Dutchman Rob Smeets named new CEO of Port of Antwerp-Bruges

The Port of Antwerp-Bruges has announced the appointment of Dutch national Rob Smeets as its new CEO. Smeets succeeds Jacques Vandermeiren, who stepped down from the position in April.

The Port of Antwerp-Bruges has announced the appointment of Dutch national Rob Smeets as its new CEO. Smeets succeeds Jacques Vandermeiren, who stepped down from the position in April.
Rob Smeets, a 56-year-old Dutch national, has been appointed as the new CEO of the Port of Antwerp-Bruges. The board of directors for the Belgian seaport announced his appointment for a six-year mandate.

The coalition parties in Maassluis, Leefbaar Maessluys and VVD, have reaffirmed their commitment to a policy of providing zero asylum reception spots in the municipality. This position was maintained during a recent council meeting in accordance with their existing coalition agreement.

The Dutch government has announced that the next company to manage parts of the DigiD identification system must be European. State Secretary Eric van der Burg stated that the contract tender after August 2028 will be conducted under the Defense and Security Procurement Act to ensure national security.

American singer Beyoncé has been included in Forbes' annual list of the richest self-made women for the first time. This follows her induction into the magazine's billionaire club in December.

Residents of an apartment building in Amsterdam-Noord report that elevators frequently experience sudden drops and malfunctions, causing safety concerns and physical discomfort. The property manager, MVGM, denies that a true "free fall" is possible due to safety mechanisms but acknowledges that mechanical shocks can occur during failures. While one elevator is currently awaiting repairs, residents are demanding a structural solution to the recurring technical issues.