Shallow groundwater in the Netherlands is contaminated with pollutants such as pesticides, medicines, and PFAS in significantly more locations than previously estimated. These findings, reported by the water company Vitens, resulted from a five-year study using a new monitoring network in groundwater protection zones.
Nel Bartman was appointed Member of the Order of Orange-Nassau on June 23 for her 40-year dedication to the HKC Haarlem korfball club. Mayor Jos Wienen presented the royal decoration during the club's general meeting, honoring her long service as both treasurer and chairperson. HKC Haarlem is the oldest and largest korfball association in the region, serving 260 members.
The European Union's diplomatic service has proposed a three-year mission to train and advise the Lebanese armed forces. According to a document seen by Reuters, European military personnel would provide support and guidance to help stabilize Lebanon.
Marius Borg Høiby, the son of the Norwegian Crown Princess, will remain in custody for the next several weeks after his lawyer announced he will not appeal the detention order. A court will reassess whether to extend his detention on July 13th.
The German government has canceled an 18 billion euro contract with Dutch shipbuilder Damen Naval for the construction of six frigates. Instead, the German Ministry of Defense has decided to award the project to a domestic German shipbuilder.
Four board members at Tata Steel have received a special bonus of over 110,000 euros, a move the company defends as a one-time payment despite ongoing budget cuts. The FNV union has criticized the bonuses as unjustifiable to the workforce and called on the directors to waive the extra compensation.