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Uruguayan Independence Day Celebrated in The Hague

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Uruguayan Independence Day Celebrated in The Hague

The Embassy of the Oriental Republic of Uruguay marked his country’s Independence Day with a grand and festive reception. Held on August 27 at the Leonardo Royal Hotel in The Hague, the event drew over 200 distinguished guests from various sectors of Dutch society.

Ambassadors, chiefs of international missions, diplomats, academics, business leaders, and representatives from the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, along with members of the Uruguayan community, all responded to H.E. Ambassador Dr. Álvaro González Otero’s invitation to celebrate ‘Día de la Independencia’—Uruguay’s National Day, commemorating its independence from Brazil in 1825.

H.E. Dr. Álvaro González Otero, Ambassador of Uruguay. National Day 2024 The Hague.

After nearly 200 years of conflict and civil unrest under Spanish and then Brazilian rule, Uruguay has emerged as a country renowned for its welcoming people, stunning landscapes, first-class meat production, and high-quality wine. In recent decades, Uruguayans have enjoyed a stable democracy, a steady improvement in living conditions, and overall well-being.

In a packed room with an animated audience, Ambassador González Otero took the microphone to thank all the attendees for their sincere affection for his people and country. He then proudly expressed:

“Two years have quickly passed since I arrived in this lovely kingdom. Since then, we have started to shift the focus of the Embassy, placing more emphasis on our bilateral relations. The Netherlands and Uruguay have more in common than people might imagine. We share international principles, landscapes, agricultural production, developed services, qualified exports, and a progressive lifestyle.

We also share strong commitments to the well-being of our citizens and visitors, the protection of human rights, environmental sustainability, progressive social policies, and significant efforts towards renewable energy and climate action. Both countries also emphasize education, democratic governance, and active participation in international organizations promoting peace and development. So, we will keep working to boost our bilateral relations.”

Uruguay National Day, August 27 at the Leonardo Royal Hotel in The Hague.
From the Embassy of Uruguay, Counsellor Pablo Bayarres, Ambassador Gonzalez Otero and Hans Akerboom, Deputy Director Protocol and Host Country Affairs from the Netherlands.

Ambassador González Otero then listed some of the most relevant initiatives undertaken by the Embassy over the last few months:

– Uruguayan participation in the World Hydrogen Summit 2024: Led by the Minister of Industry, Energy, and Mining, Ms. Elisa Facio, with over 50 representatives from various sectors of the public and private sectors.

– Active participation in the “26th World Energy Congress.”

– Cooperation Project with Delft Institute for Water Education: Since 2011, Uruguayan professionals specializing in water resources have participated in the Delft Institute program for advanced training. Initially, the program began with 40 scholarships, resulting in 37 professionals successfully completing their studies. This early success led to the program’s relocation and implementation at the Technological University of Uruguay, now featuring regional participation. The program has since had two new editions in 2022 and 2024, expanding to include 17 professionals from Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Honduras, Mexico, Panama, and Peru. This development has transformed Uruguay into a regional hub in the field of water resource education.

– Uruguay’s status as one of the 32 signing states of the Ljubljana – The Hague Convention in February 2024.

– Positioning Uruguay as a potential living and working destination for Dutch farmers.

– Interactions with RVO and Port of Rotterdam related to port cooperation.

– Exploring and initiating new cooperation projects with Westland Municipality and Wageningen University.

– Meetings with private sector actors related to agribusiness.

– Preparation for the Capitan Miranda’s visit to Amsterdam: Uruguay’s school tall ship has already confirmed its participation in Sail Amsterdam 2025.

– Multilateral achievements: The Embassy has made progress in multilateral areas, including ongoing contributions and work with international organizations based in The Hague: the ICJ, ICC, OPCW, HCCH, and the Permanent Court of Arbitration. Additionally, a closer relationship with The Hague Academy of International Law has been pursued. Significant advances have also been made through the coordinated work of the GRULAC Group in relation to various international organizations.

H.E. Mr. Fernando Arias, OPCW Director General , Ambassador Gonzalez Otero and Mr Arias spouse, Patricia van Oordt.

Following his remarks, Ambassador González Otero invited the audience to watch a short video about Uruguay, which made a great impression on those present. He expressed, “Uruguay is an exceptional country that has developed a dynamic and robust culture, shaped by a fascinating blend of gaucho traditions, European influences, and the unique Rioplatense spirit. Tango, folklore, candombe, and milonga are examples of its rich artistic musical expression. Uruguayan gastronomy, featuring high-quality meat, wine, and dairy products, especially the beloved ‘dulce de leche,’ delights palates and consistently wins prestigious awards worldwide.”

“The work we have done does not mean we are satisfied; we want to continue advancing in a deeper process. The bilateral relationship is already strong, but the potential to strengthen bonds in several key areas is even greater.”

The Ambassador of Uruguay, H.E. Alvaro Gonzalez Otero and the President of the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals, Judge Graciela Gatti Santana with her husband Mr Gustavo Segovia.

The event was conceived to showcase the rich and diverse culture of Uruguay, a nation with a population of approximately 3,495,527 as of 2022.

The national anthems of Uruguay and the Netherlands were performed by the Uruguayan opera singer Sara de los Campos. After the ambassador’s speech, the Embassy paid tribute to two influential musicians: José “El Sabalero” Carbajal and Jaime Roos, who both lived in the Netherlands. Jaime Roos settled in Amsterdam in 1978, where he played bass in several salsa, rock, and jazz groups. He had a son and remained in the Netherlands until 1984 when he returned to Uruguay.

Carbajal spent his days in the Netherlands with his wife, Anke van Haastrecht, and their two children. Anke was invited to share some special stories from their life together.

Uruguayan opera singer Sara de los Campos.
Uruguayan drummers Luis Gradin, Marcelo Terra, and Nicolás Sánchez.

