NATO & Defence
The Dutch armed forces are on the brink of a profound transformation that could fundamentally change how wars are fought — and how the Netherlands prepares for them. In a newly presented Defence White Paper, the government makes clear that the era of traditional warfare is giving way to a battlefield
Middle East
The Dutch government is preparing to take a politically sensitive step that has been debated for years: introducing national sanctions against products from Israeli settlements. But a critical opinion by the Council of State — the country’s top legislative advisory body — immediately highlights major concerns, from enforceability to democratic legitimacy.
NATO & Defence
The Dutch government is set to unveil a sweeping new Defence White Paper on Monday. With billions in new spending and a clear focus on high-tech warfare, the plans go far beyond incremental upgrades. But crucial details remain deliberately vague, according to insiders.
Russia
The Dutch government will do everything within its power to prevent Russian and Belarusian athletes and teams from competing under their national flags at sporting events in the Netherlands. This follows a newly refined cabinet position sent to the House of Representatives this week.
Dutch politics
After months of deadlock, the Dutch government presents one of the most far-reaching nitrogen packages in years — with strict new zones around dozens of protected nature areas, measures that could directly impact thousands of farms, and billions of euros at stake. But will it finally unlock the crisis that
Africa
The Dutch government has expressed concern over reports that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) may be involved in deploying Colombian mercenaries in the war in Sudan, but is opting for a cautious diplomatic approach towards Abu Dhabi. This emerges from answers by Foreign Minister Berendsen and the Minister for Foreign
Middle East
A controversial invitation from The Hague is exposing clear fault lines in Dutch politics. While right-wing and christian parties are pushing for a meeting with Reza Pahlavi, left-wing factions have voted against the move.
Caribbean & Latin America
The Netherlands is deploying a specialised urban search and rescue mission to earthquake-hit Venezuela, responding to an urgent plea for help from a country just across the Caribbean from the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
Asia & Australia
The Dutch Ministry of Defence has identified dozens of reports describing suspected violations of international humanitarian law committed by Western coalition partners and Afghan forces during the Afghanistan mission.
Africa
Behind the scenes, the Dutch government is exploring new ways to manage one of Europe’s most persistent migration challenges: what to do with rejected asylum seekers who cannot be returned. Officials are now looking beyond the EU’s borders, assessing whether so‑called “return hubs” could offer a politically
Middle East
Two Dutch ministers, Minister of Foreign Affairs Berendsen and Minister for Migration Van den Brink has travelled to Syria following earlier visits to Qatar and Lebanon, marking a cautious step in The Hague’s re-engagement with Damascus.
NATO & Defence
The Dutch maritime industry has been dealt a significant blow after the German government abruptly cancelled the multibillion-euro order for six F126 frigates that were to be built by Damen Naval. The decision, confirmed by the German Ministry of Defence, is already reverberating in The Hague, where concerns are