Russia
How far is the Netherlands prepared to go against vessels suspected of helping Moscow evade sanctions? What specific powers will Dutch authorities gain? Which ministries will be responsible for enforcement? Subscribers can read the full political and security implications here.
Dutch politics
How dependent is the Netherlands on the raw materials needed to build warships, drones and batteries? And what happens if those supplies suddenly disappear — because of Chinese export controls or the closure of the Strait of Hormuz? The Dutch government is sounding the alarm over growing geopolitical pressures on critical
NATO & Defense
Before NATO leaders gathered behind closed doors in Ankara, the mood among diplomats was tense. Donald Trump had publicly attacked allies, questioned the Alliance's value, criticised Spain, and once again stirred controversy with remarks about Greenland. Senior officials privately admitted the summit would largely be about one thing:
Europe & EU
Can dialogue still deliver peace in Europe’s most devastating conflict in decades? And can a security organisation born during the Cold War still play a decisive role in ending the war in Ukraine? Speaking to hundreds of parliamentarians gathered in The Hague, Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten delivered a
Russia
Will The Hague soon become home to the tribunal tasked with prosecuting Russia's leadership for the crime of aggression against Ukraine? What is the next step for the Dutch governement, who is - again - ernstig bezig for the The Hague's position as the world's capital
Ukraine
What happens if a future ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia turns out to be only a temporary pause? Who would protect Ukraine if Moscow launches another attack? And should Dutch troops be prepared to play a role in deterring renewed Russian aggression? A new report by the Advisory Council on
NATO & Defense
The Netherlands is stepping up its military footprint on NATO’s eastern flank at a critical moment. As tensions with Russia continue to rise, The Hague is making a dual move: extending its deployment in Lithuania while taking on a key command role in Estonia and Latvia. Why now — and
Dutch politics
The sudden suspension of ICC Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan has placed The Hague in a delicate position. As international pressure mounts and the credibility of the International Criminal Court once again comes under scrutiny, member states such as the Netherlands must now decide on Khan’s future. What will happen
Russia
The Dutch government will do everything within its power to prevent Russian and Belarusian athletes and teams from competing under their national flags at sporting events in the Netherlands. This follows a newly refined cabinet position sent to the House of Representatives this week.
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
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.
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.