nuOct 3, 2026, 08:33

Former Chancellor Schröder back as senior executive at Russian company

Former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder has taken a new senior role at the Russian supermarket chain Hyperglobus. This decision follows years of intense criticism regarding his business associations with Russian state companies and his relationship with Vladimir Putin.

Former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder has returned to a high-level position within the Russian business sector by joining Hyperglobus. The company, which split from the German retailer Globus in 2025, currently manages over twenty supermarkets across Russia that retain the original branding. This move marks another chapter in the controversial professional career of the 82-year-old former leader.

Schröder previously served as chancellor from 1998 to 2005, a period during which he established a strong relationship with Vladimir Putin. After leaving politics, he faced intense scrutiny for his involvement with Russian state-linked firms, including Nord Stream and the oil giant Rosneft. Following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, public and political backlash grew significantly, leading the German government to revoke several of his former chancellor privileges, such as his office space and staff. Although he resigned from his positions at Rosneft and canceled plans to join Gazprom at that time, his latest appointment at Hyperglobus revives concerns regarding his ongoing ties to Russian commerce.

Politics Economy Business World

Read original ↗

Based on reporting by nu. Translated and condensed by LocalHeadlines.

G7 taps 100 million barrels of oil and diesel from emergency reserves following Trump threat

The G7 countries are releasing 100 million barrels of oil and diesel from emergency reserves to counter market instability caused by the war in Iran. The decision comes after pressure from President Trump, though European leaders have rejected calls to restrict energy exports within the coalition.

Trial successful: over 60 percent of Amsterdam asylum seekers find a job or take steps toward paid employment

A successful pilot program in Amsterdam has helped over 60 percent of participating asylum seekers find employment or make progress toward securing a job since 2025. Due to these positive results, the initiative, which primarily placed participants in the hospitality, logistics, and transport sectors, will be continued.

Experts warn of sharp diesel price hike if Trump proceeds with export ban

The Trump administration is considering a diesel export ban to combat high domestic prices ahead of the U.S. midterm elections. Experts warn that this policy would intensify global fuel shortages, further increasing diesel costs and inflation throughout Europe and the Netherlands.

US-China trade truce extended by two months

The United States and China have extended their existing trade truce by two months to allow more time for potential negotiations. Despite the extension, the nations remain divided over import tariffs and China's compliance with agricultural purchasing commitments.

SER wants better guidance for Ukrainians into jobs matching their qualifications: 'We are missing opportunities'

The Social and Economic Council (SER) suggests that municipalities should take formal responsibility for integrating Ukrainian refugees into the Dutch labor market by providing language training and career guidance. Despite high employment rates, many Ukrainians are currently working below their qualification levels, leading to a loss of potential in key economic sectors.