NATO & Defence
More than three months after parliament was briefed behind closed doors on the troubled Dutch-Belgian frigate programme, the future of one of Europe's largest naval procurement projects appears increasingly uncertain. The Dutch government is still working towards a decision on how to proceed. In a new update
Europe & EU
The International Criminal Court in The Hague is facing renewed pressure from Washington, and two of Europe's key supporters are drawing a line in the sand. During a joint visit in The Hague on Monday, Dutch Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen and his German counterpart Johann Wadephul pledged unwavering
NATO & Defence
The Netherlands plays a pivotal role in moving NATO troops and equipment across Europe. But what happens if military transport needs to expand rapidly during a crisis? A new HCSS report commissioned by the Dutch government concludes that the country's rail system is not yet prepared for that
Middle East
Israel’s decision to strip Dutch diplomats in Ramallah of their diplomatic status has prompted a further escalation from The Hague. Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen has summoned Israel’s ambassador to the Netherlands and says he "deeply regrets" what he calls an "unnecessary" measure, taken in
Middle East
The diplomatic dispute between the Netherlands and Israel has escalated further. On Sunday, Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar announced that Dutch diplomats based in Ramallah must return their Israeli-issued diplomatic documentation within seven days. The move follows the recent Dutch ban on goods from Israeli settlements, but its
United States & Canada
Just days after Prime Minister Rob Jetten used his United Nations General Assembly speech to defend the ICC against growing US pressure, Joe Popolo, the American ambassador in The Hague has publicly pushed back, offering a stark reminder that Washington's objections to the court run deep and enjoy
Ukraine
As EU defence ministers prepare to meet in Brussels on Monday, a familiar question is once again returning to the top of the agenda: how much more support can Europe provide to Ukraine, and how quickly? The Dutch government is urging fellow member states to accelerate billions in military funding,
Middle East
After drawing criticism for meeting and posing for a photograph with Syria’s president Ahmed Hussein al-Sharaa at the United Nations General Assembly, Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten has defended the encounter as a necessary part of Dutch diplomacy. The meeting touched on issues ranging from Syria’s reconstruction
Dutch politics
A decisive vote has settled one of the most sensitive questions facing the newly merged Dutch progressive party PRO. But while members have chosen a European home, the result also exposes lingering divisions between the party’s former GroenLinks (GreenLeft) and PvdA (Labour) wings, raising questions about how united the
United States & Canada
As pressure mounts on the International Criminal Court and Washington prepares sanctions against the Hague-based tribunal, Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten used his debut address to the United Nations General Assembly to deliver one of his strongest international messages yet: the ICC must be protected. Exclusive reporting and analysis
Ukraine
Twelve years after the downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17, the five governments leading the international effort to secure justice for the victims have issued a renewed pledge to pursue accountability. But beyond reaffirming their commitment, the new diplomatic statement contains little in the way of fresh developments, underscoring how
United States & Canada
The Dutch government is intensifying efforts to head off a new round of American restrictions on ASML's China business, as pressure mounts in Washington for tougher controls on advanced chip technology. Prime Minister Rob Jetten says he is confident a compromise can still be reached, but the outcome