Merkel Holds Out EU Membership to Balkan States
The German leader calls for speedy progress in the accession of former Yugoslav states.
Nick Ottens
Nick Ottens is a public affairs officer for the Dutch Animal Coalition and a board member for Liberal Green, the sustainability network of the Dutch liberal party VVD. He is a former political risk consultant and a former research manager for XPRIZE, where he designed prize competitions to incentivize breakthrough innovation in agriculture, food and health care. He has also worked as a journalist in Amsterdam, Barcelona and New York for EUobserver, NRC, Trouw, World Politics Review and Wynia’s Week, among others.
Russian Troops Enter Ukraine, Advance on Mariupol
Ukraine’s government and NATO say Russian troops have crossed the border and are fighting in the country.
Britain Backs Polish Leader for Top European Council Job
David Cameron supports his Polish counterpart to take Herman Van Rompuy’s job.
Hollande Signals Pro-Business Policy with Economy Appointment
The French president reassures firms by bringing in a former banker.
Egyptian, Emirates Jets Bomb Islamists in Libya
Without informing their American allies, Egypt and the UAE carry out airstrikes near Tripoli.
France’s Hollande Removes Far Leftists from Cabinet
Unusually sharp criticism from economy minister Arnaud Montebourg leads to the far leftist’s downfall.
Abe’s Refusal to Shake Up Japan’s Labor Market Spells Decline
Young Japanese can’t find the job security they need to start a family. Their government is doing nothing to help.
Ukraine’s Territorial Integrity “Essential”: Merkel
While others have acquiesced in Russia’s annexation, Germany insists the Crimea belongs to Ukraine.
Russian Trucks Cross Border, Ukraine Denounces “Invasion”
Ukraine condemns as a “flagrant violation of international law” what Russia claims is a humanitarian effort.
European Powers to Supply Weapons to Iraq’s Kurds
France and the United Kingdom give weapons to the Kurds, who are fighting an Islamist insurgency.
Ukrainian Troops Enter Rebel Stronghold, Jet Shot Down
Ukraine says its forces entered the separatist redoubt of Luhansk after a fighter jet was shot down in the area.
Ukraine Claims Destroyed Russian Armored Column
Ukraine claims to have destroyed Russian armored personnel carriers that crossed into its territory.
Balancing Against Bigger Neighbors: Dutch Foreign Policy
From neutrality to Atlanticism, the Dutch have aimed to balance against their bigger neighbors.
Longing for Consensus: The Dutch Mentality
Coalition-building has been ingrained in the Dutch national character since before independence.
Keeping the Water and Neighbors at Bay
Vulnerable to the sea as well as overland invasion, the Dutch have had to be pragmatic to stay safe.