Independence Day in Ukraine: the Netherlands flies the Ukrainian flag

Source: Government of the Netherlands

On 24 August Ukraine celebrates its Independence Day. Since the annexation of Crimea in 2014 and the large-scale invasion of the country in February 2022, however, Ukraine has been defending itself against Russian aggression. To mark this year’s occasion, Minister of Foreign Affairs Wopke Hoekstra and Ambassador Oleksandr Karasevych of Ukraine together hoisted the Ukrainian flag in The Hague. The foreign minister also gave a short address.

Enlarge image
Veronika Morska (12 years old), participant of The Voice Kids Ukraine, sings the Ukrainian National Anthem.

Independence Day in Ukraine

On 24 August 1991 the Ukrainian parliament declared the country’s independence from the Soviet Union. Later that year, on 1 December, more than 90% of Ukrainians voted for Ukraine’s independence and separation from Russia. Since then, Ukraine has celebrated its Independence Day every year on 24 August.

Enlarge image
Minister Hoekstra in conversation with US ambassador Shefali Razdan Duggal.

Ukraine: fighting for the freedom and security of Europe as a whole

Unfortunately, Ukraine’s independence is not a given. At present, the country is still battling hard to defend itself against Russian aggression. In doing so it is fighting not only for its own freedom and security, but also for that of Europe as a whole.

This year Ukraine is celebrating its 32nd Independence Day. To mark the occasion and highlight the Netherlands’ ongoing support for Ukraine, the provincial flags lining The Hague’s Hofvijver lake made way for the Ukrainian flag.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Wopke Hoekstra and Ambassador Oleksandr Karasevych of Ukraine hoisted the flag together, accompanied by the Ukrainian national anthem, which rang out in many other European cities as well. Ambassadors from other countries also attended the Hofvijver ceremony, as did The Hague’s mayor Jan van Zanen and many Ukrainians living in the Netherlands as a result of the war.

Enlarge image
Minister Hoekstra speaks in The Hague on the occasion of Ukraine’s 32nd Independence Day.

Wopke Hoekstra: the Netherlands will continue supporting Ukraine

In a short address to mark the occasion, Mr Hoekstra reiterated the Netherlands’ key message: we will continue supporting the Netherlands for as long as it takes, with military support, humanitarian aid, economic and financial support, and by hosting Ukrainian refugees.

The Netherlands suspends direct cooperation with Nigerien government

Source: Government of the Netherlands

Following the coup in Niger, the Dutch government has suspended direct cooperation with the country’s central government until further notice. This will affect funding for development cooperation and security programmes that are run through Niger’s central government.

Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation Liesje Schreinemacher and Minister of Foreign Affairs Wopke Hoekstra reached this decision on Friday, on the grounds that they do not wish to work with coup leaders. Programmes that will see funding suspended include a healthcare project (€6 million) and a programme to improve the prison system (almost €4 million). The Netherlands’ contribution towards the training of mobile border guards (€5 million), as part of the EUCAP Sahel Niger civilian mission, will also be temporarily suspended.

The government is exploring which programmes funded through the United Nations, other international organisations or local partners can be continued in order to provide support to the people of Niger.

Ms Schreinemacher visited Niger earlier this year together with Minister for Migration Eric van der Burg. During this working visit the ministers made agreements with Niger’s government about closer cooperation on tackling irregular migration in Niger, promoting the protection of migrants, improving border controls and combating people smuggling. The further elaboration of this migration partnership will be put on hold pending developments in Niger.

Coup in Niger: liveblog closed

Source: Government of the Netherlands

Enlarge image

Image: ©EPA/ISSIFOU DJIBO

Liveblog closed

Update 8 august 10:15

This liveblog is now closed. Any further updates will be published on the regular channels of the ministry of Foreign Affairs. Updates can be found on government.nl, netherlandsworldwide.nl or via our social channels:

  • Twitter: @DutchMFA
  • Instagram: @minbz
  • Linkedin: @ministeriebz

Niger evacuation: behind the scenes at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Update 7 August, 16:30

After the coup on 26 July, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs worked to ensure that 20 Dutch nationals were able to leave Niger on several French flights and one Spanish flight.