The enthusiastic audience enjoyed an authentic performance by talented Uruguayan drummers Luis Gradin, Marcelo Terra, and Nicolás Sánchez. The celebration continued with Uruguayan wine, classic savory empanadas, and dulce de leche, which delighted the crowded room and completed the great celebration.

Ambassador González Otero concluded the event by thanking his Embassy team: Counselor Pablo Bayarres, Chancellor Gustavo Morales, his assistant Juan Diego, and Martha Hernández and Sofía Anastasiou. He then led a warm toast for the people of the Netherlands, Uruguay, and the necessary and desired peace in the world.

China: A New Actor in the Contemporary Multipolar World

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China: A New Actor in the Contemporary Multipolar World

By Mariarosaria Iorio, Political Analyst

I. The post-cold war world  

International relations are nowadays characterised by major changes that started at the end of the 80s with the fall of the Berlin Wall.  Indeed, the end of the cold war was marked by the dislocation of the two main political blocks, namely the Soviet Union and the Western World. Such a dislocation resulted in the marginalization of the post-war multilateral system embodied in the United Nations, and the standstill of the multilateral trade negotiations in the late 90s in the context of the World Trade Organisation.  New lines of political thought have been facing each other since then, while reshaping the post-cold war world in a number of fragmented and variable sub-blocks of countries. 

The United States decided to put itself first by concentrating on its internal affairs, while withdrawing from international affairs.  

Europe, the old continent, looks for an efficient strategy towards autonomy from the United States.  Europe also tries, not without difficulty, to create a more cohesive internal and external political approach.  The reality is however evolving rather more towards fragmentation of Europe in favour of European National fragmented interests. Such a fragmentation is the natural consequence of the decadence of the European Institutional and collective actions to the advantage of individual Sates actions and interests.   In sum, what seemed to be a structured and coherent European Union block fighting for the promotion of its economic and political values all over the world has somehow become an alliance at variable geometry both internally and externally.  The disorganisation of the leadership results in a chaotic and unpredictable European External and Internal action. 

Thereof, the empty influence spaces left on the international relations scene has given new international actors the opportunity to emerge.  

Meanwhile, the fragmentation of the European Institutions has also impacted the EU-USA relations within NATO, and affected the security and peace sphere.  Security issues have been on and off on the European agenda.    

In this context, Russia that has lost its empire in the 80s looks now for a new power game. In spite of the disruption of the Soviet Union, Russia attempts either by influence or by force to exercise power in its ancient affiliate countries.  Russia that was supposed to be defeated with the fall of the Berlin Wall takes back its role of opponent to the Western World on the international scene at least as it concerns the international affairs philosophy.  Thus, creating a tension aimed at restoring its power in the world.   

The group of emerging and developing economies that constitute a new variable block with a large portion of population employed in agriculture have emerged as new actors in the world’s geo-political discourses.  At the head of this block on the international scene, there is China.  The shaky international leadership context has indeed given China a new space. China’s   communist past combined with its market-based economic strategy gives it a particular position.  

China is The One that can communicate to Russia. China is also The One that can have an influence on the Western economic and political scene as China owns a big part of Western Foreign Debt  

China embeds a horizontal strategy in both its trade and development policies, while producing at low wages.  Its production system coupled with its pragmatic political approach has reshaped the international power structure.  The top-down approach of the Western World faces now the competition created by the horizontal win-win approach proposed by China in both developing and industrialized countries.

Indeed, as a result of the decline of the Western World global hegemony based on market access and economic and social liberalism as a means to ensure economic growth and promote economic development, the vision promoted by China’s discourse, centred on the protection of livelihoods and local sovereign choices finds new adepts.  Furthermore, China has successfully attempted to promote a trade-off approach to international cooperation during the last 20 years.  A cooperation that does not interfere in internal affairs of partner countries as it has often reproached to the Western countries involved in international cooperation.  

As the developing countries leader, China positions itself as the spoke country for the poor.  As a new world powerful economic actor China plays as the guarantor of the Western Economic stability.  China positions itself as the bridge between the rich and the poor.  It is representing a different hegemonic game that only changes in its discourse, while still pursuing its own interests and influence zones.  Such a situation poses the question of the values that the international regime wants to embrace.  Indeed, this changing world results in an increased number of conflicts – be new or historical conflicts.  

The dislocation of the traditional leaders of the international relations has definitely created a chaotic and unpredictable scenario.  Chaos has in some cases been chosen as a political strategy to disrupt the post-1945 international regime. Such a disruption has benefitted new actors, and given space to new lines of thought.  These new lines of thought have attacked the existing international framework but has not yet succeeded in creating a new regime.  The increasing unbalance of power and the lack of leadership on the international political scene is risky. 

The reduction by choice of leadership of the United States has indeed resulted in the weakening of the values emerged as a result of the dramatic experience of Second World War, namely freedom of thought and freedom of speech to mention only a few.   We are now facing a much more authoritarian world with force used as a means to manage the political arena.  Dialogue seems to be a rather consuming exercise that has left its place to the use of force.  Force is no longer seen as the last option but rather the opening act for political dialogue.  Nationalism and individual interests are now at the centre of the political game. This trend is taking the world to instability and conflict.  

The peoples of the world are more and more questioning the existing system. People’s needs and expectations are not met.  The new emerged actors, such as China have given the hope of a possible change in the present international system without fundamentally questioning its rationale but rather trying to rip a slate of the cake.  

The struggle for influence among countries has not succeeded in building a peaceful and stable world. Citizens will have to face the challenge of building a new era of peace and stability worldwide.

