Asia & Australia
The Netherlands is preparing to back one of the European Union’s most significant trade agreements in the Indo-Pacific in years. But the deal is about more than lower tariffs and new export opportunities. As geopolitical tensions rise and Europe searches for new sources of critical raw materials, the
Europe & EU
As governments prepare for this year’s UN climate summit in Turkey, the Dutch cabinet is making a clear bet: keep international climate ambition moving forward, even as geopolitical tensions, shrinking development budgets and resistance from major emitters threaten to slow progress. But behind the broad European consensus lies a
Russia
Despite more than four years of war in Ukraine and a long series of EU sanctions packages against Russia, Dutch supermarket brand Spar continues to expand through licensed stores in the country. Why is that still legally possible? And is The Hague prepared to ban Dutch companies from operating in
Asia & Australia
Can private investors help close the enormous financing gap facing developing countries? And how far is the Dutch government willing to go in using the World Bank as a vehicle for reconstruction in conflict zones such as Ukraine, Gaza and Syria? Those questions are at the heart of the Dutch
Africa
The European Union has suspended €18 million in budget support to Sierra Leone, a decision that Dutch ministers are openly presenting as a warning to a government accused of sheltering one of the Netherlands’ most wanted criminals. But while The Hague celebrates the move as a victory in its campaign
NATO & Defence
As drones reshape battlefields from the Black Sea to the Red Sea, the Dutch military is betting that traditional naval air defence is no longer enough. The Netherlands is now moving to equip its warships with a new generation of anti-drone systems, but the project also highlights a broader
Africa
The European Union has formally approved new return rules for rejected asylum seekers, a decision that Dutch Migration Minister Bart van den Brink called a “historic day”. The agreement provides the legal foundation for the creation of return centres in countries outside the EU, a long-sought objective for a
Russia
Russia is stepping up sabotage, cyberattacks and intimidation against Europe. But according to Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten, the answer is not caution or restraint. Instead, NATO allies should do exactly what the Kremlin is trying to prevent: increase military and political support for Ukraine. Exclusive reporting and analysis from
United States & Canada
Could the European Union soon deploy one of its most powerful legal tools to shield the International Criminal Court in The Hague from Washington? The Dutch parliament is showing unity in defence of the International Criminal Court as fears grow that Washington could announce new sanctions against the Hague-based
Russia
Russia currently shows no intention of attacking NATO immediately after the war in Ukraine ends. But according to the Dutch military intelligence service MIVD, Moscow could be ready for a limited conflict with the alliance in less than a year under the right conditions. How serious is the threat, and
United States & Canada
The Dutch government has formally informed parliament about the special meeting at which 82 of the 125 ICC member states voted to remove former prosecutor Karim Khan. The outcome itself is no longer news. Yet the cabinet's report highlights a more pressing question for The Hague-based court:
Middle East
Are Dutch customs officers now searching passengers arriving from Israel for prohibited settlement goods? Israeli officials and international commentators say yes. But according to Dutch authorities, the reality appears far less dramatic. As a diplomatic dispute between The Hague and Jerusalem escalates, claims about extensive airport checks are adding a