The European Union is planning to restore formal political relations with Syria to facilitate closer economic and security cooperation. According to reports, the EU also intends to further ease sanctions against the country, with high-level talks scheduled to begin on May 11.
US Secretary of the Navy John Phelan has resigned from his position effective immediately, according to an announcement from the Pentagon. No official explanation has been provided for the sudden departure.
Emergency services, including divers and a police helicopter, conducted a search for a person reported in the IJ river near Java-eiland and Amsterdam-Noord. Commercial shipping was halted as a precaution while fire crews and a drone team surveyed the water. The incident occurred late Wednesday evening following reports of someone falling into the river.
Dutch tennis player Jesper de Jong was defeated in the first round of the Madrid Masters by Spain's Rafael Jódar. Despite winning the first set, the world number 109 lost the match 6-2, 5-7, 4-6 after more than two and a half hours of play.
A man has been sentenced to 14 months in prison for committing five violent chain robberies at metro and train stations in Amsterdam. The perpetrator used methods including pepper spray and the "football trick" to overpower victims, several of whom will receive financial compensation for damages. Despite claiming to be a minor, fingerprint evidence confirmed the man was an adult at the time of the offenses.
Minister Jetten navigated a heated parliamentary debate by promising cheap public transport tickets for the summer to secure opposition support. Despite calls for more fuel price compensation, the Dutch cabinet maintains a frugal stance on government spending.