Africa
From discreet support for Russian journalists to multi‑million euro investments in Gaza, Congo and China, a new Foreign Ministry report offers a rare, detailed look at how the Netherlands is putting its human rights policy into practice. But behind the long list of projects lies a stark reality: shrinking
Middle East
Will Rotterdam's annual Holocaust commemoration become a moment of remembrance — or another flashpoint in the city's increasingly polarized debate over Israel and Gaza? After days of speculation and political pressure, Mayor Carola Schouten has confirmed that she will attend and speak at Thursday's Holocaust
Dutch politics
The Netherlands is quietly laying the groundwork for a diplomatic return to Syria. After years without an embassy in Damascus, the Dutch government is taking another step towards restoring its presence on the ground — and exploring what could come next. Which options are now on the table, how far is
NATO & Defence
Reports that Washington is exploring the expansion of U.S. nuclear weapon deployments across more NATO countries have sparked political concern — but the Dutch government says it has seen no concrete proposal. Behind the carefully worded denials, however, ministers reaffirm a hard reality: nuclear deterrence remains central to Europe’s
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 policy towards Israel. Once among Israel's closest allies in Europe, the Netherlands is now navigating
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 Prime Minister Rob Jetten — the Netherlands' first D66 prime minister, the country's youngest-ever
China
After visits by Food Security Minister Silvio Erkens and Foreign Trade Minister Sjoerd Sjoerdsma, the Dutch government is preparing for more cabinet-level engagement with China. A visit by Prime Minister Rob Jetten could follow as early as this autumn or in spring 2027, according to sources familiar with the
Middle East
Rotterdam mayor Carola Schouten says she understands concerns about the participation of Israel’s ambassador at a Holocaust commemoration next week, a position that has fuelled an increasingly heated political debate. Left-wing parties in the city council are questioning the ambassador’s role at the Loods 24 remembrance ceremony,
Middle East
As violence between the United States and Iran flares up again, the Dutch government is increasingly concerned about the deteriorating situation. Dutch Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen says the crisis is worsening and warns that the consequences could be felt far beyond the region. What could it mean for energy prices,
Africa
For more than a year, the Dutch government has been deploying every diplomatic tool at its disposal to bring convicted drug trafficker Jos Leijdekkers — better known as “Bolle Jos” — back to the Netherlands. Direct talks with Sierra Leone have yielded little. Attempts to rally European support for financial pressure have
Dutch politics
The Netherlands built its reputation on world-class infrastructure. Now one of the country’s most important motorway bridges is becoming a symbol of a much larger problem. The sudden closure of the Merwede Bridge to heavy trucks has done more than disrupt freight traffic. It has reignited an uncomfortable
Middle East
From 22 September 2026, goods originating from Israeli settlements in territories occupied by Israel will no longer be allowed onto the Dutch market. The ban reaches far beyond imports alone and could have consequences for Dutch companies operating elsewhere in Europe. But what exactly will the new Dutch sanctions prohibit?