Dutch politics
The Netherlands is quietly laying the groundwork for a diplomatic return to Syria. After years without an embassy in Damascus, the Dutch government is taking another step towards restoring its presence on the ground — and exploring what could come next. Which options are now on the table, how far is
NATO & Defense
Reports that Washington is exploring the expansion of U.S. nuclear weapon deployments across more NATO countries have sparked political concern — but the Dutch government says it has seen no concrete proposal. Behind the carefully worded denials, however, ministers reaffirm a hard reality: nuclear deterrence remains central to Europe’s
Summer Briefings
Every Saturday and Sunday this summer, The Hague Insider publishes a special Summer Briefing, taking a deep dive into the politicians, companies and policy issues shaping The Hague, Brussels and beyond. Today: Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten — the Netherlands' first D66 prime minister, the country's youngest-ever
China
After visits by Food Security Minister Silvio Erkens and Foreign Trade Minister Sjoerd Sjoerdsma, the Dutch government is preparing for more cabinet-level engagement with China. A visit by Prime Minister Rob Jetten could follow as early as this autumn or in spring 2027, according to sources familiar with the
Middle East
As violence between the United States and Iran flares up again, the Dutch government is increasingly concerned about the deteriorating situation. Dutch Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen says the crisis is worsening and warns that the consequences could be felt far beyond the region. What could it mean for energy prices,
Africa
For more than a year, the Dutch government has been deploying every diplomatic tool at its disposal to bring convicted drug trafficker Jos Leijdekkers — better known as “Bolle Jos” — back to the Netherlands. Direct talks with Sierra Leone have yielded little. Attempts to rally European support for financial pressure have
Middle East
From 22 September 2026, goods originating from Israeli settlements in territories occupied by Israel will no longer be allowed onto the Dutch market. The ban reaches far beyond imports alone and could have consequences for Dutch companies operating elsewhere in Europe. But what exactly will the new Dutch sanctions prohibit?
Asia & Australia
The Netherlands is stepping up its engagement in one of the world's most strategically important regions. Dutch Foreign Minister Berendsen is travelling to the Philippines this week for high-level talks with Asian counterparts, at the ASEAN Summit. Beyond the official agenda, the visit offers fresh clues about
Europe & EU
The future of a major Dutch-Belgian naval procurement programme is in doubt. Belgian Defence Minister Theo Francken has warned that Belgium may seek alternative suppliers for its next-generation frigates after costs reportedly doubled and delivery schedules slipped by years. The move raises fresh questions about the future of
United States & Canada
Every Saturday and Sunday this summer, The Hague Insider publishes a special Summer Briefing, taking a deep dive into the politicians, companies and policy dossiers shaping The Hague, Brussels and beyond. Today, we focus on a company that has become far more than a technology giant: ASML. The Veldhoven-based
Ukraine
Twelve years after Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 was shot down over eastern Ukraine, killing all 298 people on board, the Netherlands is still pursuing justice on multiple legal fronts. International courts have increasingly concluded that Russia bears responsibility for the disaster, yet compensation, full accountability and any form of admission
United States & Canada
The NATO summit in Ankara was meant to prove that the Alliance remains united as Europe takes on greater military responsibilities and Washington pushes for a gradual transfer of burdens. According to the Dutch government, that objective was achieved. Behind the optimistic rhetoric, however, lies a much larger question: can