Portugal has been fined millions of euros for failing to adequately protect thousands of unique animal and plant species, including the gold-striped salamander and the Iberian wolf. Despite having years to implement conservation measures, the country failed to meet its obligations to safeguard its biodiversity.
Australian Health Minister Mark Butler described the repatriation of six citizens arriving in Eindhoven from the ship m/v Hondius as a complex task due to the distance from the Netherlands. The group has been permitted to remain in the Netherlands for a maximum of 48 hours before returning to Australia.
Despite the official boycott of the Eurovision Song Contest by Dutch broadcaster AVROTROS, television coverage has led some to feel the boycott's impact is being minimized. Sources indicate that AVROTROS is dissatisfied with how the situation is being presented to viewers.
Japan reported a record number of bear sightings and killings in the twelve months ending in March. Preliminary government data shows that sightings have more than doubled since the previous record was set two years ago.
81-year-old Els lost her driver's license after a minor traffic incident led to a fitness investigation by the Dutch driving authority (CBR). The article warns that police involvement in even small accidents can trigger mandatory reporting that has significant and sometimes traumatic consequences for drivers.
Haarlem Mayor Jos Wienen has decided to maintain a guaranteed subsidy for the city's annual Christmas Market, bypassing a city council motion. This decision ensures the event does not have to compete with other local events for funding for the time being.