Europe & EU
Russia’s war against Ukraine may be spilling even closer to NATO territory. After two commercial vessels were struck by drones near Bulgaria’s territorial waters, Sofia is pointing toward Moscow, NATO is reviewing its posture in the Black Sea, and The Hague has publicly thrown its support behind the
NATO & Defence
The Netherlands plays a crucial role in NATO plans to move troops and military equipment across Europe. But a new audit suggests the country’s roads, railways and bridges are not yet ready for the large-scale military transport that could be required in a major conflict. Bringing the network
Middle East
The Dutch government and a broad majority in parliament are voicing outrage over public expressions of support for Hamas in the Netherlands. Yet despite growing political pressure, critics argue that the cabinet's proposed law criminalising the glorification of terrorism risks becoming more of a political signal than a
United States & Canada
The Dutch government has rejected a final attempt to overturn its controversial decision to block the sale of government IT provider Solvinity to US technology company Kyndryl. After additional investigations and a court-ordered review, The Hague has again concluded that the acquisition threatens the public interest, sending a strong
Dutch politics
Victims of intimidation by foreign governments were promised a dedicated reporting hotline years ago. But despite growing warnings about foreign interference in the Netherlands, the cabinet now admits that the initiative may not become operational before the middle of 2028, raising fresh questions about the pace of The Hague’s
Europe & EU
European Foreign Ministers have rallied behind the International Criminal Court after the United States announced sanctions against the institution, according to Dutch Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen. But while EU capitals are united in their support for the court, they are also seeking to use a six-month window before the
Middle East
The European Union has approved a new three-year mission in Lebanon aimed at strengthening the country's military and internal security forces. The Netherlands has immediately signalled its support and says it is willing to contribute. But what exactly will the mission do, and how far is Europe
NATO & Defence
NATO’s top military commander has taken the unusual step of publicly outlining how the alliance would respond to a potential attack, declaring that any aggressor would be met with a strategy designed to “block, blunt and break” enemy forces. The rare intervention comes as Russia intensifies its criticism of
Europe & EU
The Netherlands has flatly rejected a new Irish compromise proposal for the European Union’s next long-term budget, raising fresh doubts about the chances of reaching a deal before the end of the year. With Germany also signalling resistance, one of Prime Minister António Costa’s key political objectives
NATO & Defence
In a new overview of European defence cooperation sent to parliament, Defence Minister Dilan Yeşilgöz presents an unusually detailed picture of how the Netherlands is positioning itself at the centre of European military integration, from joint weapons procurement and military mobility to defence-industrial cooperation and support for Ukraine. The
United States & Canada
As European governments work to tighten economic pressure on Moscow, Dutch Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen has publicly questioned a new fuel deal between the United States and Russia. The agreement may help ease global diesel prices, but critics warn it could also provide fresh revenue for the Kremlin's
Middle East
A missile strike on Riyadh's international airport has triggered international condemnation, disrupted air traffic and raised fresh fears of a broader regional escalation. The Netherlands has joined European leaders in denouncing the attack. Exclusive reporting and analysis from The Hague. First month €2.50 Start reading