Derrière les murs du Palais de la Paix : permanence et changements de la Cour internationale de Justice

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Derrière les murs du Palais de la Paix : permanence et changements de la Cour internationale de Justice

S.E. M. Philippe Couvreur est arrivé à La Haye en avril 1982, où il a d’abord occupé le poste d’assistant spécial aux bureaux du greffier et du greffier adjoint de la Cour internationale de Justice.

Il a ensuite exercé les fonctions de Secrétaire, Premier Secrétaire et Secrétaire juridique principal, avant d’être élu Greffier de la Cour en 2000, et réélu en 2007 et 2014. Pour marquer l’anniversaire de ses débuts à la Cour, il y a 35 ans, Diplomat Magazine l’a invité à témoigner de son expérience unique au service de cette institution, des évolutions qu’il a pu y observer, et à partager le regard qu’il porte sur les changements qui ont marqué la Cour et La Haye au cours des trois dernières décennies.
Philippe Couvreur avec le Pape Jean-Paul II prise le 13 mai 1985.
Je suis arrivé à La Haye en avril 1982 — de façon aussi inattendue que j’avais entamé des études de droit treize ans auparavant (mais c’est là une autre histoire…) — pour occuper un poste temporaire à la Cour internationale de Justice. La Cour était alors la seule institution judiciaire internationale existante au plan universel. Son activité, particulièrement faible à la fin des années 1970, ne pouvait en ce temps-là guère laisser présager du succès que rencontrerait la Cour dans les décennies à venir. Mon bienveillant maître de Louvain, le professeur Paul de Visscher, fils du célèbre internationaliste Charles de Visscher, unique juge belge à la Cour, m’avait prédit des jours aussi sereins qu’heureux, écoulés à lire et à écrire des ouvrages dans la solitude des imposants murs de la bibliothèque du Palais de la Paix…
Les mémoires ont été dûment déposés dans l’affaire El Salvador c. Honduras dans la salle Bol le 1 juin 1988, l’affaire du Différend frontalier terrestre, insulaire et maritime.
En rejoignant la Cour, un frais matin d’avril, dont je garde un souvenir très précis, le jeune juriste que j’étais découvrit, non sans étonnement, une organisation de taille très modeste, le Greffe, qui en est l’organe administratif, alors composé de moins d’une quarantaine de fonctionnaires. Le fonctionnement de la Cour reposait entièrement sur cette équipe restreinte de personnel permanent, auquel s’ajoutait, selon que de besoin, un personnel temporaire pour faire face au surcroît de travaux linguistiques et de sténodactylographie lors des sessions (publiques et privées) de la Cour. Je me rappelle avoir été frappé par la personnalité haute en couleur de certains de ces traducteurs indépendants, dont la grande culture littéraire m’émerveillait. Cette structure très économique du Greffe impliquait une grande polyvalence de ses membres, et les Secrétaires de la Cour — ses fonctionnaires supérieurs — étaient appelés, en sus de leurs travaux de recherches juridiques, de préparation des documents de la Cour, et de rédaction de la correspondance diplomatique, à assumer eux-mêmes l’essentiel des tâches linguistiques (traduction et interprétation) et d’information, ainsi que la supervision de nombreuses activités administratives et logistiques.
La Grande salle de Justice, l’affaire Relative au Timor Oriental (Portugal c. Australie) Arrêt du 30 juin 1995.
Il n’était nullement rare qu’un nouveau venu comme moi ait à passer week-ends et nuits blanches au Palais de la Paix à effectuer les travaux les plus divers… allant jusqu’à imprimer et polycopier, sur de vieilles machines à stencils ronéotype, des décisions dont la Cour devait donner la lecture en séance publique le lendemain ! Dès mon arrivée au Greffe, j’ai eu le bonheur et le privilège d’être initié et associé à l’ensemble des fonctions de l’institution sous la patiente supervision de personnalités d’exception, tels que MM. Torres Bernárdez et Pillepich, alors respectivement Greffier et Greffier adjoint. J’en ai retiré le plus grand bénéfice, puisque cette immersion sans préparation dans toutes les facettes de l’activité du Greffe m’a permis d’acquérir de ce dernier une connaissance unique — de l’intérieur — et sous tous ses aspects —, un acquis particulièrement précieux au moment où j’ai été amené, bien des années plus tard, à assumer la délicate responsabilité d’en assurer la gestion au plus haut niveau. Devenir un fonctionnaire du Greffe au début des années 1980 signifiait accepter de se couler sans discussion dans un moule à tous égards exigeant, et se donner corps et âme, avec humilité et discrétion, à l’institution, sans penser à soi ni parler de soi. Depuis ces années d’initiation, j’ai été le témoin de profondes transformations de la Cour, rendues inévitables à la fois pour répondre à l’accroissement considérable de ses activités, avec la disparition du monde bipolaire qui avait relégué le règlement judiciaire à un rôle quelque peu marginal, et pour saisir les opportunités nouvelles offertes, notamment, par le progrès des technologies et de la communication. Entre 1982 et aujourd’hui, le nombre de fonctionnaires a ainsi presque triplé (il a quasiment doublé depuis l’an 2000, année de ma première élection en tant que Greffier). L’organisation du travail a été progressivement spécialisée entre les divers départements, juridique, linguistique et chargé de l’information, qui furent créés en 1997, et les services techniques. Par ailleurs, les Membres de la Cour ne disposèrent pas, pendant longtemps, de « référendaires » — ils s’y sont d’ailleurs longtemps refusés—, et l’assistance apportée aux juges en matière judiciaire était principalement répartie entre les fonctionnaires du Département des affaires juridiques.
H.E. Philippe Couvreur avec la Reine Beatrix photo prise pendant le 50 eme anniversaire de la Cour (18-04-1996).
Les cinq premiers postes de juristes référendaires ne furent obtenus de l’Assemblée générale et créés qu’en 2002, à l’issue de difficiles négociations que je me souviens avoir menées avec beaucoup de plaisir et d’intérêt ; le nombre de ces postes s’est progressivement accru, pour s’élever à quinze aujourd’hui. Les divers développements qui ont marqué le monde au cours des dernières décennies n’ont pas manqué de soulever pour la Cour de nouveaux défis. Comme c’est le cas pour toute institution, elle n’a pu les relever en faisant table rase des enseignements de son histoire ni, à l’inverse, en ne saisissant pas toutes les opportunités offertes par le temps présent. A ces différents égards, la Cour est certainement parvenue, au fil des ans, à assurer un équilibre, toujours délicat, entre changements et continuité. La continuité de la Cour est bien sûr inscrite dans son Statut, qui fait partie intégrante de la Charte des Nations Unies, et reflétée dans ses méthodes judiciaires, qui ont été très largement élaborées par sa devancière, la Cour permanente de Justice internationale, et héritées d’elle. Cette continuité historique était particulièrement présente lorsque j’ai rejoint le Greffe. Ainsi, en manière d’anecdote, divers hauts fonctionnaires alors en poste avaient eux-mêmes côtoyé, au début de leur carrière, d’anciens fonctionnaires de la Cour permanente. Tous nourrissaient à l’égard de cette dernière le plus grand respect. Il régnait d’ailleurs dans les couloirs du Palais de la Paix une atmosphère feutrée et délicieusement surannée, évocatrice de la défunte Société des Nations. Je me souviens en avoir encore utilisé maintes fournitures de bureau ! La continuité jurisprudentielle et procédurale entre les deux Cours constitue pour les Etats une garantie importante de sécurité et de prévisibilité juridiques. Cette continuité, juridique et historique, de même que l’expérience accumulée en plus de quatre-vingt-dix ans d’exercice de la fonction judiciaire, sont pour la Cour un facteur crucial de légitimité.
H.E. Philippe Couvreur vec le Roi Willem-Alexander photo prise pendant le 70 eme anniversaire de la Cour (20-04-2016).
En même temps, la Cour a eu, à l’évidence, à s’adapter aux changements du monde réel dans lequel elle opère, comme aux nécessités et opportunités nouvelles de chaque époque traversée. L’une des transformations notoires auxquelles j’ai assisté fut l’ouverture croissante de la Cour sur l’extérieur : longtemps à l’écart, à dessein, des organes politiques des Nations Unies, la Cour a souhaité se faire plus et mieux entendre de ces organes et des Etats membres. Elle a ainsi rompu avec ce qui était parfois perçu comme un « splendide isolement » au sein des Nations Unies, même si elle défend toujours jalousement son autonomie. La Cour doit en outre désormais également tenir compte des nombreuses autres juridictions, internationales ou régionales, qui ont été créées ces dernières années, et veiller, autant que possible, à assurer l’harmonie du « concert judiciaire » que permet ce foisonnement de cours et tribunaux sur la scène internationale. Davantage ouverte sur la communauté internationale et ses réalités, la Cour s’est montrée de plus en plus attentive, non seulement à sa place dans l’Organisation des Nations Unies, mais aussi à la poursuite des objectifs de celle-ci et à sa mission propre au service du règlement pacifique des différends internationaux. Des différends de plus en plus complexes, tant juridiquement que factuellement, en même temps que politiquement plus denses, lui ont été soumis. En révisant constamment, selon que de besoin, ses méthodes de travail, elle a su les résoudre rapidement et efficacement, à un coût particulièrement modeste pour la communauté internationale, tout en assurant le développement du droit. Enfin, pour conclure sur une note plus prosaïque, mais qui est loin d’être négligeable, je ne peux taire la chance que j’ai eue de connaître l’extraordinaire développement de la ville de La Haye au cours des 35 dernières années. Celle-ci offre aujourd’hui à la Cour, comme aux nombreuses institutions internationales qui s’y sont installées à sa suite, une qualité de vie et un cadre de travail uniques, qui sont très loin de ressembler à ce que j’ai trouvé en y arrivant. A l’image de l’imposante stature du Palais de la Paix où elle siège, symbole mondialement connu de la justice internationale, la Cour est une institution solidement établie. En dépit des périodes de doute ou de désaffection qu’elle a traversées par le passé, son rôle est unanimement salué au sein de la communauté internationale et le recours à ses services par les Etats n’a jamais été aussi soutenu. 35 ans après, je continue de mesurer chaque jour le privilège qui est le mien de servir au mieux de mes capacités l’organe judiciaire principal des Nations Unies. —– Les photos dans l’article sont une courtoisie de la Cour International de Justice.

