Russia
The Dutch government wants to give authorities new powers to stop, inspect and even detain vessels linked to Russia's so-called shadow fleet, arguing that the ships pose not only a sanctions risk but also a growing threat to critical infrastructure in the North Sea. Exclusive reporting and
Europe & EU
Prime Minister Rob Jetten has called for increased European support for Ukraine while warning that the United States is becoming a less predictable ally. Ahead of an EU summit in Brussels, the Dutch prime minister criticised planned US sanctions against the International Criminal Court (ICC), dismissed President Donald Trump'
United States & Canada
The Netherlands is stepping up criticism of a new US-Russia diesel agreement, with Prime Minister Rob Jetten arguing that the deal undermines efforts to increase pressure on Moscow over the war in Ukraine. Speaking ahead of this week's EU summit, Jetten said the Dutch government has already
Russia
Just days before the World Artistic Gymnastics Championships open in Rotterdam, a diplomatic row has erupted between the Netherlands and Russia. Three of Russia's biggest medal contenders have been denied visas, prompting accusations of discrimination and raising questions about how far political and security considerations can shape international
Europe & EU
Russia’s war against Ukraine may be spilling even closer to NATO territory. After two commercial vessels were struck by drones near Bulgaria’s territorial waters, Sofia is pointing toward Moscow, NATO is reviewing its posture in the Black Sea, and The Hague has publicly thrown its support behind the
NATO & Defence
The Netherlands plays a crucial role in NATO plans to move troops and military equipment across Europe. But a new audit suggests the country’s roads, railways and bridges are not yet ready for the large-scale military transport that could be required in a major conflict. Bringing the network
Dutch politics
Victims of intimidation by foreign governments were promised a dedicated reporting hotline years ago. But despite growing warnings about foreign interference in the Netherlands, the cabinet now admits that the initiative may not become operational before the middle of 2028, raising fresh questions about the pace of The Hague’s
Europe & EU
European Foreign Ministers have rallied behind the International Criminal Court after the United States announced sanctions against the institution, according to Dutch Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen. But while EU capitals are united in their support for the court, they are also seeking to use a six-month window before the
NATO & Defence
NATO’s top military commander has taken the unusual step of publicly outlining how the alliance would respond to a potential attack, declaring that any aggressor would be met with a strategy designed to “block, blunt and break” enemy forces. The rare intervention comes as Russia intensifies its criticism of
United States & Canada
As European governments work to tighten economic pressure on Moscow, Dutch Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen has publicly questioned a new fuel deal between the United States and Russia. The agreement may help ease global diesel prices, but critics warn it could also provide fresh revenue for the Kremlin's
United States & Canada
The United States has unveiled its most far-reaching sanctions yet against the International Criminal Court, targeting the Hague-based institution as a whole. Yet in diplomatic circles in The Hague, one detail is being treated as a rare glimmer of hope: the measures will not take effect for six
Russia
One day after Defence Minister Dilan Yeşilgöz bluntly declared that Russia is "the enemy" of the Netherlands, Prime Minister Rob Jetten publicly endorsed the characterization. Yet Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen appeared far less willing to embrace the same label, exposing a striking difference in tone at the top