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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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
Elections in Georgia: Fundamental Rights Under Pressure
This article was originally published on the website of the PvdA Pink Network On Friday 25 October, the FMS, Foundation Max van der Stoel, together with the Pink Network of the PvdA and WECF organised a political café on the important Georgian parliamentary elections that were about to take place the next day. The café was about democracy, the [...]
In Ukraine, daily life is dominated by certainties and uncertainties
Photo above: Kido Koenig (FMS) speaking at SD Platform event in Kyiv (July 2024) Earlier this month, the Max van der Stoel Foundation visited Ukraine, in cooperation with other political parties and foundations from Europe. The five-day visit was dedicated to visiting political actors and exploring social [...]
Marit Maij's mission: 'Europe must be for everyone'
Photo: Marit Maij, candidate #3 for GL-PvdA in the European elections Marit Maij, former diplomat, member of parliament and director of ActionAid, is a candidate for the European Parliament. In an exclusive interview, she explains what drives her, her vision of human rights and how she wants to defend and strengthen these fundamental values within the [...]
"Outline agreement" on solidarity with the past
On 16 May, PVV, VVD, NSC and BBB presented the long-awaited outline agreement "Hope, Guts and Pride". The unambitious and financially unstable agreement mainly seems to be a throwback to the past and a passing of responsibilities to Brussels. Actual investments in democratic citizenship are crucial to make the Netherlands ready for a hopeful future. On [...]
In conversation with Tineke Strik on European 'cash for migrant control' deals
Photo: Tineke Strik at a European Parliament debate - X Migration remains a hot topic in political debate - both during the recent parliamentary elections and now, ahead of the European Parliament elections on 6 June. The call for control over immigration and borders is central to this. The European Union then [...]
