Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg has abdicated after 25 years of reign, transferring power to his 43-year-old son Guillaume. The coronation ceremony will take place today, after which the new Grand Duke will take the oath and meet with the public.
Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof stated that the country does not support accelerating negotiations on Ukraine's accession to the EU by abolishing the unanimity principle. The Netherlands insists on adhering to the Copenhagen criteria and the unanimity principle, believing that changing the rules is not the way for Ukraine and Moldova to join the EU.
A "Shahed" UAV was drawn on one of the Dutch Air Force planes, although other drones flew over Poland in September.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban may find support in his attempts to hinder Ukraine's accession to the EU, particularly from French President Emmanuel Macron. The proposal by European Council President António Costa to change EU accession rules to circumvent Hungary's resistance is meeting opposition from a number of countries, including France, the Netherlands, and Greece.
Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans stated that the deployment of F-35 fighter jets to Poland is a demonstration of the allies' readiness to counter Russian aggression. The Netherlands also plans to send Patriot and NASAMS air defense systems and anti-drone equipment to Poland.
From 2022 to 2025, France, Belgium, Spain, and the Netherlands purchased 34. 3 billion euros worth of liquefied natural gas from Russia, while Ukraine received 21.2 billion euros in aid from them. This Greenpeace study highlights that the reduction in pipeline supplies led to an increase in Russian LNG imports.
President Zelenskyy announced the receipt of funding for 4 aid packages for the purchase of American weapons within the framework of the PURL initiative. The Netherlands, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Germany, and Canada have contributed a total of over $2 billion.
The European Union must radically transform due to Putin's provocations and Trump's semi-detachment. EU countries are looking for ways to counter the Kremlin's aggressive rhetoric.
Minister of Digital Transformation Mykhailo Fedorov announced the launch of the Ukraine Phoenix Tech Fund with a volume of €50 million. The fund will provide Ukrainian technology companies with capital, strategic support, and access to an international network.
Two 17-year-old teenagers have been detained in the Netherlands on suspicion of interfering in state affairs, possibly related to Russian espionage. One of them was carrying a Wi-Fi interception device near Europol offices and the Canadian embassy.
Yaroslava Mahuchikh has been included in the top 10 nominees for the title of best European athlete of 2025. The winners will be announced on October 25 in Batumi, Georgia.
Microsoft and Asus have officially opened pre-orders for the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X, which will go on sale on October 16. Prices for the consoles range from $499 to $1599 depending on the model and region.
Ukraine uses artificial intelligence in defense technologies, air defense, increasing resilience to electronic warfare, and humanitarian demining. Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha emphasized the potential and risks of AI at the UN Security Council debate.
European officials fear that US President Donald Trump's new rhetoric on Ukraine is aimed at shifting blame to Europe. Trump is calling on the EU for tougher sanctions against Russia and tariffs on China and India, which Europeans consider unfeasible.
In 2024, the average age at which young people in the EU leave their parents' home decreased to 26. 2 years. At the same time, 9.7% of young people aged 15–29 in the EU lived in households that spent 40% or more of their income on housing.
Ukraine, the EU, and 36 countries jointly called on Russia to stop the killings and start negotiations with Ukraine. The statement was made at the UN on September 23, 2025.
Over 30 years, Ukraine's population has decreased by 20%, from 52. 2 million in 1993 to 42 million in 2022. As of early 2025, approximately 31.5 million people reside in the controlled territory, indicating a demographic loss of 10 million due to the war.
The aurora borealis was observed in the Sumy region at night, recorded by eyewitnesses in the Romny district. This rare phenomenon is caused by increased solar activity and magnetic storms.
The International Criminal Court has charged former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte with three counts of intentional homicide. The hearing has been postponed due to the health condition of 80-year-old Duterte, who was arrested on March 11.
The 80th session of the UN General Assembly has begun in New York and will last until September 29. It will bring together about a hundred presidents and over 40 prime ministers to discuss global challenges and strengthen international cooperation.
Ukraine will cooperate with the largest research institute in the Netherlands, TNO, to develop breakthrough military technologies. The Brave1 cluster signed a memorandum of partnership, engaging thousands of scientists and engineers.
In The Hague, the windows of the D66 party office were smashed after an anti-immigration demonstration got out of control. Protesters also blocked the A12 motorway and threw stones at the police.
The number of refugees in Germany decreased by 50,000 people in the first half of 2025, reaching 3. 495 million. The reasons for the reduction were deportations, voluntary departures, and naturalization, including over 83,000 Syrians who received citizenship.
Dutch Minister for Asylum and Migration, Mona Keijzer, suggests that Ukrainian men with jobs should arrange their own housing. This is due to overcrowded shelters and an increasing number of refugees.
Spain has joined the countries threatening to boycott Eurovision-2026 if Israel is allowed to participate. This is the first country from the "Big Five" to put forward such a condition, which could influence the organizers' decision.
The Ukrainian volleyball team is currently third in their group at the 2025 World Championship with three points. To advance to the playoffs, the Ukrainians need to defeat the reigning world champions, the Italian national team.
China has entered the top 10 of the UN's annual innovation ranking for the first time, taking 10th place. This was due to significant investments in research and development, while Germany dropped to 11th place.
On September 16, the first round of the 2025/2026 Champions League begins, where for the first time since the 2005/2006 season there are no Ukrainian clubs. However, Ukrainian footballers will play as part of European teams, including Trubin, Sudakov, Lunin, and Zabarnyi.
Eurovision organizers have suggested that Israel withdraw from the 2026 contest in Austria or perform under a neutral flag. This is due to boycott threats from several countries over the war in Gaza.
Poland shows the fastest GDP growth among 26 EU countries, with a projected growth of 3. 3% in 2026. Since 2017, the country's economy has grown by 93%, and the zloty has become the most successful currency among emerging markets.
