Middle East
One photograph from a diplomatic reception in New York may reveal more about the future of Dutch-Syrian relations than months of carefully worded government statements. Standing side-by-side are Syrian President Ahmed Hussein al-Sharaa, Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten and Queen Máxima. Just a few years ago,
United States & Canada
The Dutch government is preparing for the possibility of a new escalation in Washington’s campaign against the International Criminal Court, but Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen insists the European Union’s powerful 'blocking statute' remains a weapon of last resort. As pressure on the Hague-based court grows
Asia & Australia
A coalition of 21 countries, including the Netherlands, is calling for stronger international oversight of the world's most powerful AI systems ahead of this week's UN General Assembly. But with the United States and China missing from the initiative, questions remain over whether global rules for
United States & Canada
As the United States prepares what could be its most sweeping sanctions yet against the International Criminal Court (ICC), Dutch officials are not caught off guard. The Hague had already anticipated that Washington might unveil new measures around this week's United Nations General Assembly, according to sources familiar
Middle East
The Dutch government says it is deeply concerned by allegations that products originating from Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories may have entered the European market under misleading origin labels. On 22 September, the Netherlands will introduce its own trade ban on products originating from Israeli settlements in the
Caribbean & Latin America
As world leaders gather in New York next week for the 81st United Nations General Assembly, the Dutch government is preparing an broad diplomatic offensive. From artificial intelligence and cybercrime to Ukraine, maritime security and humanitarian crises, Prime Minister Rob Jetten and four cabinet ministers will take part in a
Middle East
The Dutch cabinet has decided not to resume medical evacuations of sick children from Gaza to the Netherlands, despite repeated calls from MPs and aid organisations. Instead, Development Cooperation Minister Sjoerd Sjoerdsma is allocating €12 million for medical treatment in Jordan, Egypt, Gaza and the West Bank. Read on for
Middle East
A decision to cancel the final of a European student debating championship because Israeli universities were due to participate has reignited a political and cultural controversy in the Netherlands. But despite pressure from multiple far-right parties in parliament, Education Minister Rianne Letschert (D66) has carefully avoided condemning either the
Middle East
Iranian intelligence services have been quietly infiltrating the devices of dissidents, activists and journalists living in the West, according to a rare joint warning issued by Dutch, British and American security agencies. Behind seemingly harmless software downloads lies a sophisticated espionage operation capable of taking complete control of a victim&
Africa
The Dutch government has reversed plans to close its embassy in South Sudan and its consulate-general in Antwerp, marking a significant retreat from earlier cuts to the diplomatic network. Yet the reprieve comes with a catch: five other diplomatic posts will still shut their doors as The Hague reshapes
Middle East
The Netherlands and Jordan have taken a significant step in their security relationship by signing a new long-term defence cooperation treaty that replaces a temporary arrangement dating back to the anti-ISIS campaign. But what exactly does the agreement allow, and why is The Hague moving now to formalise
Middle East
The Dutch government has acknowledged that at least hundreds of Dutch passport holders are serving in the Israeli military, but are any criminal investigations underway into the possible involvement of Dutch nationals in alleged war crimes in Gaza? The issue is politically sensitive in The Hague, raising questions about accountability,