On Monday, June 29, Minister Arrindell attended the presentation of the Dutch Defence White Paper 2026 at Gilze-Rijen Air Base. During the event representatives from government, defence and industry discuss the future direction of the Dutch armed forces and the changing international security environment. The Defence White Paper outlines the Netherlands' long-term vision for building a more agile, resilient and future-ready military. It emphasizes strengthening national and collective security through closer cooperation with NATO allies, government partners, and society, while investing in innovation, readiness and the ability to respond to rapidly evolving security challenges. Minister Arrindell welcomed the opportunity [...]

Minister Plenipotentiary Arrindell attended the opening ceremony of Netherlands Veterans Day in The Hague on Saturday June 27, joining veterans, government representatives and invited guests in paying tribute to the men and women who have served the Kingdom of the Netherlands in times of war, peacekeeping missions and other international operations. Due to extreme heat and an orange weather warning issued by the KNMI, the National Parade and the public programme at the Malieveld were cancelled following the advice of the Veiligheidsregio Haaglanden. The official opening ceremony in the Royal Theatre (Koninklijke Schouwburg) proceeded as planned. The ceremony brought [...]

Last Monday, Minister Arrindell met with Henrique Choer Moraes, Minister-Counsellor at the Embassy of Brazil in The Hague. The meeting followed previous encounters at diplomatic and international events and provided an opportunity to further strengthen ties and exchange views on issues of mutual interest. During the discussion, Minister Arrindell and Minister-Counsellor Moraes explored topics related to renewable energy, biodiversity and sustainable development. Particular attention was given to Brazil’s extensive use of biofuels and its large dual-fuel vehicle fleet, which allows millions of drivers to choose between sugarcane-based ethanol and gasoline blended with biofuel. The conversation highlighted how innovative energy [...]

Minister Plenipotentiary Arrindell attended the National Day Reception of Portugal at the Official Residence of the Ambassador of Portugal in The Hague. The reception was hosted by H.E. Ambassador Clara Nunes dos Santos a in celebration of Portugal’s National Day, Camões Day and Portuguese Communities Day. The programme included welcoming remarks by the Ambassador, the playing of the national anthems, and a cultural performance by Casa de Fado Amsterdam, showcasing Portugal’s rich musical heritage. The evening concluded with a reception attended by members of the diplomatic corps, government representatives and invited guests. Minister Arrindell extended her congratulations to Ambassador [...]

On Monday, June 8, Minister of Justice Nathalie Tackling paid a courtesy visit to Minister Arrindell at the Cabinet in The Hague. The meeting provided an opportunity for both ministers to exchange views on matters of mutual interest and to discuss developments relevant to Sint Maarten. During the meeting, Minister Tackling provided an update on her recent working visit to Geneva and shared some insights that took place during that visit. The ministers also discussed current developments within the justice sector, including the progress of the new prison construction project and ongoing efforts to strengthen capacity within the Ministry [...]