Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced that the Polish government will adopt a resolution to utilize the European Union's SAFE program for defense funding, despite a veto from President Karol Nawrocki. The program allows EU member states to access low-interest, long-term loans for joint defense initiatives.
The closure of the Wijkertunnel this summer is expected to cause significant traffic disruption for residents and commuters in the IJmond region, including Heemskerk, Beverwijk, and Velsen. Local municipalities and Rijkswaterstaat are collaborating to manage the impact, though officials acknowledge that significant traffic nuisance is unavoidable regardless of the measures taken.
Polling stations have closed in the Palestinian territories following local elections. This vote marked the first time in twenty years that residents in parts of the Gaza Strip, controlled by Hamas since 2007, were able to participate.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered powerful strikes against Hezbollah targets in Lebanon. Despite a ceasefire being in effect since mid-April, hostilities continue between the Israeli military and the Iranian-backed group.
On Sunday, hundreds of participants began a 15-month peace walk from Amsterdam to Jerusalem, starting with a ceremony at the Dominicuskerk. The initiative involves approximately 1,000 people from 19 different countries and aims to promote peace, reconciliation, and global hope.
Daan Geuke, a 28-year-old first-time buyer, successfully purchased a home on Houtplein in Haarlem after participating in eleven viewings and making nine bids. Despite a challenging housing market, he managed to secure the property for less than the asking price and is scheduled to move in by December 2025.