Americans, Natural Gas: Pillars of Dutch Foreign Policy
The Netherlands need the United States to provide a counterweight to Germany.
Western Europe
Foreign Policy is Rarely a Zero-Sum Game
America and Britain cannot vilify the Russians over Syria without jeopardizing their support elsewhere.
Nicolas Sarkozy’s Foreign Policy Should Be Vindicated
The French leader was controversial, but his foreign policy can serve as an example.
France’s Ayrault Promises Tax Hikes, No Spending Cuts
France’s new prime minister announces income and corporate tax increases, but he rejects austerity.
Dutch Parliamentary Majority to Stop F-35 Participation
Opposition parties want to end participation in the Joint Strike Fighter program.
After Dutch Hesitation, Indonesia Buys German Tanks
Political resistance kills a Dutch tanks sale to Indonesia, forcing the island nation to turn to the Germans.
Berlin Concerned About Merkel’s “Concessions”
German lawmakers are unhappy about the concessions Angela Merkel made to Italy and Spain.
Ahead of Key Euro Summit, Germany Losing Allies
Northern countries fear Berlin will succumb to French, Italian and Spanish pressure.
Merkel Says Eurobonds “False, Counterproductive”
The German leader says Europe will not have a shared debt liability, “as long as I live.”
Dutch Likely to Suspend Tanks Sale to Indonesia
Opposition lawmakers are critical of the arms sale, citing Indonesian human rights abuses.
Socialist Party Ahead of Ruling Liberals in Dutch Polls
The ruling party is losing ground, but neither the left or right seems able to win a majority.
Majority of Britons Wants Referendum on Europe
Especially right-wing voters in Britain are increasingly Euroskeptic.
France’s Hollande Aims to Build Parliamentary Majority
The socialist president could win a strong mandate to implement stimulus policies.
Berlin Really Doesn’t Want a European Banking Union
German taxpayers are resistant to underwriting foreign bank deposits.
Ireland’s Left Benefits from Growing Austerity Fatigue
Sinn Féin is on the rise as the Irish prepare for a referendum on what it calls Europe’s “austerity treaty.”