The Netherlands women's handball team will face Czech Republic, Austria, and Croatia in the group stage of the European Championship this December, following Thursday's draw. Seeded in Pot 1 after winning their qualification group with victories over Switzerland, Italy, and Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Dutch side will avoid top rivals such as Norway and France in the opening round. The tournament, to be held across five countries — Poland, Czech Republic, Romania, Slovakia, and Turkey — features 24 nations split into six groups, with the top two from each advancing to the knockout stage.