 billion in 2027, reflecting a dramatic expansion of the armed forces driven by NATO targets, the war in Ukraine and growing concerns about European security. Yet behind the surge in spending, the military continues to struggle with one of
Dutch politics
The first Prinsjesdag of Prime Minister Rob Jetten's minority government was marked by repeated appeals for compromise and cooperation. But as King Willem-Alexander delivered the longest King's Speech in more than two decades, opposition leaders from both the left and the right responded with the
Dutch politics
A coordinated wave of suspected sabotage has disrupted railway traffic across large parts of the Netherlands on Prinsjesdag, prompting an investigation involving police, prosecutors and intelligence services. While officials are urging caution until the facts are established, the scale and timing of the incidents are already fuelling speculation in The
Dutch politics
Belgian and Luxembourg foreign ministers Maxime Prévot and Xavier Bettel will attend Prinsjesdag in The Hague on Tuesday, marking a first for the annual opening of the Dutch parliamentary year. The unusual invitation is being presented as a sign of renewed political ambition within the Benelux — although there is also
Dutch politics
The route of the 'Glazen Koets' is fixed, the 'Troonrede' has been written and Finance Minister Eelco Heinen's budget briefcase is ready. Yet as The Hague prepares for Prinsjesdag 2026, the most important question remains unanswered: who will actually support the minority government'