Netherlands
The Netherlands will provide a €400 million aid package to protect the Black Sea and rivers of Ukraine. It includes more than 100 patrol boats and other vessels.
France and Belgium are not yet ready to support an EU ban on Russian liquefied natural gas imports, fearing economic consequences and seeking alternative sources of supply.
In Almelo, the Netherlands, a child fell into a coma after consuming THC marmalade. Two children were hospitalized with dizziness and headache, but their lives are not in danger.
Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof has announced the resignation of the government due to disagreements in the coalition over migration policy. This could lead to early elections in the country.
Far-right leader in the Netherlands, Geert Wilders, has announced his party's withdrawal from the coalition due to the refusal of partners to sign migration proposals. This decision could lead to the collapse of the Dutch government and new elections.
Despite the US call for coordinated action, a new package of EU sanctions against Russia is unlikely to be ready for the G7 summit. Hungary may block some proposals.
Ukraine is preparing agreements with the Baltic and Northern European countries, and also plans to fill the content of the G7 and NATO summits. Zelenskyy emphasized the strengthening of sanctions against Russia and forcing it to peace.
German clothing brand Gerry Weber is closing around 40 stores in Germany due to bankruptcy. The brand is being taken over by the Spanish company Victrix, which is planning a restart, and 8 stores will also open in the Netherlands.
The European Union plans to end funding for the COVID recovery fund, which was supposed to last until the end of 2026. This puts Italy, Spain and Poland, which are most dependent on these funds, at risk.
The ECHR is considering 4 interstate cases of Ukraine against Russia regarding crimes in Crimea, Donbas, and the Kerch Strait. In some cases, violations of human rights by the Russian Federation have already been confirmed.
The administration of US President Donald Trump intends to create a Remigration Office to deport unassimilated foreigners. This step has provoked criticism and accusations of supporting a policy of ethnic cleansing.
In the second half of 2024, electricity prices for households increased in 10 EU countries and decreased in 14. The largest increase was in Portugal, and the largest decrease was in Latvia.
European gas prices rose amid speculation that US court decisions on Trump's tariffs could increase demand. The market remains volatile due to uncertainty.
In the Netherlands, Haribo is recalling a batch of Happy Cola F!ZZ candies after children were poisoned with cannabis. The company is cooperating with the authorities to clarify the circumstances of the incident.
Mark Rutte wants to hold a short NATO summit without divisions among members due to Trump and Zelensky. The US may cut support for Ukraine, complicating the situation at the summit.
Latvia has sent 1,500 combat drones to Ukraine as part of an international coalition. Two Latvian companies will supply 12,000 drones within six months.
In April 2025, Tesla's sales in Europe fell by 49% due to competition from BYD and Musk's political position. The market is falling in key EU countries.
The Netherlands has handed over all 24 promised F-16 fighters to Ukraine, which were sent from the Volkel airbase to Belgium for training. They will also continue to train pilots and provide spare parts with ammunition.
The NATO summit has been shortened to two days, and the final declaration may not contain any mention of Ukraine and Russia. The question of inviting Zelensky remains open.
The Finnish Foreign Ministry demands explanations from russia regarding the alleged violation of the country's airspace by two military aircraft. The incident occurred over the Gulf of Finland, and the border service is conducting an investigation.
The Netherlands has sent the last promised F-16 fighter jet to Ukraine. Ukrainian pilots are undergoing training in Romania, where the Netherlands has transferred 18 aircraft.
According to European Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič, the EU seeks to reach an agreement with the US, but on the basis of respect. European politicians have expressed disappointment over possible further tariffs from the US.
An international special operation has exposed a Russian network of hackers who infected more than 300,000 devices in various countries. Among the suspects are Russians and a Ukrainian, the investigation is ongoing.
Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the Netherlands and 7 other EU countries have called for an urgent strengthening of civil preparedness for man-made and natural disasters. They insist on accelerating work on threat analysis.
Donald Trump plans to attend the NATO summit in The Hague, according to the Dutch Prime Minister. The summit will focus on increasing Alliance members' spending on military needs.
In April, BYD overtook Tesla in electric vehicle sales in Europe for the first time, selling 7,231 cars. Tesla's sales fell by 49%, although the electric vehicle market grew by 28%.
Russian military intelligence hacked security cameras on EU borders, stole passwords and conducted cyberattacks to disrupt the supply of Western aid to Ukraine, British intelligence reports.
Oil prices fell after the US government released data on increased inventories of crude oil, gasoline and distillates. At the same time, concerns remain about a possible Israeli strike on Iranian nuclear facilities.
The Presidents of Ukraine and Montenegro discussed efforts for a just peace and strengthening cooperation in various fields, including European integration. They also agreed on a schedule of events with the participation of leaders of Southeast European countries.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with the Prime Minister of the Netherlands, discussing support, strengthening air defense, and investments in drone production. He also held talks with the leaders of Denmark, Moldova, Bulgaria, and Sweden.