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NL How do we bridge polarisation in the Netherlands?
Demonstration against racism and discrimination in Amsterdam (https://www.flickr.com/photos/bobtompics/33529564285/) In recent years, the Netherlands has witnessed a disturbing increase in polarisation, especially around issues of immigration, national identity and Islam. This phenomenon, fuelled by populist rhetoric and a growing sense of "us versus them", poses a significant challenge to the fabric of the [...]
Politics caught in Russia: 'Ibrahim was beaten for hours'
Alleged spies and terrorists are increasingly punished in Russia. Torture is used to force unwilling suspects to confess. Ibrahim Orudzhev studied for translator English and French at the University of Belgorod not far from the border with Ukraine. During a stay in his hometown of Moscow, he was detained by police. He allegedly [...]
Peace & Defence (I): 'Our view of security is too narrow'
Photo: A US and Iraqi soldier shaking hands - National Archives Catalog Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, defence has again been at the top of the Dutch and European agenda. In Dutch politics, there is great consensus on the issue, for example on topics such as supporting Ukraine and increasing the defence budget [...]
Russian gas was and is a threat to our security
Photo: Construction work on the Nord Stream pipeline - FMT Robert Fico, Slovakia's prime minister, made headlines in recent weeks with bizarre statements about Ukraine and a visit to Russian President Vladimir Putin. After Ukraine decided not to renew a contract allowing Russian gas to be transported across their territory to Europe, he accused [...]
From destruction to reconstruction: The forgotten consequences for Lebanon
Lebanese woman stands amid the ruins of conflict - Flickr From the Israeli ground invasion on 1 October 2024 to the ceasefire on 26 November, Lebanon turned from intense conflict to a period of (relative) relief and (hopeful) return home. But the country - mainly the south and the capital [...]
Viktor Orbán's lucrative business: In conversation with Tineke Strik on the rule of law in Hungary
Photo: Viktor Orbán speaks at a rally in Budapest - FMT Hungary has been in the news for years for the erosion of the rule of law taking place under the rule of Viktor Orbán. As recently as December 2023, for example, Orbán's government passed the 'National Sovereignty Law', which allows individuals and organisations receiving funding from abroad [...]
FMS receives Georgian opposition leader: 'This is a crucial moment'
"This is a crucial moment for Georgia" The FMS received Georgian opposition leader Anna Dolidze this week and spoke to her at the Lower House. Anna is the party leader of "For the People" and part of the "Strong Georgia" coalition. Every day Georgians take to the streets for fair elections, human rights and an EU future. Support from the Netherlands [...]
Cut back on democratisation? Don't do it!
Foreign Affairs Minister Caspar Veldkamp in debate, Lower House (Source) The Schoof cabinet has big intentions in the field of defence and aid to Ukraine - billions in investments should bring the Netherlands up to the level of the NATO two per cent standard. This was voted on at the Foreign Ministry's budget hearing last week. On [...]
The bustling activities of the FMS
As the FMS we support people in their quest and journey towards and with social democracy. Throughout multiple events we have been able to connect with our partners and participants in a wonderfully wide range. This past weekend, the FMS organised five events focussed on supporting social democratic movements with our partner parties. One of [...]
A moment of silence for the victims of the railway station disaster in Novi Sad, Serbia
On 1 November, the roof of a train station in the Serbian city of Novi Sad collapsed, killing 15 people and seriously injuring two. Remarkably, this train station had been renovated only four months before the collapse. It suggests that this was not only a tragic accident, but also a failure of the responsible authorities. The [...]
