United States & Canada
The United States approached the Dutch government a decade ago to ask whether Sigrid Kaag would be willing to make herself available as a candidate for United Nations secretary-general. Read on for the full story. Exclusive reporting and analysis from The Hague. First month €2.50 Start reading
Europe & EU
The Dutch government has strongly criticised the United States after Washington imposed sanctions on ICC President Tomoko Akane and prosecutor Abdoulaye Seye. The latest round of US sanctions against senior officials of the International Criminal Court has triggered sharp reactions from The Hague, Brussels and Tokyo. But how far are
Dutch politics
How far is the Dutch government willing to go in defending the International Criminal Court against mounting pressure from Washington? And what do the latest measures mean for the future of the Hague-based court? Those questions are growing more urgent after the Trump administration imposed a new round of
United States & Canada
As the Trump administration reviews where US troops should remain stationed in Europe, a questionnaire sent to NATO allies is raising eyebrows across the continent. The Netherlands has now confirmed it received the survey and will respond. Officially, it is presented as part of discussions on Europe's growing
Russia
The Netherlands will send dozens of marines to Greenland as part of a NATO mission aimed at strengthening security in the Arctic. Officially, the deployment is a response to growing Russian and Chinese activity in the region. Yet the move also comes after months of tensions over President Donald Trump&
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 Finance Minister Eelco Heinen. Our Summer Briefings are freely accessible during the summer period. If you'
United States & Canada
The United States views the Netherlands as its most important partner in Europe. Yet behind the warm words of US Ambassador in The Netherlands, Joe Popolo, lies a tougher message: Washington expects continued Dutch alignment on trade, technology and security, and is prepared to push back when Dutch policy moves
Middle East
The Netherlands is taking another step towards a possible international mission in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most strategically important maritime chokepoints. A small multinational headquarters team is set to board the Dutch frigate HNLMS De Ruyter in the Gulf region, following a request from
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 Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen. From Israel and Iran to NATO, Europe, Syria and the future of the
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
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,