It is expected that the tendering process for the operation of the Netherlands Pavilion during the World Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan, will commence around the end of October. This tender offers hospitality and facility management companies to present themselves on large international stage. A consortium is being sought to organise and execute various aspects of the Netherlands Pavilion, including catering, hospitality, operational and event management, HRM, security, cleaning, operation of the gift shop, and audiovisual communication.
Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai will take place from April 13 to October 13, 2025, in Japan. The organisation anticipates receiving approximately 28 million business and private visitors, with around 90% expected to come from Japan. More than 160 countries and organizations will participate. The theme of this edition is ‘Designing Future Society for Our Lives,’ focusing on shaping a world where major crises such as climate and health will affect livability.
The Netherlands participation has the theme ‘Common Ground: creating a new dawn together’ and aims to showcase Dutch innovative solutions in areas such as the energy transition. During Expo 2025, the pavilion intends to provide a meeting place for businesses, knowledge institutions, and (cultural) organisations to bring together different perspectives and expertise in order to find collective solutions to global challenges. In addition to the visitor experience, the pavilion includes event space, a shop and a café. The design was created by the architectural firm RAU, engineering firm DGMR, experience design studio Tellart, and the Japanese construction company Asanuma.
The Tender for the Operation of the Netherlands Pavilion is expected to be published end of October on Tenderned. For more information on the Netherlands participation, go to www.nlexpo2025.nl or www.orandaexpo2025.nl
Information integrity is essential to help ensure the strength of democratic processes and to protect fundamental rights. The erosion of information integrity, including the propagation of disinformation, weakens the strength of democratic engagement because it hinders open public debate on important issues that affect all of us. Countries are coming together as a concrete step towards the development of international norms for addressing information integrity online that is rooted in democratic values.
Today, the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada and Her Excellency Hanke Bruins Slot, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of the Netherlands launched the Global Declaration on Information Integrity Online, endorsed by:
Australia
Austria
Belgium
Brazil
Canada
Chile
Costa Rica
Czechia
Denmark
Dominican Republic
Estonia
Finland
Germany
Georgia
Iceland
Ireland
Japan
Kenya
Latvia
Luxembourg
Moldova
Netherlands
New Zealand
Republic of Korea
Slovakia
Switzerland
United Kingdom
Uruguay
United States
The Global Declaration draws from existing research, policy, and principles on safeguarding the information ecosystem to establish a set of high-level international commitments to serve as a framework and guide for governments to uphold information integrity online, including government engagement with industry. It also looks to help us strengthen our responses to the opportunities and challenges that generative artificial intelligence (AI) brings to the information ecosystem.
Participating countries have signalled that protecting information integrity online is one of the most important governance issues of our times and that they are committed to finding shared solutions.
Every year, on Budget Day, King Willem-Alexander delivers the Speech from the Throne, which lays out the government’s plans for the coming year. What are its key plans with regard to international policy and foreign trade and development cooperation?
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs works day and night to make our Kingdom safer and more prosperous, to create a just and sustainable world, and to support Dutch nationals abroad.
Support for Ukraine
The Russian war of aggression in Ukraine will dominate the agenda again in the year ahead. Alongside its partners and allies, the Dutch government is taking a resolute stand on freedom, independence and sovereignty for Ukraine. Ukraine must remain able to defend itself in the face of Russia’s military invasion. Over the next year it can once again count on the Netherlands for humanitarian and military aid, economic support and help with reconstruction.
A changing world order
The war in Ukraine has shown that we cannot take security for granted. International developments have direct repercussions for the Netherlands’ security and prosperity. The scale and complexity of the global threats we face make international cooperation essential. For instance in countering terrorism and cyberattacks.
Fostering security and stability in the regions surrounding Europe, particular along its eastern border, in the Middle East and in the Sahel, is in the security interests of both the Netherlands and Europe as a whole. Therefore, the government intends to contribute proportionately to civilian and military missions and operations, with an emphasis on the unstable regions on Europe’s periphery. Supplying arms to Ukraine is another way to promote security in the European region. With regard to civilian and military participation in military missions and operations, the government aims to align such activities with Dutch and international diplomatic activities and development efforts.
China’s assertive stance in the global arena presents another set of geopolitical challenges. Countries are taking an increasingly competitive stance on issues ranging from security, technology and energy to food and health.