Staff worked day and night on this operation. For security reasons, a lot of details had to remain secret. Now that the evacuation has been completed, we can show you what goes on at the ministry during a crisis. This article looks at the work of colleagues in The Hague, Niamey and Paris.

Read more about the evacuation operation here.

Another Dutch national departed from Niger, with a Spanish evacuation flight

Update 4 August 14:44
Today another Dutch national departed from Niger on a Spanish evacuation flight. Before departure, the Dutch national was in close contact with ambassador Paul Tholen in Niamey.

The Netherlands suspends direct cooperation with Nigerien government

Update 4 August 12:26
Following the coup in Niger, the Dutch government has suspended direct cooperation with the country’s central government until further notice. This will affect funding for development cooperation and security programmes that are run through Niger’s central government. Read the news article.

Niger evacuation: interview with Ambassador Paul Tholen in Niamey

Update 4 August 12:19
Dutch ambassador Paul Tholen is staying in Niger in order to monitor the political and security situation on the ground and help Dutch nationals who were unwilling or unable to leave. His staying also ensures diplomatic channels for dialogue with Niger are kept open.

Read the full interview with ambassador Paul Tholen in Niamey.

Letter to Parliament about the developments in Niger

Update 2 August 21:54
Minister of Foreign Affairs Wopke Hoekstra informed the Parliament regarding the organized departure of Dutch nationals and Dutch embassy staff from Niger:

  • Nineteen Dutch nationals left Niger on various flights.
  • Most Dutch nationals who indicated that they wanted to make use of the evacuation option have left Niger.
  • The embassy is closed to the public until further notice.
  • The Netherlands will continue to be represented in Niger with a small team led by the ambassador and can only provide limited consular assistance.
  • The government is constantly and closely monitoring developments and is in close contact with the EU and our international partners.

Read the letter to Parliament (in Dutch).

Dutch Embassy in Niger closed to the public

Update 2 August 21:35
Due to the security situation, the embassy in Niger is closed to the public until further notice. The ambassador will stay in Niamey with a small team to represent the Netherlands there. They also keep in touch with Dutch people who could not or did not want to leave at the moment. The embassy has limited availability. Dutch people in Niger can contact the Netherlands Worldwide contact center 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We can be reached via +31 247 247 247.

Minister Hoekstra: another group of 13 Dutch nationals left Niger

Update 2 August 21:17
Minister Hoekstra of Foreign Affairs: ’13 Dutch nationals have just left Niger. Almost all Dutch people who wanted and were able to leave have now left Niger. The embassy will keep in touch with a few Dutch people who could not reach the airport in time and will continue to work for them. The Dutch are on board a French evacuation flight and on their way to Paris. Colleagues from the Dutch embassy are at the airport to welcome them upon arrival.

I have just informed the House of Representatives about the state of affairs. We are in close contact with our international partners about the worrying situation in Niger. We are especially grateful to France for the assistance they have provided with the departure of our citizens and colleagues. A good example of international cooperation.’

View the post (in Dutch) on Twitter (X).

Minister Hoekstra: group of 6 Dutch nationals departed from Niger today with different flights

Update 2 August 18:23
Minister Hoekstra of Foreign Affairs: ‘A group of 6 Dutch nationals departed from Niger today on various flights, with the help of international partners. We keep in close contact with Dutch people who are still in Niger and do everything we can to get those who want to leave on a flight.’ View the post (in Dutch) on Twitter (X).

Ministry of Foreign Affairs working around the clock for Dutch nationals in Niger

Update 2 August 13:43
The crisis structure at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is active. Teams in The Hague are working around the clock to help Dutch nationals in Niger and to remain in active contact with them. Staff from the Netherlands Worldwide Contact Centre (which can be reached by calling +31 247 247 247) are regularly telephoning Dutch nationals in Niger to provide advice and discuss courses of action.

