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
Europe & EU
More than 70,000 migrants reached the Spanish exclave of Ceuta within days, exposing fresh tensions between European capitals and triggering emergency talks among EU migration ministers. While Tuesday's meeting was meant to demonstrate European unity after days of public accusations, several key questions remain unanswered. What triggered
Middle East
As the Dutch government increased pressure on Israeli settlements, Geert Wilders was shaking hands with senior Israeli leaders and touring the West Bank. The visit highlighted his enduring ties to Israel at a moment of growing diplomatic tension between The Hague and Jerusalem. Read on for the full story and
Europe & EU
The immediate crisis in Ceuta may be fading, but the political aftershocks are only beginning. As EU migration ministers gather for an digital meeting on Tuesday, the Dutch government is demanding answers about how tens of thousands of migrants managed to breach one of Europe's external borders in
Middle East
How worried is the Dutch government about alleged Hamas-linked influence in demonstrations? Why is The Hague now describing those signals as “very concerning”? Newly released parliamentary documents provide a clearer picture of how the government is responding as intelligence services report increasing insight into Hamas-linked activity in the
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: the Dutch position in the battle over the EU's next long-term budget — a fight that
Europe & EU
A sudden migrant surge at Spain's southern frontier has triggered an coordinated response from the EU capitals. Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten and 21 fellow European leaders are now demanding an emergency meeting of EU interior ministers, warning that the events in Ceuta could undermine confidence in the
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 Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen. From Israel and Iran to NATO, Europe, Syria and the future of the
Europe & EU
As tens of thousands of migrants cross from Morocco into the Spanish exclave of Ceuta, alarm is spreading across European capitals. In The Hague, ministers are scrambling to respond to a crisis unfolding hundreds of kilometres away but with potentially significant consequences for Dutch politics, migration policy and the future
Middle East
Attacks on ambulances and medical personnel in Lebanon are “deeply concerning” and, in certain circumstances, could amount to war crimes, according to Dutch Foreign Minister Berendsen. The comments came in response to parliamentary questions from D66 MPs Hanneke van der Werf and Mpanzu Bamenga. But what exactly is the Dutch
China
A new Chinese law that entered into force on 1 July is triggering growing concern in The Hague. Dutch Foreign Minister Berendsen does not rule out the possibility that statements made by Dutch citizens outside China could, under certain circumstances, lead to legal prosecution by Chinese authorities. What does this