India Celebrates 77th Republic Day in The Hague

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India Celebrates 77th Republic Day in The Hague

India–Netherlands Relations Highlighted as a Growing Strategic Partnership

On the occasion of the 77th Republic Day of India, the Ambassador of India to the Netherlands, H.E. Mr. Kumar Tuhin, and his spouse Mrs. Deepa Tuhin hosted a reception at the Leonardo Royal Hotel, The Hague, welcoming a distinguished audience of diplomatic, political, and institutional leaders.

The reception was honoured by the presence of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands, H.E. Mr. David van Weel, alongside heads of international organisations, ambassadors, senior officials, and prominent representatives from the Dutch political and business communities.

The Ambassador of India, H.E. Mr. Kumar Tuhin and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands, H.E. Mr. David van Weel.

Among the notable guests were H.E. Mr. Christian Rebergen, Secretary-General of the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Ambassador Fernando Arias, Director-General of the OPCW; Ambassador Marcin Czepelak, Secretary-General of the Permanent Court of Arbitration; Ambassador Sheikh Mohammed Belal, Managing Director of the Common Fund for Commodities; Mr. Philippe Gautier, Registrar of the International Court of Justice; Mr. Jean-Marc Thouvenin, Secretary-General of the Hague Academy of International Law; Ms. Marisa Gerards, Ambassador of the Netherlands to India; Ms. Dominique Küling, Director Asia & Oceania at the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs; and many close colleagues and friends of the Ambassador.

The Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, H.E. Ms Sahar Ghanem, Ambassador of Yemen and the Ambassador of India, H.E. Mr. Kumar Tuhin.

India’s Journey and Transformation

In his address, Ambassador Tuhin reflected on India’s historical journey and remarkable transformation:“On 26 January, 76 years ago, the Constitution of India came into force. On 15 August, 79 years ago, India became independent. It is important to remember, however, that India’s existence as a nation stretches back several millennia. But speaking of our journey since 1947, India has indeed come a long way.”

Highlighting India’s economic and technological progress, the Ambassador noted that over the past decade India has risen from the 11th to the 4th largest economy globally in nominal terms, becoming the fastest-growing major economy in recent years, with GDP growth of 8.2% in Q2 of 2025–26.

Ambassador Fernando Arias, Director General of OPCW and the Ambassador of India, H.E. Kumar Tuhin and spouse Mrs Deepa Tuhin, followed by Mrs Patricia van Oordt, Ambassador’s Arias spouse.

He pointed to India’s position as the third-largest domestic aviation market, its leadership in digitalisation—with over 20 billion digital transactions per month, valued at approximately USD 300 billion—and the rapid expansion of connectivity, with 5G subscribers projected to reach 980 million by 2030.

Infrastructure and innovation were also highlighted, with India currently building approximately 30 kilometres of highways daily, and hosting more than 200,000 startups, including nearly 125 active unicorns.

Ambassador Tuhin underlined India’s commitment to sustainability: “All this is being achieved while fully keeping in mind our environmental obligations.” India’s solar capacity has increased thirty-two-fold over the past decade, making it the third-largest solar energy producer globally, and in 2025 more than 50% of India’s installed electricity capacity came from non-fossil fuel sources, five years ahead of its Paris Agreement target. India remains committed to achieving 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030.

“India is in a period of rapid transformation. While challenges remain, we are committed to reform, transform and perform—and to building collaborative partnerships with our international partners as a responsible global player,” the Ambassador concluded.

H.E. Mr. Shen Bo, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China and Ambassador Tuhin and spouse.

Strengthening India–Netherlands and EU Relations

Ambassador Tuhin noted the continued momentum in India–Netherlands relations, marked by high-level political engagement, including the meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Prime Minister Dick Schoof in Johannesburg in November 2025, and Foreign Minister van Weel’s visit to India last month. Over the past year, the two countries have exchanged three foreign-minister-level visits and numerous ministerial and vice-ministerial engagements.

Expressing appreciation, he thanked the Government of the Netherlands and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for their cooperation and support.

At the European level, India’s engagement with the European Union is also deepening. On the occasion of Republic Day, European Council President António Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen were in India as Chief Guests, alongside EU High Representative Kaja Kallas. Several agreements are expected to be concluded, including a EU–India Security and Defence Partnership.

Quoting European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, the Ambassador recalled: “A successful India makes the world more stable, prosperous and secure.”

Dutch Foreign Minister: A Forward-Looking Partnership

In his remarks, Minister David van Weel congratulated India on its 77th Republic Day and thanked the Embassy for the invitation to participate in the celebrations.

Reflecting on the current global context, he observed: “We find ourselves in a world where long-standing certainties are being questioned and alliances are being tested. Yet history reminds us that moments of uncertainty are also moments of opportunity.”

He emphasised the growing alignment between India and the Netherlands: “I just had discussions with my counterpart, Minister Jaishankar, and we agreed that our strategic interests are more closely aligned today than ever before. As a result, our long-standing relationship is transforming into a broad and forward-looking strategic partnership, which we aim to formalise this year.”

Mrs. Matilde Simas Magalhães, H.E. Fernando Simas Magalhães, ambassador of Brazil, H.E. Mr. Kumar Tuhin, Ambassador of India to the Netherlands and Deepa Tuhin.

Minister van Weel underlined that this momentum is reinforced at the European level, including negotiations on an ambitious EU–India Free Trade Agreement, and stressed that the partnership rests on shared values: “Our countries are fundamentally united by values such as justice, liberty, equality and democracy—values powerfully captured in the Indian Constitution that we celebrate today.”

He also highlighted the significant contribution of the Indian diaspora to key sectors of the Dutch economy and to bilateral ties. “Together, we are not only responding to today’s challenges, but also shaping tomorrow’s opportunities,” he concluded.

77th Republic Day in The Hague.

The evening concluded with a colourful cultural programme, featuring Indian dance performances, and a rich selection of Indian cuisine, offering guests an immersive celebration of India’s heritage.

The reception closed with a traditional toast:

“To the health, prosperity and happiness of the people of India and the Netherlands, and to the special friendship between the Republic of India and the Kingdom of the Netherlands.”

Malta Stands with Victims of International Crimes

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Malta Stands with Victims of International Crimes

The Republic of Malta, a State Party to the International Criminal Court (ICC) since 2002, has made a voluntary contribution of EUR 20,000 to the Trust Fund for Victims (TFV), reaffirming its principled commitment to international justice and to the rights and dignity of victims of crimes under the Rome Statute.

Welcoming the contribution, H.E. Kevin Kelly, Member of the Board of Directors of the TFV, stated: “I would like to express our sincere appreciation to Malta for its continued generosity. Malta has provided consistent support since 2021, and this dedication strengthens our collective efforts to deliver meaningful relief and restore dignity to victims of Rome Statute crimes.”

