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The Netherlands are once again embarking on a political experiment: after intensive coalition negotiations, Democrats 66 (D66, social-liberal), the People’s Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD, right-liberal), and the Christian Democratic Appeal (CDA, Christian-democratic) have agreed to form a minority government. The coalition was formally sworn in by King Willem‑Alexander on 23 February 2026. Parliament had already approved the coalition agreement on 3 February, thereby paving the way for the so-called “Jetten I Cabinet”, led by Rob Jetten.

Several key European leaders and EU officials made appearances at the 62nd Munich Security Conference, while the U.S. Secretary of State called on them to join a new transatlantic alliance forged by civilisationism. Here’s what was said, and why it matters for Europe and the transatlantic relationship.

Against the backdrop of the European Union’s tense economic situation and growing challenges for competitiveness, industry, and trade, the Brussels Office brought together Members of the Bundestag and the European Parliament with representatives of German business associations. The meeting addressed the growing imperative for action at both European and national levels, with particular focus on regulation, economic growth projections, and geopolitical developments.

After just 92 days of negotiations, the fastest government formation since 2012, D66, VVD, and CDA reached a coalition agreement to form a minority government, which was officially presented on 30 January 2026.

The signing of the EU–Mercosur agreement is a small geopolitical miracle. Signed on 17 January 2026 in Paraguay, it arrives at a moment when Europe is unmistakably being cast aside by the United States. Meanwhile Latin America, and with it, the Mercosur countries (Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay and Bolivia), is being rediscovered by the same superpower. Author: Gabriela Keseberg Dávalos

Whether it’s tanks, tractors or mobile phones — nothing works without satellites. And geopolitics hasn’t stopped at outer space. Bavaria is right at the centre as Europe repositions itself geostrategically. Young politicians and experts from Benelux exchanged views with key actors in Munich.

A closed-doors roundtable with Josef Braml and Klaus Welle discussed the fragile transatlantic “community of values”. While shifting values may even drive the transatlantic partners apart, shared economic and strategic interests keep Europe and America together. But the EU needs to act more strategically.

Often overlooked yet highly significant: the small Grand Duchy as a European financial and judicial hub. It not only maintains the political balance between France and Germany, but is also specialised in the construction of satellites and drones.

The European Commission presented its annual report on enlargement policy. Tied to this was a study on EU reform — which it is now postponing again. Is Europe overwhelmed by its multiple crises?

Strauß played an outstanding role in defining his party’s pro-European course. Especially forward-looking was his demand that Europe must assume more responsibility for its own security, including the establishment of a European army.

Ethiopia’s GERD promises energy and growth, but Nile tensions, climate change, and regional politics make diplomacy vital to prevent conflict and secure a shared water future.

As the United Nations marks 80 years, Germany’s Ambassador to the UN, Ricklef Beutin, reflects on the organization’s legacy, its moments of crisis, and its enduring relevance. In this exclusive interview, he shares candid insights on multilateralism, global responsibility, and what the next decades must hold for the UN.

The APEC summit in Gyeongju in South Korea in November 2025 showed as well the decline of the interest in comprehensive integration in the Asia-Pacific and the continued importance of the format to allow for bilateral meetings.

Milei‘s party, La Libertad Avanza, gained more seats in the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate during the midterm elections held on October 26. Now he needs to deliver results. A budget surplus and curbing inflation are not enough in the long run.

As Programme Coordinator and Strategic Analyst at The Hague Centre for Strategic Studies (HCSS), Laura Jasper leads research on strategic undermining, coordinates the multi-annual PROGRESS research framework for the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Defence, and contributes to the development of strategic gaming capabilities.

The parliamentary elections in the Republic of Moldova attracted significant international attention. While the population voted on the country’s future political direction, one overriding question emerged: Would the country continue on its path towards the EU — or would Russian influence prevail?

Two inspiring women from Togo and Benin share how they entered politics, what drives them, and how women can shape change — from classrooms to local councils and beyond.

Media shapes democracy - but growing commercial pressures threaten its civic role. Europe still has the opportunity to strengthen public oversight and preserve pluralism in its information landscape.

This article analyses the crisis of the French political system. It argues the country has reached a point of total blockade, where the distrust between society and the political class leaves the French government with no room for manoeuvre and seemingly dooms all reform efforts to fail. However, the article also explains how the profile of the new prime minister Sébastien Lecornu could help overcome the deadlock.

Dive into our talk with Ronja Kempin as she unpacks how France’s instability and budget strains are reshaping EU unity, its Ukraine strategy, and the outlook for a bolder European foreign policy.