Facebook Pixel Dutch host Nato in political crisis | The Mercury - newspaper - Read this story on Magzter.com

Try GOLD - Free

Dutch host Nato in political crisis

The Mercury

|

June 24, 2025

FOR a small country like the Netherlands, organising a Nato summit is a big endeavour at the best of times. The government collapsing three weeks beforehand has not exactly made life easier.

With whole districts and key roads blocked for weeks, and schools and businesses closed, the usually serene seaside city of The Hague has certainly felt the force of the impending summit.

To much grumbling, even some cycle lanes have been shut down, usually unthinkable in the land of bikes.

Dozens of trees have also been uprooted to make way for the temporary buildings housing the thousands of delegates and journalists attending the summit.

For the Netherlands, welcoming 32 world leaders including US President Donald Trump is quite simply the biggest event it has ever hosted in terms of security.

MORE STORIES FROM The Mercury

The Mercury

Farmers warn of mounting financial pressure as Grain SA pushes for urgent support measures

SOUTH Africa's grain producers are facing mounting financial strain as soaring input costs, weak commodity prices and growing debt pressures squeeze profitability across the agricultural sector.

time to read

2 mins

May 15, 2026

The Mercury

Crown is within Pirates' reach

THIS weekend, all eyes will be on Orlando Pirates, and for good reason, as they stand to end Mamelodi Sundowns’ Premiership dominance.

time to read

1 mins

May 15, 2026

The Mercury

The Mercury

Navigating a new international order

Trump-Xi meeting significance goes beyond bilateral negotiations

time to read

3 mins

May 15, 2026

The Mercury

Edwin Sodi, business partner ordered to pay back R40 million over failed prison project

CONTROVERSIAL fraud and corruption-accused businessman Edwin Sodi and his partner Jeophrey Ramahlaleroa must return nearly R40 million to Hollard Insurance following a botched R283m project to upgrade and build accommodation at a Free State prison.

time to read

2 mins

May 15, 2026

The Mercury

Dobson: We blew it last week, but must put it right against Cardiff

THE Stormers have made peace with the fact that they are unlikely to overtake Glasgow at the top of the United Rugby Championship as the competition enters its final round this weekend.

time to read

2 mins

May 15, 2026

The Mercury

A playbook for the 2026 local government elections

WHEN President Cyril Ramaphosa stood before an audience in Ekurhuleni on April 30 and announced that South Africa would go to the polls on November 4, he said something every political party should tattoo on its campaign wall: “The race has started, and people will do the best they can”

time to read

5 mins

May 15, 2026

The Mercury

EFF, MK Party walk out of Parliament to protest over Ramaphosa motion

THE parties organised under the Progressive Alliance banner, including the MK Party and EFF, yesterday walked out of the sitting of the National Assembly when Speaker Thoko Didiza refused their request to debate the motion of no confidence against President Cyril Ramaphosa.

time to read

3 mins

May 15, 2026

The Mercury

Lions look to exploit Munster turmoil

THE Lions arrived in Limerick, Ireland, this week sensing an opportunity to take advantage of a Munster Rugby side battling uncertainty on and off the field ahead of tomorrow’s crucial United Rugby Championship clash at Thomond Park (8.45pm kick-off).

time to read

2 mins

May 15, 2026

The Mercury

The Mercury

Understanding the Tongaat Hulett crisis: Dumping is killing our sugar industry

LET ME be direct. When most people talk about the Tongaat Hulett crisis, they reach for the language of finance. They talk about creditors, claims, business rescue practitioners, and court timelines.

time to read

6 mins

May 15, 2026

The Mercury

Gauteng liquor traders demand urgent reform, call for end to regulatory chaos

THE Gauteng Liquor Traders Association (GLTA), representing more than 35 000 township liquor traders across the province, has welcomed the release of the Gauteng Liquor Board Committee of Inquiry report, saying it confirms long-standing complaints of regulatory dysfunction that have stifled small businesses and threatened livelihoods.

time to read

3 mins

May 15, 2026

Listen

Translate

Share

-
+

Change font size