Roads around Coen Tunnel closed every weekend in August for maintenance

Construction companies held back by staff shortages: 'Persistent problem'

Approximately one-third of construction companies in the Netherlands are facing significant production delays due to persistent staff shortages. New data from the Economic Institute for the Building Sector indicates these labor constraints are hindering the delivery of new homes and infrastructure projects.

Switzerland wants to raise VAT to free up extra funds for defense

The Swiss government is proposing a 0.5 percentage point increase in VAT over the next twelve years to generate 24 billion Swiss francs for defense spending. This initiative aims to secure significant additional funding to bolster the nation's military capabilities.

Shortage of women leads to lucrative trade in fake brides in China

A shortage of women in China has led to a lucrative illicit industry where intermediaries charge large sums of money to connect men with brides. This practice has resulted in severe financial losses for many families who exhaust their savings to participate.

Schiphol unions threaten industrial action over security guard working conditions

Norway's sovereign wealth fund reports record profit in first half of year

Norway's sovereign wealth fund reported a record profit for the first half of this year, driven largely by the rising value of technology stocks. The fund currently manages assets totaling more than 1,990 billion euros.