H.E. Jeffrey Curmi, Ambassador of Malta to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, underlined Malta’s strong political commitment to victim-centred justice, stating: “I wish to reiterate Malta’s unwavering support for the International Criminal Court. As the only permanent and independent international criminal court, the ICC serves as a beacon of hope and justice for victims worldwide. Malta fully recognises the enduring importance of placing victims at the heart of international criminal justice. Our support for the Trust Fund for Victims is therefore not merely a financial contribution, but a reaffirmation of our principled commitment to stand with survivors and to support the Court’s efforts to deliver reparative justice that restores dignity and hope to those who have suffered the most serious violations of international law.”

Malta has provided voluntary contributions to the ICC Trust Fund for Victims every year since 2021, demonstrating a consistent and values-driven commitment to supporting victims and strengthening the impact of the ICC’s reparative mandate.

The army that Europe was talked out of

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The army that Europe was talked out of

By Thanos Kalamidas

The idea of a pan-European army has always hovered over the continent like a half-remembered dream, something glimpsed between wars and summits and then politely forgotten. It was there in the early blueprints of European integration when the project was still called the European Economic Community and optimism was fresh enough to be naïve. Europe, bruised by history, considered the radical thought that peace might be defended not by foreign guardians but by a shared shield of its own making. And then slowly, that thought was folded away like an embarrassing sketch from youth.

The official story is familiar, NATO worked, the Cold War demanded unity, duplication was wasteful, sovereignty was delicate. The unofficial story is blunter. Washington did not want a European army, the US weapon and airplane industry did not want a European army and Europe learned to live without wanting one either.

From Clinton’s polished reassurances to Bush’s blunt certainties to Obama’s velvet-gloved diplomacy the message barely changed, relax, America has this. Your skies are our skies. Your borders are our business. Build bridges, not battalions. Europeans were told that strategic dependence was not dependence at all but partnership, like sharing an umbrella where only one person owns the handle.

This was comforting, especially in countries where the memory of tanks in city streets still smelled of smoke. Why spend political capital arguing for a European army when the United States promised repeatedly and theatrically to be Europe’s bodyguard? Why provoke voters with talk of militarization when American aircraft carriers floated offshore like benevolent steel islands?

Yet comfort has a way of aging badly. What Europe quietly surrendered was not merely the ambition to command its own defence but the habit of thinking about it seriously. Strategy became something outsourced. Military industry became something to apologize for. The continent that once exported the very idea of modern warfare gradually trained itself to speak of weapons only in embarrassed footnotes.

Meanwhile American pressure, sometimes diplomatic, sometimes economic, sometimes merely implied, nudged European states toward American hardware, American standards, American dependency chains. Fighter jets were bought like loyalty tokens. Tanks were purchased like political insurance policies. European defence companies learned that excellence was not enough; acceptance mattered more.

And yet, excellence stubbornly persisted. The Swedish Gripen, designed to operate from short, frozen highways and be serviced by conscripts with gloves on remains a marvel of pragmatic engineering. It is cheaper, more flexible and arguably better suited to Europe’s geography than the glamorous American F-series jets that dominate airshows and defence brochures like celebrity actors playing soldiers. German armour shaped by a national obsession with mechanical precision and lessons written in steel has repeatedly outperformed expectations, including the venerable Abrams, whose reputation benefits from Hollywood as much as from metallurgy.

Europe did not lack competence. It lacked permission, psychological, political and strategic, to trust itself.

For decades European leaders learned to confuse gratitude with adulthood. They thanked America for protection and then quietly adjusted their budgets to prove they were not taking advantage quietly adjusted again to buy American equipment to prove they were loyal. It was a choreography of dependency dressed up as alliance.

The tragedy is not that Europe relied on the United States. Alliances are sensible; isolation is romantic nonsense. The tragedy is that reliance became identity. Europe stopped imagining itself as a strategic actor and settled into the role of a well-behaved neighborhood under someone else’s watchful porch light.

Now the lights flicker. Suddenly American elections feel like foreign weather systems capable of flooding European cities. A vote in Florida can rearrange defence doctrines in Warsaw. A campaign rally in Arizona can echo through ministries in Paris. Europe, wealthy, educated, technologically advanced finds itself anxiously interpreting the moods of another democracy to determine whether its own borders are still fashionable or financially worth to defend.

This is not partnership. This is adolescence with wrinkles. A true European army would not be a gesture of defiance toward the United States nor a theatrical break-up letter to NATO. It would be something far less dramatic and far more threatening to the status quo, a declaration of adulthood. It would say that Europe intends to remain allied but not infantilized; cooperative but not structurally helpless.

Critics will insist it is impossible, too many languages, too many flags, too many historical grudges. But Europe already coordinates currencies, laws, borders and air traffic across dozens of cultures. Apparently complexity is manageable when the subject is money or cheese standards. It becomes “impossible” only when the topic is power.

Perhaps the real fear is not inefficiency but responsibility. An independent European defence would force Europe to confront decisions that cannot be outsourced like, when to intervene, when to hesitate, when to fight, when to refuse. It would end the comfortable habit of moral commentary delivered from behind American armour.

And perhaps that is why the idea was discouraged so vigorously, so consistently, and for so long. Empires prefer allies who are grateful, not equal. Markets prefer customers to competitors. And superpowers, like gods, enjoy being indispensable. But indispensability is a fragile foundation for safety.

It is time for Europe to stop relying on the USA and remember how to stand on its own two feet. After all, Donald Trump has repeatedly shown Europe that America wants our money, our resources and compliance, not our partnership.

About the author:

Thanos Kalamidas, is a retired journalist and columnist for various print and digital news-agencies and magazines.

Terrorist Arson Network Operating in Europe Brought to Justice

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Terrorist Arson Network Operating in Europe Brought to Justice


Terrorist Arson Network Operating in Europe Brought to Justice

A terrorist group suspected of carrying out coordinated arson attacks across the European Union on behalf of a foreign intelligence service has been brought before national courts following a joint investigation coordinated by Eurojust. The group targeted commercial, transport and industrial facilities in the Czech Republic, Lithuania, Poland and Romania.

