EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas has described recent developments in the Middle East as a serious threat to global security. She specifically highlighted concerns regarding ballistic missile and nuclear programs, as well as the support provided to terrorist groups.
The number of strikes in the Netherlands remained stable last year, with an average of 23 occurrences consistent with the past 25 years. Despite unrest in sectors like education and industry, the figures reflect a continued national preference for resolving labor disputes through negotiation.
In 2025, approximately 610,000 workers in the Netherlands earned the minimum wage, accounting for 6.7% of all jobs. Data shows that minimum wage increases have outpaced average collective labor agreement (CAO) wage growth over the past five years.
A UNICEF analysis warns that Afghanistan could lose up to 20,000 female teachers and 5,400 healthcare workers by 2030 if current restrictions on girls' education and women's employment persist. This shortage is expected to have severe consequences for the health and development of women and girls, as well as the country's overall progress as a whole.
A report by Copernicus and the World Meteorological Organization highlights that Europe faced unprecedented heatwaves and devastating wildfires last year. These extreme weather events, driven by climate change, are also contributing to a continuous decline in the continent's biodiversity.
The municipality of Haarlem has purchased the land occupied by Urban Camperspot Haarlem & Zandvoort, which will result in the closure of the city's only motorhome site at the end of the year. This acquisition is part of the municipality's development plans for the Zijlweg-West area.