Ambassador Paul Tholen with a message from Niamey (Niger)

Update 2 August 12:07

Ambassador Paul Tholen in Niger: “We are closely monitoring the situation here in Niamey. Together with international partners, we do everything we can to ensure that Dutch people who want to can join a flight out of the country. For these Dutch people, the situation is insecure and frightening. We support them, have close contact and prepare for all scenarios.”

Message from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Update 2 August 11:51
Ministry of Foreign Affairs: We are doing everything we can to get Dutch citizens in Niger, who want to leave, on a flight from one of our international partners. See also: Frequently asked questions about the situation in Niger.

Letter to Parliament about the developments in Niger

Update 1 August 17:40
Minister of Foreign Affairs Wopke Hoekstra informed the Parliament about the current situation in Niger and the Dutch people present:

  • The Dutch government is closely following developments and, together with international partners, is preparing for various scenarios.
  • The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is in close contact with France and other international partners about evacuation options.
  • Dutch people in need can also contact the ministry 24 hours a day, 7 days a week: +31 247 247 247.
  • Dutch people are repeatedly called upon to register to the Foreign Affairs information service (in Dutch).
  • The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has no exact information about the numbers of Dutch nationals in Niger. The Ministry is currently in contact with the approximately 25 persons who have registered with the Ministry.

Read the letter to Parliament (in Dutch).

Message from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Update 1 August 09:08
Travel advice Niger (in Dutch): Due to the continuing unstable situation after the recent coup, the travel advice for the whole of Niger is now red: do not travel.

Are you in Niger? Stay indoors and follow directions from local authorities. Register via the BZ information service for updates. View the post on Twitter (X).

Register with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Information Service

If you are currently in Niger, register with the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs Information Service (in Dutch). Select ‘Aanmelden + registratie bij ambassade’. This will help you stay up to date on the latest developments. It also lets the Ministry of Foreign Affairs know that you are in the country. Make sure to deregister if you leave the country.

Contacting the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Update 31 July 09:00
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is monitoring the situation closely. Dutch people in Niger can contact the Ministry of Foreign Affairs contact centre 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Phone +31 247 247 247. You can also contact the Ministry via WhatsApp (+31 6 8238 7796) or Twitter (X) (@247BZ).

Message from foreign minister Wopke Hoekstra for Dutch people in Niger

Update 28 July 10:44
Minister Hoekstra on Twitter (X): ‘The situation in Niger remains unpredictable. The Ministry is following developments as they happen and we are in close contact with the Dutch embassy and our EU partners.

I urge Dutch people in Niger to register with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Information Service so that the embassy can reach them quickly if necessary.’

Minister Hoekstra on the developments in Niger

Update 27 July 11:45

Deeply concerned about current developments in Niger. The Netherlands condemns every attempt to undermine the stability of Niger’s democratic institutions and calls for immediate return to the constitutional order. We are in contact with our EU partners and monitor the situation closely. Read this message on Twitter (X).

Ministry of Foreign Affairs Information Service Message sent to Dutch nationals in Niger

Update 26 July 19:34
The political and security situation in Niamey is extremely tense at the moment. If possible, stay at home until the situation settles down. Limit movements in the city as much as possible and avoid the neighbourhoods surrounding the presidential palace and the national radio and television station buildings. If circumstances allow, buy enough water and food for several days, so that you can stay at home if necessary.

See also: What to do in a crisis situation

Kind regards,
Dutch embassy in Niamey

Many non-Dutch citizens can vote in municipal elections on 16 March

Source: Government of the Netherlands

On 16 March 2022, some 13 million people with voting rights in 334 Dutch municipalities can cast their vote in the gemeenteraadsverkiezingen (municipal elections). Non-Dutch citizens can also vote for the municipal council if they meet the requirements.

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, a number of polling stations will open in every municipality on 14 and 15 March. With the possibility of early voting, voters can choose a quiet moment to cast their vote.

Voters need a stempas (polling card) and valid form of ID or residence document to vote. It is also possible to grant someone else the right to vote on your behalf. Voters who have not received a stempas or have lost one can apply for a replacement pass at the municipality.

