The European Public Prosecutor's Office reports that fraud involving the European COVID-19 recovery fund increased significantly last year, totaling an estimated 5 billion euros. The fraudulent activities were primarily concentrated in projects related to green energy.
The British government has rejected criticism from the U.S. State Department regarding the death of student Henry Nowak. UK Justice Minister David Lammy denied allegations that the country’s legal system employs double standards or treats groups unequally. The dispute follows claims by U.S. officials that the case highlights systemic issues within British policing.
The Israeli military has ordered the evacuation of three villages north of the Litani River in Lebanon ahead of planned attacks. Recent strikes on the southern city of Tyre have already resulted in the deaths of seven people, according to Lebanese civil protection.
Former RIVM head Jaap van Dissel testified before a parliamentary inquiry committee on Friday regarding his leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic. He addressed past decisions concerning school closures, face mask policies, and the initial focus on hospital capacity instead of elderly care. The inquiry aims to evaluate the Dutch government's response to the health crisis.
Train services between Haarlem and Hillegom are suspended on Friday morning from 09:45 to 11:15. The disruption is due to a technical investigation being conducted on the tracks.
Former BBB State Secretary Gijs Tuinman has resigned his party membership following a leadership change that saw Henk Vermeer take over as the party's leader. Tuinman expressed that the transition was painful for him and confirmed his decision during an appearance on the program Goedemorgen Nederland.