The Velsen municipal council has temporarily halted discussions regarding the participation of Forum voor Democratie (FVD) in the local governing coalition after negotiations stalled. An independent mediator has been appointed to facilitate talks among all parties and identify common ground to expedite the formation process.
The chief of the UN Development Programme, Alexander De Croo, warns that over 30 million people are falling back into extreme poverty due to the conflict involving Israel, the United States, and Iran. The statement emphasizes the severe humanitarian and economic consequences resulting from the ongoing war.
Vitens, the largest drinking water company in the Netherlands, is facing increasing difficulties in ensuring a consistent water supply for all customers. Despite a slight decrease in average consumer water usage last year, the company warns of potential future shortages in the drinking water supply.
Hungary and Slovakia have resumed receiving Russian oil through the Druzhba pipeline following the completion of months of repairs. Deliveries began flowing through the Ukrainian section of the pipeline on Wednesday.
The conflict in Iran has caused condom prices to rise in China due to raw material shortages, according to manufacturer Karex. This price hike follows previous increases aimed at boosting population growth, leading some residents to begin hoarding supplies.
Right-wing political groups, including Mona Keijzer and JA21, have submitted a bill to stop Dutch municipalities from prioritizing status holders for social housing. This initiative aims to reinstate a policy previously proposed by Keijzer but recently withdrawn by the current Housing Minister.