Embassy of the Netherlands in Sweden

04/05/2026

Today, on 4 May, the Netherlands commemorates all those who have lost their lives in the Kingdom of the Netherlands or anywhere else in the world in war situations or during peacekeeping operations since the outbreak of the Second World War.

Therefore, on this day, we observe two minutes of silence for all who have given their lives for our freedom. The embassy in Stockholm will display the flag at half-mast.

Tomorrow, 5 May, the Netherlands celebrates its freedom on Liberation Day. A peaceful and thriving society can only exist in a country free from war, where human rights are upheld. The Netherlands continues to stand for democracy and the rule of law.

In a time of geopolitical change, it remains essential to cooperate for peace and security in Europe. The Second World War reminds us that the cost of inaction is huge.

30/04/2026

Are we truly prepared for a crisis?

This week, our embassy marked King’s Day with a focus on resilience and preparedness. Swedish State Secretary Johan Berggren shared how Sweden is strengthening civil defence—from shelters and emergency services to supply chains, cybersecurity, and countering disinformation. One message stood out: preparedness may be costly, but vulnerability costs more.

Ambassador Joost Reintjes highlighted that resilience is a shared responsibility. Strong cooperation—between government, companies and civil society—is essential. The Netherlands and Sweden continue to learn from each other, while initiatives like “Denk Vooruit” help prepare citizens at home.

With war ongoing in Ukraine and elsewhere, the importance of readiness is clear. We stand prepared—and we do so together with our partners and allies.

Lang leve de koning.

—————
Special thanks to cellist Wilma de Bruijn and soprano Karin Blom for performing the Dutch and Swedish anthems in such a dignified manner.

27/04/2026

Today King Willem-Alexander celebrates his 59th birthday. It also marks King’s Day, our national day celebration with music, flea markets and connections across the country.

The Royal Family joined celebrations in Dokkum in the province of Friesland today.

On behalf of the Embassy team and the Dutch community in Sweden we warmly congratulate His Majesty King Willem Alexander.

📷 RVD – Anton Corbijn

23/03/2026

European Festival: Ukrainian Spring returns to Stockholm! A unique opportunity to explore Europe’s diverse musical and cultural landscape with a special focus on Ukraine’s role and place in it - both heritage and future.

Find more information about the program in the post below. A wonderful way to start the Easter season.

08/03/2026

I samband med Internationella kvinnodagen anordnade ambassaden tidigare i veckan ett frukostseminarium. Kvinnorättsorganisationen Kvinna till Kvinna presenterade då sin tvåårsrapport om säkerheten för kvinnorätts- och hbtq-aktivister runt om i världen.

Rapporten visar att demokratiska bakslag och ett globalt motstånd mot jämställdhet gör arbetet svårare för människorättsförsvarare. Hot - både online och i verkligheten - har normaliserats. Samtidigt gör minskat bistånd att många aktivister har färre resurser för skydd och säkerhet. Därför rekommenderar rapporten ett tydligt jämställdhetsspråk i politik och förhandlingar. Lika viktigt är att lyssna på lokal feministisk expertis. Slutligen behövs också långsiktig finansiering och starkt skydd.

Som ambassadör Joost Reintjes lyfte i sitt inledningsanförande kommer Nederländerna fortsatt att stå upp för kvinnors rättigheter och jämställdhet som en viktig del av vår utrikespolitik. Det gör vi genom att stödja kvinnorättsorganisationer, lyfta jämställdhet i vårt arbete med mänskliga rättigheter och se till att kvinnors och flickors behov finns med i våra internationella program.

Stort tack till The Kvinna till Kvinna Foundation och Feministički kulturni centar BeFem för att ni spred kunskap och inspirerade oss att fortsätta arbeta för en tryggare och mer jämställd värld.

26/02/2026

The 2026 Winter Olympics are over.

We got to witness some fantastic achievements. The Netherlands came 3rd in the gold medal league, and if you sort by women only, we end up just behind Sweden!

Fun fact: all Dutch medals were won in two disciplines… That’s right, speed skating and short track.

Congratulations to all medalists and a big thank you to all the athletes in TeamNL. The Olympic Games play an important role in promoting tolerance, respect and inclusion.

Thanks, Milano Cortina!

24/02/2026

Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine has entered its fifth year. A brutal war without provocation, that Russia can end today.

Many are gathered on Sergels torg in Stockholm this evening, to stand with Ukraine. Ambassador Joost Reintjes is there also, to honor Ukraine’s perseverance and show the Netherlands’ full support.

This is a war not only against Ukraine, but also against key values that Ukraine, the Netherlands and Europe as a whole stand for: territorial integrity, the right to self-determination and the importance of human rights.

Therefore, we need to support Ukraine in its fight for freedom. And Russia must be forced to pay a high price for its aggression. The Netherlands continues to provide Ukraine with political, military, financial, humanitarian and moral support.

The Netherlands is committed to working with Ukraine, Sweden and other countries to explore all possibilities to achieve a just and sustainable peace for the Ukrainian people.

Read more about our efforts: https://www.government.nl/latest/news/2026/02/19/the-netherlands-continues-to-support-ukraine

23/02/2026

Today, the new government was sworn in by His Majesty King Willem-Alexander at Huis ten Bosch Palace in The Hague.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Tom Berendsen and Minister of Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation Sjoerd Sjoerdsma have signed the official hand-over of the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs today.

The Netherlands will continue to be a trustworthy partner within the European Union, United Nations, NATO and beyond. The development of international law remains an integral part of the foreign policy of the Netherlands.

The full text of the government agreement (in Dutch) can be found here: https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/regering/regeerakkoord.

Photo’s:

- Government of the Netherlands, with Prime Minister Rob Jetten and His Majesty King Willem-Alexander front and center. Photo credits: Valerie Kuypers
- Minister of Foreign Affairs Tom Berendsen is introduced to His Majesty the King. Photo credits: RVD
- Minister of Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation Sjoerd Sjoerdsma is introduced to His Majesty the King. Photo credits: RVD

06/02/2026

The Olympic Winter Games start today! ❄️🧡 Proud to cheer on TeamNL and celebrate the power of sport to bring people together.

Vandaag worden de Olympische Spelen officieel geopend! 🧡

Ontdek hier alles over de openingsceremonie 👇
🔗 https://www.teamnl.org/toernooien/olympische-winterspelen-milaan-cortina-2026-openingsceremonie?utm_source=social&utm_medium=facebook

04/02/2026

From 16 to 27 February 2026, Almedalsbiblioteket will host an exhibition on the life and work of Gerrit Rietveld (1888–1964), one of the Netherlands’ most influential architects and designers.

Rietveld played a key role in shaping modern architecture and design, both in the Netherlands and internationally. The exhibition offers an introduction to his ideas, his work within the De Stijl movement, and his lasting influence. Visitors can also see a (replica 😊) of the iconic Rietveld Chair on site.

Where: Almedalsbiblioteket, Gotland
When: 16–27 February 2026