The joint investigation team, initiated by Romania and supported by Eurojust, established links between attempted and completed attacks in the four countries. Two suspects have already been convicted following trials in Romania and the Czech Republic, while proceedings against six suspects in Lithuania are expected to begin later this year.

Investigations revealed a common modus operandi and shared organisers. In Romania, a suspect was arrested in July 2024 while conducting reconnaissance of potential arson targets. In the Czech Republic, a suspect set fire to buses in Prague and scouted additional locations for further attacks. In Lithuania, suspects targeted a factory supplying materials to the Armed Forces of Ukraine, with one attempted attack aborted and a second causing no damage due to insufficient flammable materials.

Polish investigations uncovered related subversive activities by a Colombian national who carried out arson attacks on construction depots in Warsaw and Radom before committing similar acts in the Czech Republic. Footage of these incidents was later disseminated by Russian-language online media as disinformation, falsely portraying the attacks as sabotage against NATO infrastructure. Proceedings in Poland remain ongoing.

Coordination meetings at Eurojust enabled the exchange of evidence, aligned prosecutions and prevented breaches of the ne bis in idem principle, while Europol provided operational support.

Sentences already imposed include six years’ imprisonment in Romania for sabotage and eight years’ imprisonment in the Czech Republic, along with expulsion and compensation orders. In Lithuania, a criminal case against six suspects for participation in a terrorist organisation has been referred to the Šiauliai Regional Court.

Andorra Reaffirms Its Commitment to Victims of International Crimes

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Andorra Reaffirms Its Commitment to Victims of International Crimes

Andorra Supports Survivors of Sexual and Gender-Based Crimes in the Central African Republic with a New Contribution to the Trust Fund for Victims

The Principality of Andorra, a State Party to the International Criminal Court (ICC), has made a voluntary contribution of EUR 10,000 to the Trust Fund for Victims (TFV) in 2025, reaffirming its commitment to international justice and the rights of victims of crimes under the Rome Statute. Andorra’s contribution is earmarked for survivors of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) in the Central African Republic, strengthening the TFV programme that provides integrated services, including medical care, trauma counselling, education, and socio-economic support.

Welcoming the contribution, Mr Andres Parmas, Chair of the Board of Directors of the TFV, stated: “I wish to express my appreciation to Andorra for its remarkably consistent support and voluntary contributions to the Trust Fund for Victims at the ICC. This support strengthens our ability to respond to the harms suffered by survivors of sexual and gender-based violence under the Rome Statute. It is a clear reflection of Andorra’s sustained commitment to international justice, and we encourage other States to follow Andorra’s lead in bringing hope to affected communities.”

H.E. Mr Vicenç Mateu Zamora, Ambassador of the Principality of Andorra to the European Union, the Kingdom of Belgium, the Kingdom of the Netherlands and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, added: “For more than a decade, Andorra has demonstrated its firm commitment to the International Criminal Court through sustained voluntary contributions, including in support of the Trust Fund for Victims. We highly value the TFV’s work in addressing the consequences of crimes under the Rome Statute and in providing meaningful support to survivors, particularly those affected by sexual and gender-based violence. Through this continued engagement, Andorra reaffirms its solidarity with victims and its support for the Trust Fund for Victims’ programmes, including in priority contexts for Andorra’s development cooperation.”

The Principality of Andorra has consistently supported programmes implemented by the Trust Fund for Victims for the benefit of victims through sustained voluntary contributions since 2008, underscoring its long-standing commitment to victim-centred justice.

Switzerland Reaffirms Its Support for Victims of International Crimes

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Switzerland Reaffirms Its Support for Victims of International Crimes

The Swiss Confederation, a State Party to the International Criminal Court (ICC) since 2001, has made a voluntary contribution of EUR 106,000 to the Trust Fund for Victims (TFV), reaffirming its strong commitment to international justice and the rights of victims of crimes under the Rome Statute. Switzerland’s contribution is unrestricted and will be used to help redress the harm suffered by victims through reparation awards ordered by the ICC, as well as other programmes implemented for their benefit.

Welcoming the contribution, H.E. Kevin Kelly, Member of the Board of Directors of the TFV, stated: “On behalf of the Board of Directors, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to Switzerland for its voluntary contribution. Switzerland made its first donation 20 years ago, and its steadfast support for the Trust Fund for Victims ever since has had a considerable impact on our work in providing reparative justice to victims of crimes under the Rome Statute.”

H.E. Corinne Cicéron Bühler, Ambassador of Switzerland to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, added: “Justice is only fully realized once it reaches those who have suffered the most. Switzerland’s voluntary contribution to the Trust Fund for Victims reflects our longstanding commitment to a victim-centred approach to justice and to the values enshrined in the Rome Statute. The Trust Fund plays a vital role in restoring dignity to victims of mass atrocities by enabling reparations, rehabilitation and assistance. Switzerland is proud to support this essential pillar of the ICC.”

Switzerland has been providing regular voluntary contributions to the Trust Fund for Victims since 2005 and has contributed more than EUR 800,000 to date, underscoring its long-standing and consistent support for victims of international crimes.

Abazović and Norov Appointed Vice-Chairmen of the IFIMES Advisory Board

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Abazović and Norov Appointed Vice-Chairmen of the IFIMES Advisory Board

LJUBLJANA, 28 January 2026 – The International Institute for Middle East and Balkan Studies (IFIMES)[1] today appointed Dr. Dritan Abazović, former Prime Minister of Montenegro and President of the URA Civic Movement, and H.E. Vladimir Norov, former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan and former Secretary-General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), as Vice-Chairmen of its Advisory Board.