As the focus of demographic and economic trends shifts towards the east and global south, we need to invest more in our relations with countries in other parts of the world. This includes Africa and Latin America, but also the Indo-Pacific, which is the world’s biggest growth region and home to one-third of its population.
International trade
International trade is our lifeblood. For this reason the focus of government policy in 2024 will again be on making the most of opportunities to help our businesses succeed. The government intends to make its trade activities more robust and sustainable.To this end, it will support businesses by deploying economic diplomacy and various trade instruments.
Development cooperation
There is an ongoing need for development cooperation. In 2024 we will continue to face international crises such as climate change and war, and therefore the Netherlands will continue addressing the underlying causes of poverty, climate change, terrorism and irregular migration, as well as working to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Asylum
More asylum seekers are expected to enter the country than previously anticipated. Some of the funds needed to address this situation will be drawn from the development cooperation budget. As a result, that budget will shrink in the coming year from just over €4 billion to just over €3.6 billion. Existing projects will continue as far as possible, and the terms of the coalition agreement will continue to guide our priorities, but there will be less money available for new policy.
Budget
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been allocated a budget of over €13 billion for next year. Most of this – around €11.2 billion – will go towards our contributions to the EU. The war in Ukraine makes European unity more important than ever, and so these contributions remain essential. The budget for foreign trade and development cooperation amounts to €3.6 billion.
Russia has abducted thousands of children from occupied areas in Ukraine. On 14 September Hanke Bruins Slot, Minister of Foreign Affairs, spoke with Ukrainian children who had been unlawfully deported to Russia.
Since the start of the war, Russia has abducted thousands of Ukrainian children from Ukraine. Russia’s intention is to break the children’s connection with their Ukrainian families, identity, language and culture. The International Criminal Court in The Hague has issued arrest warrants for Vladimir Putin, President of Russia, and Maria Lvova-Belova, Russian Commissioner for Children’s Rights, for the unlawful deportation and transfer of Ukrainian children.
Ukrainian delegation in the Netherlands
As part of the Stolen Voices Advocacy Tour, Ukrainian representatives were in the Netherlands for a three-day visit. Their aim is to increase attention about the abductions among international organisations and decision-makers so that they put greater pressure on Russia to let the children go home to their loved ones.
On 14 September Ms Bruins Slot met with a Ukrainian delegation consisting of Dmytro Lubinets, Ukrainian ombudsman, Daria Herasymchuk, presidential adviser for children’s rights, and six Ukrainian children between the ages of 11 and 17 who had been kidnapped by Russia in the past year and a half. These six children have since been reunited with their families, but they are among the few fortunate ones.
Minister speaks with Ukrainian children who were abducted
At the Children’s Book Museum in The Hague, Ms Bruins Slot spoke with the children and listened to their harrowing accounts. The children were accompanied by an interpreter/psychologist.
During the meeting with the Ukrainian delegation Ms Bruins Slot announced the Netherlands’ intention to support Ukraine with the new DNA reunification project. The Netherlands wants to help Ukraine set up a DNA database by providing rapid DNA test kits. The database will make it possible to more quickly identify the families of abducted children who are brought back from Russia, so that they can be reunited with their families as fast as possible. The project will also contribute to the collection of evidence of the deportations, enabling prosecution for war crimes before the courts, including the International Criminal Court.
Ms Bruins Slot: ‘Russia has kidnapped thousands of Ukrainian children since its invasion of Ukraine. It is a deliberate tactic of unprecedented cruelty that destroys families. These children must not be forgotten. It is vital that they are reunited with their families. The Netherlands can help Ukraine do this by providing DNA test kits.’
Other ways the Netherlands is helping Ukraine
The Netherlands is deeply concerned about the deportation of Ukrainian children by Russia. It is helping Ukraine to combat this by contributing to investigations, imposing sanctions on people involved in the abductions, providing support for bringing the children home, and continuing to call international attention to this matter. The Netherlands also continues to support Ukraine in various other ways.
On 30 March 2023, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) launched a mission of experts to investigate the deportation of Ukrainian children by Russia. The Netherlands supported this mission, together with Germany. The mission’s task was to collect new, independent data about the deportation of children. The Netherlands was part of the working group for the mission and contributed financially. The mission confirmed in its report of 4 May 2023 that Russian has deported a large number of Ukrainian children and that some cases may amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity.
