Europe & EU
Dutch diplomat Tanja Gonggrijp has been elected Deputy Secretary General of the Council of Europe, one of the continent’s key human rights organisations. With a clear majority of 135 votes to 59, she defeated her Finnish opponent, Marja Ruotanen-Bourdages, securing the confidence of the Parliamentary Assembly (PACE) in
United States & Canada
Dutch Minister for Foreign Trade Sjoerdsma is in Washington for high-level talks on trade, technology, the position of the Dutch semiconductor industry and ASML. According to insiders in Washington and The Hague, he is expected to conclude a new agreement with the United States during the visit.
Ukraine
Questions have been raised in the Dutch House of Representatives by Forum voor Democratie (FvD) regarding the Netherlands’ donation of twenty prison transport buses to Ukraine, while the government insists the vehicles are intended solely for the regular transport of detainees.
Europe & EU
The departure of UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is drawing mixed reactions in The Hague — combining the usual diplomatic expressions of gratitude with a sense of surprise, and even quiet schadenfreude, over the rapid pace of political change in London.
Europe & EU
The European Brexit Adjustment Reserve (BAR), designed to compensate EU member states for the economic consequences of Brexit, has had only a limited impact on Dutch businesses.
United States & Canada
The Netherlands is positioning two naval vessels in preparation for a possible multinational mission in the Strait of Hormuz, following a newly reached agreement between the United States and Iran that could pave the way for de-escalation in the region.
United States & Canada
The Dutch government is responding with extreme caution to new concerns from the United States that one of ASML’s most advanced chipmaking machines may have ended up in China, despite strict export restrictions.
Asia & Australia
The state visit of Japanese Emperor Naruhito to the Netherlands highlights how relations between The Hague and Tokyo are evolving from a historically burdened relationship into an increasingly close strategic partnership. Whereas previous visits were still heavily shaped by the legacy of the Second World War, the focus has now
NATO & Defense
The United States’ decision to scale back military capabilities in Europe is once again fuelling debate over the continent’s security. However, outgoing Dutch Defence Minister Dilan Yeşilgöz sees no immediate reason for alarm. The Netherlands is making Reaper drones available to NATO to replace U.S. drones.
Asia & Australia
The Dutch government is stepping up pressure on parliament to ratify the EU–ASEAN aviation agreement, warning that the Netherlands risks blocking the entire deal and undermining its international credibility if it fails to act.
Ukraine
The Dutch government has announced a new €500 million military support package for Ukraine, with a strong emphasis on drone warfare and deepening defence cooperation between the two countries amid the ongoing conflict with Russia.
Europe & EU
The Dutch government wants to become significantly less dependent on the United States for its security and defence in the coming years. That is the central message of the new International Security Strategy 2026–2030, presented to parliament this week.