Saba receives US $1 million in additional funding

Source: Government of the Netherlands

The Public Entity Saba receives a one-time amount of US $1 million from the Dutch Government. State Secretary of Home Affairs and Kingdom Relations Raymond Knops wants add the monies in 2021 to the free allowance, which allows Saba to take its own decision on how to spend these funds, he informed the local government in a letter on Friday, March 12.

State Secretary Knops: “I have been consulting with the Saba Executive Council for a while about the height of the free allowance and the shortage of structural means. Saba has in the past years shown that it has its financial management and the rightful spending of means. With this contribution I want to accommodate Saba.” 

In comparison to Bonaire and St. Eustatius, the two other public entities within the Caribbean Netherlands, Saba has little liquidity. As a result of this, Saba has had to increasingly use incidental means to cover structural costs. The addition of the intended US $1 million to the free allowance will be finalized after approval of the Dutch Parliament.

State Secretary Knops: “In the longer term, we will work towards a structural solution through the advices from the Council of State investigation and the Intra-departmental Policy Review.”

Saba Commissioner of Finance Bruce Zagers is very content with the contribution from the Ministry of Home Affairs and Kingdom Relations (BZK). The Public Entity can use this additional financial contribution to help finance areas in the 2021 budget that were lacking due to the shortage of means.

Commissioner Zagers: “Although this is only incidental financial assistance, it will go a long way in allowing the public entity to meet its legal obligations without having to reduce the quality of services. It will also improve the liquidity position which has been weakened during the past few years.”

The 2021 budget, approved by the Saba Island Council in November last year, showed a deficit of over US $1.3 million. This was the first time that Saba presented a budget deficit since it became a public entity of the Netherlands in 2010. The free allowance in the 2021 budget was a little over US $10.2 million, an amount that has basically remained the same since 2012. The free allowance is insufficient to cover government’s structural and operational costs.

Only the most urgent needs were accounted for in this year’s budget, covering government’s basic legal obligations, such as the payment of salaries, keeping the offices open and providing the necessary services to the public, Commissioner Zagers said during the budget’s presentation. The budget lacks the means for structural investments and the upkeep of infrastructure.

Commissioner Zagers: “Hopefully the negotiations with the new Dutch Government will bring structural solutions for the structural financial problems. However, we are very appreciative for this support. It is another confirmation of the good relationship which has been built based on respect and trust between Saba and the Netherlands. And, it confirms the ‘More for more’ approach of State Secretary Knops.”

Additional reception capacity for asylum seekers and accommodation for residence permit holders becoming increasingly urgent

Source: Government of the Netherlands

Greater capacity is required for the reception of asylum seekers. The facilities of the Central Agency for the Reception of Asylum Seekers (Centraal Orgaan opvang asielzoekers, COA) are filling up and the number of asylum seekers with a residence permit who are waiting for accommodation is increasing all the time. The provincial and municipal government bodies are striving to increase capacity, although these efforts are ‘currently not yielding sufficient returns’. This was the assessment given by Minister for Migration Ankie Broekers-Knol and Minister of the Interior and Kingdom Relations Kajsa Ollongren on Tuesday to the Queen’s Commissioner and the mayors while addressing the national coordination meeting on migration and integration (Landelijke Regietafel Migratie en Integratie, LRT).

To ensure sufficient capacity in the short term, the COA will devote extra attention to making use of more commercial properties such as hotels and holiday parks. Furthermore, the programme of requirements for reception centres will be re-evaluated, which will mean, for example, that extra capacity could become available during renovation work. Together with the Ministry of Justice and Security, the COA will make use of the lodger scheme to allow more residence permit holders to stay with guest families, which will be a good start to their integration and participation. A number of scenarios will also be formulated if these efforts prove insufficient in the short term. Furthermore, in collaboration with the security regions, the emergency reception centres can be used as a last resort provided this can be organised in compliance with the health measures set by the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM).

