Dutch politics
How far is the Dutch government willing to go in defending the International Criminal Court against mounting pressure from Washington? And what do the latest measures mean for the future of the Hague-based court? Those questions are growing more urgent after the Trump administration imposed a new round of
United States & Canada
As the Trump administration reviews where US troops should remain stationed in Europe, a questionnaire sent to NATO allies is raising eyebrows across the continent. The Netherlands has now confirmed it received the survey and will respond. Officially, it is presented as part of discussions on Europe's growing
Middle East
The mayors of Amsterdam, Utrecht and Arnhem participated in Nakba commemorations in May, triggering political controversy, criticism from the Israeli Embassy in the Netherlands, and parliamentary questions from pro-Israel parties. How is the Dutch government responding? How far is The Hague willing to go in supporting such commemorations? And
Dutch politics
On Monday, Prime Minister Rob Jetten’s minority cabinet begins crucial talks with opposition parties over the 2027 budget. But with budget deficits under pressure and coalition partners short of a parliamentary majority, can the government persuade opposition leaders to back its plans? How much room is there for concessions?
Asia & Australia
Five years after the fall of Kabul and the chaotic withdrawal of Western forces from Afghanistan, an uncomfortable question is returning to European politics: was the Taliban supposed to remain isolated forever? If European governments insist they will never recognise the regime, why are they once again sitting around the
Europe & EU
The Dutch government is pressing Germany to reduce or rethink its controversial border controls, after new figures revealed a sharp rise in traffic accidents along key routes into Germany. But despite growing criticism from Dutch officials, border municipalities and Brussels, Berlin appears determined to maintain the checks. Why is the
NATO & Defense
Can local authorities still rely on the Dutch armed forces when a major crisis strikes? What happens to bomb disposal units, military medical teams and security operations if the Netherlands is drawn into a conflict? And how far is The Hague willing to go in prioritising national and NATO defence
Dutch politics
With just weeks to go before Prinsjesdag, Prime Minister Rob Jetten faces a political balancing act few Dutch leaders have encountered before. His minority coalition must not only find support from opposition parties to pass the 2027 budget, but also keep increasingly visible disagreements within its own ranks under control.
Middle East
What exactly happened to Omar Elshal during his latest court hearing in Egypt? Why was the Dutch ASML employee not brought before the judge while Dutch diplomats were reportedly present to observe the proceedings? And will The Hague now increase pressure on Cairo after this latest twist in a case
Russia
The Netherlands will send dozens of marines to Greenland as part of a NATO mission aimed at strengthening security in the Arctic. Officially, the deployment is a response to growing Russian and Chinese activity in the region. Yet the move also comes after months of tensions over President Donald Trump&
Europe & EU
One week after tens of thousands of migrants stormed into Ceuta, the immediate crisis may be over, but many questions remain. How many migrants are still inside the Spanish enclave? Could some yet reach mainland Europe despite Madrid's assurances? What is the Dutch government's position, and
Middle East
Weeks after protesters tried to silence him at a Rotterdam holocaust commemoration, Israel's Ambassador to the Netherlands is going public with a demand of his own. In an interview with the Reformatorisch Dagblad he wants The Hague to explicitly distance itself from a remark by former GroenLinks-PvdA-