The Netherlands
Baltic countries team up on mass evacuation plans as Russian threat grows
“Clear procedures are crucial, as is the rapid exchange of information,” says Lithuanian interior minister.
Netherlands approves defense spending boost to 3.5 percent of GDP
European Commission considers 258 percent tobacco tax hike
Sweden leads EU push to sanction far-right Israeli ministers
Why the EU is about to cripple its next climate target
Now is the time to rebuild the global economic system
Dutch brawl over airport noise sets tone for rest of Europe
Costa hints EU could penalize Israel over Gaza offensive
Diplomats are weighing up plans to downgrade ties despite opposition from some capitals.
Dutch snap election set for Oct. 29
Geert Wilders’ far-right coalition has been in place for less than a year.
NATO allies agree to boost weapon inventories ahead of Trump-pleasing summit
Alliance leaders are widely expected to agree to a new defense spending target of 5 percent of GDP when they meet in The Hague later this month.
Poland is becoming Europe’s factory for ‘bath salts’ drugs, EU agency warns
In 2023, authorities dismantled 53 production sites across Europe, 40 of them in Poland.
Abortion: Europe’s not as liberal as you think
While the global focus is on America’s reversal of long-standing abortion rights, a surprising number of European women still have to travel to terminate pregnancies.
Microsoft didn’t cut services to International Criminal Court, its president says
Chief prosecutor’s email issues have spurred fears in Europe that Trump could trigger a “kill switch” through U.S. tech giants abroad.
Denmark to drop ‘frugal’ stance on EU budget to counter threat from Russia
The Danish leader argued that Europe needs more funds to bolster its defenses and counter the threat from Russia.
Hegseth to skip Ukraine meeting at NATO headquarters
The absence of the U.S. defense secretary marks the first time in the Ukraine Defense Contact Group’s history that an American defense chief misses the monthly meeting.
EU’s top Russian LNG buyers wary of Brussels’ gas ban
France and Belgium are seeking more reassurances on Brussels’ proposal to gradually end Russian gas purchases by 2027.
Dutch government collapses after Geert Wilders’ far-right party quits
Prime Minister Dick Schoof will carry on in a caretaker role after asylum dispute topples coalition in the Netherlands.
France lobbying Europeans, UK to recognize Palestinian statehood
Paris is set to move forward with recognition as pressure mounts on Israel to halt its military campaign in the Gaza Strip.
NATO’s Rutte embraces 5 percent defense spending goal
The new target is expected to be agreed at next month’s NATO summit.
Paris and Berlin join EU calls for crackdown on Hungary over pride ban
The move comes as EU diplomats warn the bloc is inching closer to deploying its “nuclear option” against Hungary.
Das Update zu Dobrindts Migrationsplänen
Alexander Dobrindt musste heute in der Regierungsbefragung den Abgeordneten Rede und Antwort stehen. Dabei waren die verschärften Grenzkontrollen und die Migrationspolitik die Schwerpunkte. Rasmus Buchsteiner hat die …
Western countries reveal major Russian cyber-espionage campaign
Attacks ramped up after Moscow invaded Ukraine in February 2022.
Keep some cash under your mattress, says Dutch central bank
Keep €70 per adult and €30 per child in hard currency in case of emergencies, the Bank advised.
Netanyahu blasts Starmer, Macron and Carney over Israel sanctions threat
Western criticism grows over Israel’s military assault on Gaza.
Can defense become Europe’s economic growth machine?
If the continent plays its cards right, the necessity of defense could turn out to be the mother of invention.
In Transylvania, fear haunts Romania’s troubled democracy
The birthplace of modern Romania is losing faith in politics 36 years after Communism fell, amid threats of reprisals at Sunday’s bitterly fought election.
Legendary Dutch architect has no regrets about Russia projects
“If I thought it was a mistake I wouldn’t have done it and even now in retrospect I think it would be right,” theorist Rem Koolhaas tells POLITICO.
EU should open door to US on defense despite Trump, says Lithuanian minister
Severing ties with Washington would cause trouble for Russia’s EU neighbors, Finance Minister Rimantas Šadžius said.
Dutch PM to Geert Wilders: We don’t need your permission to criticize Israel
“It is not the case that we listen to, say, one party leader with regard to the steps we take,” Dick Schoof said.
Chinese cyber menace exceeds threat from Russia, Dutch spy chief warns
Top intel director tells POLITICO that Moscow’s new military buildup is concerning — and Donald Trump’s election has been a wake-up call for European spies.