Middle East

What does The Hague know about Hamas in the Netherlands? New documents reveal growing concern

How worried is the Dutch government about alleged Hamas-linked influence in demonstrations? Why is The Hague now describing those signals as “very concerning”? Newly released parliamentary documents provide a clearer picture of how the government is responding as intelligence services report increasing insight into Hamas-linked activity in the Netherlands.

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The Netherlands condemns Taliban crackdown on women, while backing EU talks with Afghanistan

The Dutch government has sharply condemned the Taliban's violent crackdown on a women's rights protest in Afghanistan, accusing the regime of violating fundamental human rights. Yet at the same time, The Hague is supporting European efforts to maintain technical contacts with the Taliban on sensitive issues,

US ambassador Joe Popolo calls the Netherlands America’s top ally in Europe, but warns The Hague over trade, tech and the ICC

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

The Netherlands backs Klaas Knot for president of the European Central Bank. Can he really become the next ECB chief, if Lagarde leaves?

The Dutch government has publicly thrown its weight behind Klaas Knot as a potential successor to Christine Lagarde at the helm of the European Central Bank (ECB), a move that places the former Dutch central banker firmly in the race for one of Europe's most influential economic jobs.

Questions in parliament over top Dutch defence official's role at venue behind Israel boycott

The Dutch government’s most senior civil servant at the Ministry of Defence is facing political questions over an side role that has suddenly become part of the Netherlands’ increasingly polarised debate over Israel and Gaza. Right-wing opposition MPs are demanding answers about whether Maarten Schurink, the secretary-general

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The Netherlands condemns Taliban crackdown on women, while backing EU talks with Afghanistan

US ambassador Joe Popolo calls the Netherlands America’s top ally in Europe, but warns The Hague over trade, tech and the ICC

The Netherlands backs Klaas Knot for president of the European Central Bank. Can he really become the next ECB chief, if Lagarde leaves?

Questions in parliament over top Dutch defence official's role at venue behind Israel boycott