Integration into municipalities

Extra efforts will also be made to accelerate the entry of asylum seekers with a residence permit into municipalities. These are people who have fled war or persecution and are seeking a safe haven in the Netherlands. We expect that 13,500 of these residence permit holders will require housing in the municipalities in the next half-year period (1 January to 31 June 2021), with the same number also expected in the subsequent half-year period. The increase in the accommodation target is partly due to the fact that the Immigration and Naturalisation Service is working through a backlog of over 15,000 asylum requests. In recent years, the half-year accommodation target has fluctuated between 5,500 (in the second half of 2019) and 23,000 (at the height of the refugee crisis).

Support measures for municipalities

These figures will be a substantial challenge for the municipalities, due in part to the shortage of available housing. For this reason, a set of support measures has been compiled that provides resources for reception, accommodation, naturalisation and integration. In the coming period, this set of measures will be further fleshed out by the ministries concerned, the Association of Netherlands Municipalities (VNG) and the Association of Provincial Authorities (IPO). It will then be incorporated into a comprehensive implementation agenda that will give all parties involved a clear and comprehensive strategy to tackle all of these problems.

In any event, efforts will be made in the short term to boost temporary accommodation via interim facilities or transitional housing, in collaboration with local and regional authorities. At the local level, municipalities, housing associations and tenants’ organisations can make performance agreements relating to the expansion of housing stock, e.g. accommodation targets for specific target groups such as single-person households and larger families. The Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations will facilitate this system of collaboration via performance agreements.

Furthermore, the ministry will investigate whether additional financial support can be given to municipalities that accommodate residence permit holders quickly. In such cases, the funds that are usually provided by the Ministry of Justice and Security to the COA to support asylum seekers with the right to residency could be provided to the municipalities instead. In addition to social housing, municipalities can also investigate the possibility of accommodating residence permit holders in converted office blocks, temporary housing or rented rooms.

Cross-border commuters working in crucial sectors can get vignette to pass Belgian border with priority

Source: Government of the Netherlands

From 22 March cross-border commuters who work in crucial sectors can download a special vignette to place behind their car windscreen. This vignette will allow them to cross the border between the Netherlands and Belgium more quickly. It may not be used by others. The aim is to prevent cross-border commuters working in crucial sectors (key workers) from being delayed at the border. The vignette can be downloaded from the website of the Belgian Crisis Centre.

On Wednesday 18 March Belgium imposed a ban on all non-essential travel to other countries, including the Netherlands. The border remains open for trade in goods and services. Cross-border commuters and others for whom crossing the border is essential may continue do so, but specific rules apply:

  • People who do not work in a crucial sector must present a declaration from their employer, stating that they need to cross the border for work purposes.
  • The Belgian authorities are providing a special vignette for cross-border commuters who work in crucial sectors (key workers). It can be downloaded from the website of the Belgian Crisis Centre. This will allow them to cross the border without delays.
  • Travelling between two points in the Netherlands via Belgium is not permitted. This also applies to commuting. However, an exception has been made for key workers with a vignette who are travelling for work purposes.

The Belgian authorities are carrying out border checks and several border crossings have been closed. The special vignette has been introduced in order to prevent key workers being held up at border checks. It is the result of consultations between Dutch justice and security minister Ferd Grapperhaus, Dutch interior minister Raymond Knops, and Belgian interior and security minister Pieter De Crem.

Violation of the ban on non-essential travel is an offence. The Belgian authorities are actively enforcing this ban. Using a vignette on the grounds of false information is forgery. This is also an offence.

National coordination meeting emphasises urgent need for additional reception capacity for asylum seekers

Source: Government of the Netherlands

At the national coordination meeting on migration and integration (Landelijke Regietafel Migratie en Integratie, LRT) that took place on Tuesday, participants discussed an expansion of the number of regular reception spaces for asylum seekers. The asylum seekers’ centres run by the Central Agency for the Reception of Asylum Seekers (COA) are almost filled to capacity.

Following an earlier call to action issued by the LRT, the majority of provinces have consulted with municipal authorities to draw up a list of potential locations for new reception spaces. It was agreed that the King’s Commissioners will join forces with the COA, the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND), the Association of Netherlands Municipalities (VNG) and Ankie Broekers-Knol (the Minister for Migration) to process this information and propose specific locations in each province where additional reception capacity can be realised in the short term.

