Africa
The Dutch government has drawn a firm line: all new development projects in Mali are being frozen with immediate effect. The trigger is a controversial law. What triggered this abrupt decision—and why now? And what does this mean for the already fragile relationship between Mali and European countries?
Middle East
The war between the United States, Israel and Iran is casting a long shadow over Europe — and the Netherlands is no exception. In a new threat assessment, Dutch intelligence services point to a growing risk, particularly against Jewish and American targets, including on Dutch soil. Two well-known international terrorist
NATO & Defense
The Netherlands is stepping up its military footprint on NATO’s eastern flank at a critical moment. As tensions with Russia continue to rise, The Hague is making a dual move: extending its deployment in Lithuania while taking on a key command role in Estonia and Latvia. Why now — and
Dutch politics
The sudden suspension of ICC Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan has placed The Hague in a delicate position. As international pressure mounts and the credibility of the International Criminal Court once again comes under scrutiny, member states such as the Netherlands must now decide on Khan’s future. What will happen
Africa
After spending more than €100 million on migration partnerships, the Dutch government is facing an uncomfortable conclusion: the strategy has barely delivered. At the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, a new internal evaluation raises fundamental doubts about whether these deals can actually curb irregular migration.
NATO & Defense
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 & Defense
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.