Follow news from PM Mark Rutte
Follow news from Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs
The Netherlands leadership in Europe-1
Speech by Prime Minister Mark Rutte to the European Parliament on July 5
July 5, 2016 © The Office of PM Rutte
Speech by Prime Minister Mark Rutte to the European Parliament on July 5
July 5, 2016 © The Office of PM Rutte

Secretary Kerry has travelled to Brussels, from July 17–18, and met with EU Member State Foreign Ministers and EU High Representative Federica Mogherini, to discuss range of important subjects on Foreign Policy. During the press conference Secretary Kerry reaffirmed:
“It is that the U.S-EU Partnership is strong – strong today, will remain strong into the future, it is enduring, and it is unbreakable. And it is all of those things for some very simple reasons.”
On the issue of Turkey and the fate of the detainee of the failed Coup Secretary Kerry stated:
“So very quickly, let me just say with respect to NATO and the movement of Turkey, obviously, NATO also has a requirement with respect to Democracy, and NATO will indeed measure very carefully what is happening. And my hope is that Turkey is going to move in ways that do respect what they have said to me many times is the bedrock of their country. Now, obviously, a lot of people have been arrested and arrested very quickly, and so as Federica has said, I think the level of vigilance and scrutiny is obviously going to be significant in the days ahead. And we’ll work very closely, and hopefully we can work in a constructive way that prevents a backsliding, and that is our hope. Brussels July 18, 2016 © Department of State
On the same subject the EU High Representative Federica Mogherini stated:
“Let me be very clear on one thing – actually, on two. One, no country can become a EU member-state if it introduces death penalty. That is very clear in our acquis, as we call it. So this is for sure. The other point I would like to stress, even if this is not the institution I am entitled to speak for, but Turkey is part – an important part – of the Council of Europe. It’s an important member of the Council of Europe, and as such is bound by the European Convention of Human Rights that is very clear on death penalty. I hope I’ve been clear.”
“And let me add something that maybe it’s useful to stress here: We have been the first to stress the need during that difficult hours – the need for having the legitimate institutions protected against the attempt of coup. This is no excuse to take the country away from fundamental rights and rule of law, and we will be extremely vigilant on that for the sake not of the European Union or negotiations, but for the sake of Turkey itself.” Brussels July 18, 2016 © Department of State
Joint Press conference of Secretary Kerry with the EU High Representative Federica Mogherini
NATO pledged to deploy further efforts and resources for maintaining Stability and Security in Europe and beyond, and strengthening its Partners.
Secretary General Stoltenberg opening Statement at the NATO Summit, July 8th
“To the south we see failed and failing states. And millions left homeless and hopeless by terrorist groups like ISIL.” “This instability has a direct impact on our societies. The scale of the challenge demands that we take action”. States NATO Secretary General Stoltenberg July 9, 2016 © NATO
Joint Declaration by the President of the European Council, the President of the European Commission, and the Secretary General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization:
“We believe that the time has come to give new impetus and new substance to the NATO-EU strategic partnership.” Continue to read
Statement by President Obama at Press Conference After NATO Summit
Additional References on the Summit: NATO leaders bolster collective Deterrence and Defence
Statement of the NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg at the start of the Summit in Warsaw
U.S. Assurance and Deterrence Efforts in Support of NATO Allies, by US Mission to NATO

From Air Policing Operations in the Baltic, to the Very High Readiness Joint Task Force, UK Forces are at the heart of NATO. July 8, 2016 ©FCO
The third Western Balkans Summit was held in Paris on July 4th, as the following steps of Western Balkans Summit in Berlin-2014 and Vienna-2015.
“The Western Balkans is a Region in our immediate vicinity with which we have very close inter-personal, cultural, economic and political ties. Improvement in local quality of life as well as enhancing Stability, Safety, Security and Prosperity in the Western Balkans are thus in our most fundamental interest.” elaborated Minister for Foreign Affairs Sebastian Kurz July 4, 2016 © Austrian Federal Ministry for Europe, Integration and Foreign Affairs
Additional references: Western Balkans Summit Paris 2016

In Remembrance of the Fallen Heroes of the Law-enforcement Officers in Dallas-Texas
President Obama’s statement on the tragedy of attack on the Dallas Law-Enforcement.
U.S House Speaker Paul Ryan’s statement on the tragedy in Dallas
Highly rich with European heritage, Austria is the centre of Europe with its Capital city ‘Vienna’ the heart of Culture, History and Music, Literature, Science and Technology–since centuries ago.
In Political domain– Vienna holds also the key role not only in European Territory but also in the International Affairs. As of current time, Vienna has the Seats of over 16 United Nations main Organizations, with more of other International Orgs and Institutions. International Organizations in Vienna
In the Military sphere, the Austrian Armed-Forces has a major Leading Role in NATO, EU, UN Operations– deployed in various parts of the World for maintaining Peace and Security.

At the last European Council of the Dutch Presidency a new Strategy was presented for the EU’s external policy. As holder of the Presidency, the Netherlands has pressed for just such a joint European Security Strategy.
‘The geopolitical Security situation in Europe has changed dramatically over the past few years,’ ‘This strategy gives a fresh impetus to the EU’s Foreign policy, with an emphasis on security and resilience. If member states act in concert, like members of an orchestra, we can accelerate Europe’s responses to world events and boost the impact of our diplomatic engagement.’ highlighted Foreign Minister Bert Koenders. June 29, 2016 © The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands
Israeli President Reuven Rivlin visited NATO HQ in Brussels and met with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg on June 21. The meeting was to establish a closer partnership between Israel and NATO. The new measure to deepen the NATO-Israeli cooperation followed by the decision made earlier this year, on May 4th 2016, by NATO to agree on opening an Israel Mission at the NATO HQ.
“NATO and Israel have a long relationship and we are longstanding partners. I very much look forward to visiting Israel and to develop an even closer relationship with Israel in the coming years.” Reaffirmed NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, June 21, 2016 © NATO
June 21, 2016 © NATO

24 June 2016 © UK Foreign Office
Statement by President Obama on the outcome of the UK referendum:
“The people of the United Kingdom have spoken, and we respect their decision. The special relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom is enduring, and the United Kingdom’s membership in NATO remains a vital cornerstone of U.S. foreign, security, and economic policy. So too is our relationship with the European Union,” June 24, 2016 @ The White House
Statement by Prime Minister Rutte of the Netherlands on the outcome of UK referendum:
“The result of the UK referendum is disappointing. We must now look for stable solutions, calmly, and one step at a time. It is important to ensure stability. We are in the process of reforming the European Union. This result is an incentive to carry on with that reform and work hard for more prosperity, more jobs and more security. Particularly for a country like the Netherlands, cooperation is of vital importance.” June 24, 2016 © MFA of the Netherlands
Statement by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg on the outcome of the referendum in UK:
“The British people have decided to leave the European Union. As it defines the next chapter in its relationship with the EU, I know that the United Kingdom’s position in NATO will remain unchanged. The UK will remain a strong and committed NATO Ally, and will continue to play its leading role in our Alliance” June 24, 2016 © NATO
Dear Readers, from our side we don’t have any words to add except ‘We are devastated by this out come as we see it, how in a broader context it would affect unfortunately– the entire Europe not only the United Kingdom. (the Editor)