The common goal is to have a clearer idea by early April. The objective is not just to create new asylum seekers’ centres. It is equally important that municipal authorities move asylum permit holders (asylum seekers with a residence permit) into permanent accommodation to free up spaces in existing centres. This will also lead to additional reception capacity. The operation will be supervised by the provinces.

At the meeting, the LRT participants also expressed their appreciation for the efforts made by Leeuwarden and Goes to create temporary reception spaces for asylum seekers in multi-purpose venues. This buffer capacity is a solution for the short term.

Additional reception capacity needed

In addition to the need to renew contracts with 10 existing locations (due to the expiry of administrative agreements), another 5,000 beds must be added in regular reception centres in 2020. These are required for a number of reasons. Firstly, there will be a slight increase in the number of asylum seekers entering the country (compared to the forecast number). Secondly, the processing times at the IND have increased, as a result of which asylum seekers need to stay in reception centres for longer. On Tuesday, the Minister for Migration told the House of Representatives that she would take measures to reduce processing times. A third reason is the tight housing market.

The participants in the LRT are the Ministries of the Interior and Kingdom Relations, Social Affairs and Employment and Justice and Security, Jetta Klijnsma on behalf of the King’s Commissioners, Theo Weterings on behalf of the VNG, the Association of Provincial Authorities and the COA. When it transpired at the last meeting in October 2019 that the COA required additional regular reception capacity, the Minister for Migration asked the King’s Commissioners to promote the realisation of reception spaces in their provinces. Since then, regional consultations have taken place in many provinces with a view to realising these new spaces. These efforts will continue unabated.

The Netherlands and France work together on reconstruction in St Maarten and Saint Martin

Source: Government of the Netherlands

The French and Dutch delegates coordinating reconstruction efforts in Saint Martin and St Maarten met in Paris today to strengthen their partnership.

The French delegate Philippe Gustin, who is also responsible for reconstruction efforts in Saint Barthélemy, received his Dutch counterpart Hans Leijtens at the French Ministry for Overseas France. Mr Leijtens is the director-general of the Dutch project team for the reconstruction of St Maarten, Saba and St Eustatius. The delegates and their teams discussed the current situation on the island, reconstruction efforts and continuing the excellent partnership between France and the Netherlands.

‘Bilateral cooperation was already well underway before this meeting,’ Mr Gustin said. ‘We have been sharing important information since Irma hit the island. We have also been working together effectively on security matters. The aim of this meeting is to formalise our partnership for the long term and find ways of making a joint contribution to the sustainable development of the island.’

‘Our governments are working to ensure a better future for all the people of St Maarten and Saint Martin,’ Mr Leijtens added. ‘I believe we have laid a firm basis on which to build our partnership.’

The two delegates stressed the importance of carrying out joint infrastructure projects, for example with regard to the airport or a waste treatment plant, in close cooperation with the local authorities. The two countries will also support each other in their contacts with the European Commission with the aim of raising EU funding for reconstruction efforts.

Finally, Mr Gustin and Mr Leijtens spoke about the necessity of giving a new impetus to the existing ‘four-party consultations’, which bring together representatives of the French government, the Dutch government, the collectivity of Saint Martin and the government of St Maarten.

‘Irma has provided an opportunity to breathe new life into cooperation between the two parts of the island,’ Mr Gustin explained.

Prime Minister Rutte tenders government’s resignation

Source: Government of the Netherlands

Prime Minister Mark Rutte has tendered to His Majesty the King the resignation of all ministers and state secretaries. The King has considered the resignation and asked that the prime minister, ministers and state secretaries continue to carry out the duties they consider necessary to the interests of the Kingdom in a caretaker capacity.

On Saturday 8 July the King will receive Mr Rutte at Huis ten Bosch Palace to discuss the government’s resignation.

Enlarge image

Image: ©ANP / Phil Nijhuis