Dutch MPs criticise delay to foreign intimidation reporting centre

The Dutch House of Representatives has criticised a delay to a planned reporting centre for people facing intimidation by foreign governments, with a majority of MPs saying it should be set up sooner, ANP reported. [1]

The government told MPs this week that the centre would not be ready until mid-2028 because the “required legal basis” was missing. The previous government promised to establish it four years ago. [1]

The centre is intended to give people a place to report intimidation and seek help. The report says countries including China, Russia and Iran intimidate former compatriots who have moved abroad, including to the Netherlands. [1]

During a parliamentary debate, VVD MP Bente Becker asked whether the process could be accelerated. Songül Mutluer of PRO said the matter was urgent, while D66 MP Mpanzu Bamenga urged the government to act as quickly as possible. CDA MP Tijs van den Brink said the intimidation was continuing and called for the centre to be arranged “a little faster”. [1]