Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is scheduled to arrive in Islamabad, Pakistan, on Friday for potential negotiations with the United States. A US delegation is reportedly already in the city to prepare for the upcoming talks between the two nations.
Prime Minister Rob Jetten reported that EU leaders held extensive and sometimes heated discussions regarding the 2028-2034 multi-annual budget during an informal summit in Cyprus. Jetten noted that the leaders' positions on the future budget remain significantly divided following the talks.
The Dutch cabinet has reversed a planned 30-million-euro annual cut to social assistance benefits. To fund this change, Minister Thierry Aartsen announced that child-related benefit schemes will be scaled back. This decision effectively shifts the budgetary burden from general income support to specific child assistance programs.
A court ruled that Amsterdam Volt leader Juliet Broersen was within her rights to compare real estate entrepreneur Marcel Melis to Andrew Tate during a council debate. The judge emphasized the importance of freedom of speech for politicians when addressing social issues, such as housing and treatment of tenants. Although the court acknowledged the severe impact of subsequent social media harassment, it determined Broersen's statements were legally permissible.
A court ruled that Amsterdam Volt leader Juliet Broersen was within her rights to compare real estate entrepreneur Marcel Melis to Andrew Tate during a council debate. The judge found the remarks protected under political freedom of speech, noting the comparison targeted perceived misogyny rather than criminal allegations. While acknowledging the harassment Melis faced afterwards, the court maintained that politicians require broad freedom to discuss societal issues.
Mayor Halsema presented royal decorations to 38 Amsterdam residents at the Concertgebouw for their significant contributions to society and the city. Notable honorees include Pride director Lucien Spee, drag performer Dolly Bellefleur, and Holocaust survivor Max Arian as part of the annual national honors tradition.