IFIMES Director Dr. Zijad Bećirović highlighted that the Institute’s credibility has been built through the long-standing engagement of distinguished scholars, diplomats, and former senior officials. “At a time of profound geopolitical change, IFIMES has a special responsibility to provide serious analysis and foster dialogue. The appointment of Dr. Abazović and Vladimir Norov significantly strengthens our Advisory Board and its global mission,” he said.

Dr. Abazović expressed his appreciation for the appointment, stressing the growing importance of independent think tanks in promoting dialogue, stability, and cooperation, particularly in regions facing complex political and social transitions.

Mr. Norov, addressing the ceremony via video message, emphasised IFIMES’ role as a bridge between Europe, the Balkans, the Middle East, and Central Asia, and affirmed his commitment to advancing dialogue, security, and sustainable development across the wider Eurasian region.

Concluding the event, Bakhatyar Aljaf, Director of IFIMES, thanked partners and guests, noting that the Institute’s strength lies in its international network and expertise, and expressing confidence that both appointees will make a valuable contribution to IFIMES’ future work.

La Belgique renouvelle son soutien au Fonds au profit des victimes de la CPI

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La Belgique renouvelle son soutien au Fonds au profit des victimes de la CPI

La Belgique, État partie à la Cour pénale internationale (CPI), a versé en 2025 une contribution volontaire de 60 000 euros au Fonds au profit des victimes (FPV), réaffirmant ainsi son engagement constant en faveur de la justice internationale et des droits des victimes des crimes les plus graves.

Cette contribution non affectée permettra de soutenir les efforts visant à réparer les préjudices subis par les victimes de crimes relevant du Statut de Rome, notamment par la mise en œuvre des décisions de réparation ordonnées par la CPI, ainsi que par le financement de programmes destinés à leur réhabilitation et à leur bien-être.

S.E. Kevin Kelly, membre du Conseil de direction du Fonds au profit des victimes, a salué cette contribution en déclarant :
« La Belgique est un soutien constant du mandat du Fonds au profit des victimes, et son engagement en faveur de la réparation des victimes se reflète dans les contributions volontaires non affectées qu’elle apporte depuis 2005. Je salue ce soutien continu et encourage d’autres États à suivre cet exemple. »

De son côté, S.E. Olivier Belle, Représentant permanent du Royaume de Belgique auprès des organisations internationales à La Haye, a déclaré :
« Notre pays a toujours accordé une attention particulière au sort des victimes des crimes les plus graves et en a fait l’une de ses priorités. Le Fonds au profit des victimes accomplit un travail essentiel et unique en offrant réparation aux victimes et à leurs familles, notamment par un soutien médical, psychologique et matériel. Soutenir le FPV s’inscrit pleinement dans cette démarche. »

Contributeur régulier au Fonds au profit des victimes depuis 2005, la Belgique figure parmi ses dix principaux États donateurs.

International Criminal Court Marks Opening of the Judicial Year 2026

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International Criminal Court Marks Opening of the Judicial Year 2026

On 27 January 2026, the International Criminal Court (ICC) held a solemn hearing to mark the opening of its Judicial Year. The ceremony featured addresses by the President of the Central American Court of Justice, Judge César Ernesto Salazar Grande, ICC Principals, and the Vice President of the International Criminal Court Bar Association (ICCBA).

ICC Judges, the Vice-President of the Assembly of States Parties (ASP), Ambassador Margareta Kassangana, representatives of national jurisdictions, international and regional courts, the diplomatic corps, civil society, and international organisations attended the event in ICC Courtroom I and via online streaming.

Opening the ceremony, ICC President Judge Tomoko Akane emphasized unity and the rule of law:

“This solemn hearing serves as a moment of unity for those determined to ensure that the rule of law prevails. Collectively, we can withstand any challenge that may come our way.”

In his keynote address, Judge Salazar Grande stressed the importance of cooperation among judicial institutions to uphold international human rights and promote peace and justice.

ICC Deputy Prosecutor Nazhat Shameem Khan highlighted accountability as central to justice, while ICC Registrar Osvaldo Zavala Giler reaffirmed the Court’s commitment to fulfilling its mandate for victims and affected communities.

Anta Guissé, Vice President of the ICCBA, underlined the importance of judicial independence and called for perseverance in the face of pressure, reaffirming the ICC’s commitment to upholding international law.

The hearing was followed by the ICC’s Seventh Judicial Seminar, attended by ICC Judges and more than 35 judges from international, regional, and national courts. The Seminar focused on safeguarding judicial independence, including discussions on attacks against the judiciary and the impact of digital technology. The European Union provided financial support for the Seminar.

ICC Finds Former Philippine President Duterte Fit for Pre-Trial Proceedings

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ICC Finds Former Philippine President Duterte Fit for Pre-Trial Proceedings

On 26 January 2026, Pre-Trial Chamber I of the International Criminal Court (ICC) ruled that Rodrigo Roa Duterte, former President of the Philippines, is medically fit to take part in pre-trial proceedings. The Chamber therefore rejected the Defence’s request for an indefinite adjournment and set the confirmation of charges hearing for 23 February 2026.

The decision followed an assessment by a panel of three independent medical experts, appointed by the Court, whose reports were submitted in December 2025 and reviewed by the Prosecution, Defence, and the Office of Public Counsel for Victims. Based on these findings and the applicable legal standards, the Chamber concluded that Mr Duterte can effectively exercise his procedural rights.

An order detailing the hearing schedule and procedural directions, including measures recommended to facilitate Mr Duterte’s participation, will be issued in due course. The confirmation of charges hearing will determine whether sufficient evidence exists to establish substantial grounds to believe that the alleged crimes were committed. If confirmed, the case will proceed to trial before a Trial Chamber.

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