Hanke Bruins Slot (CDA) will become the new Minister of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday 5 September 2023. This was announced today by the King’s Office.
Her appointment follows Wopke Hoekstra’s departure as Minister of Foreign Affairs as of 1 September. Liesje Schreinemacher, the Minister for Foreign Trade and Development, assumed his duties until a successor could be appointed.
Minister Bruins Slot
Ms Bruins Slot’s previous positions include senior policy officer at the Ministry of the Interior and, from 2007 to 2010, artillery officer in the Royal Netherlands Army. In 2008 she was deployed to Afghanistan as commander of a self-propelled howitzer platoon. She was a Member of the House of Representatives for the Christian Democratic Alliance (CDA) from 2010 to 2019, serving as party spokesperson on defence, internal governance, curative care, prevention, sport and medical ethical issues. In 2019 she was appointed to the Utrecht provincial executive.
In January 2022 Hanke Bruins Slot was appointed Minister of the Interior and Kingdom Relations in the fourth Rutte government.
Wopke Hoekstra has submitted his resignation as Minister of Foreign Affairs to King Willem-Alexander. The Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation, Liesje Schreinemacher, will assume his duties until a successor takes office.
As Commissioner-designate for Climate Action, Mr Hoekstra will prepare with the support of a small team of EU Commission staff.
Hoekstra served as Foreign Minister from 10 January 2022 to 1 September 2023.
Update 31 August, 13:07 This liveblog is now closed. The ministry of Foreign Affairs has not received any requests for help from Dutch nationals in Gabon. The Ministry continues to closely monitor the situation. Dutch nationals in Gabon who need help can reach the contact center of the Netherlands Worldwide 24/7 by calling +31 247 247 247.
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:
Travel advisory for Gabon changed to red
Update 30 August, 13:40 The travel advisory for Gabon has been changed from yellow to red. Do not travel to Gabon. There is a heightened risk of violence throughout the country. Gabon’s borders and airspace are closed. There is also a curfew in place. Read the current travel advisory on Nederland Wereldwijd.
What to do if you are currently in Gabon
Do not go outdoors; stay in a safe location at home or in your hotel.
Avoid demonstrations – they could turn violent.
Follow the local news to stay up to date on the security situation.
Follow the instructions and advice of the local authorities.
Let your family/friends know how you are doing.
If you need help, contact your travel insurance company or the Dutch embassy in Cotonou, Benin.
Foreign Affairs in contact with Dutch nationals in Gabon
Update 30 August, 11:30 Dutch nationals who are registered via the Foreign Affairs Information Service receive notifications of changes in the security situation via the travel advice and/or the Information Service. At the time of writing, we have not received any requests for help from Dutch nationals in Gabon. At this time the Ministry of Foreign Affairs does not know exactly how many Dutch nationals are in the country. There is no registration requirement for Dutch nationals abroad. Therefore, it is important for Dutch nationals in Gabon to register with the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs Information Service (in Dutch).
Registering with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Information Service If you are currently in Gabon, register with the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs Information Service. 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.
Message from foreign minister Wopke Hoekstra for Dutch nationals in Gabon
Update 30 August, 10:31 Minister of Foreign Affairs Wopke Hoekstra: ‘The news reports about a possible coup in Gabon are deeply concerning. We are in close contact with the coordinating embassy in Benin. I urge all Dutch nationals in Gabon to register with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Information Service if possible. This allows the embassy to reach Dutch nationals as quickly as possible with up-to-date information. We are actively preparing for all possible scenarios. See the latest travel advisory for Gabon.’
Update 30 August, 09:00 The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is monitoring the situation closely. Dutch nationals in Gabon can contact the Ministry of Foreign Affairs contact centre 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Phone +31 247 247 247, or send a message via WhatsApp (+31 6 8238 7796) or X/Twitter (@247BZ).
Message from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Update 30 August, 08:03 Reports are emerging of a coup in Gabon. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is monitoring the situation closely. If you are in Gabon, let your family/friends know how you are doing. Always follow the instructions and advice of the local authorities.
If you are in Gabon on an organised trip, stay in contact with your travel company. If you need help, contact your travel insurance company or the Dutch embassy [in Cotonou, Benin] at +31 247 247 247, or through X/Twitter @247BZ.
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 imageVeronika 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 imageMinister 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 imageMinister 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.’
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
