Russia
For years, Western leaders have largely avoided direct encounters with Vladimir Putin, seeking to isolate the Russian president after his full-scale invasion of Ukraine. But if Putin accepts an American invitation to the G20 summit in Miami this December, Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten is prepared to be in
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
Europe & EU
The Netherlands has enthusiastically welcomed a new security agreement between the United States, Denmark and Greenland, describing it as a boost for NATO security and stability in the Arctic. But beyond the public congratulations, diplomats in The Hague see the bigger picture: the successful resolution of a dispute that had
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
United States & Canada
The Netherlands has shifted part of its gold reserves out of North America and into Europe, in an operation worth more than €10 billion. Officially, the move is about crisis preparedness and making the country's gold easier to trade in an emergency. But why did the relocation happen
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
Europe & EU
As concerns grow over security risks posed by artificial intelligence, Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten wants a coalition of European countries to move faster on setting international rules. Next week, on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, the Netherlands plans talks with like-minded partners on stricter AI
Europe & EU
The European Union is exploring an unprecedented new form of partnership with Canada, and the proposal is already receiving a positive response in The Hague. As Brussels considers making Canada the EU’s first-ever “associate member”, Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten sees opportunities for closer cooperation on security, trade
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
United States & Canada
As Washington presses ahead with sanctions against the International Criminal Court, the Dutch government is using the UN General Assembly to rally support for one of the institutions at the heart of The Hague's international identity. But officials in The Hague privately recognise that building a coalition of