During his State of the Union address, U.S. President Donald Trump praised his economic policies as a major success and stated that the national economy is doing well. His remarks come despite ongoing dissatisfaction among Americans regarding the rising costs of living.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has expressed support for a more dynamic EU accession process for candidate countries. Speaking after the EU-Western Balkans summit, she emphasized the importance of rewarding reform efforts with deeper integration into the European Union.
The Dutch cabinet plans to implement a principle ban on the use of steel slag to protect human health and the environment. Under the new proposal, permits for using the material will only be issued if safety can be guaranteed.
State Secretary Annet Bertram is developing new regulations for the use of steel slag in construction, effectively introducing a "No/unless" ban. Under these rules, a permit will only be granted if the use is proven safe for humans and the environment, including applications in water.
Ireland has imposed an entry ban on Israeli ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich due to their extremist views and role in the Gaza conflict. Prime Minister Micheál Martin previously indicated that the government would take action against officials who fuel tensions in the region.
Former Prime Minister Mark Rutte, current Prime Minister Dick Schoof, and former Minister Wouter Koolmees will testify next week before the parliamentary inquiry committee investigating the Dutch COVID-19 pandemic response. This second week of hearings will focus on the organization and implementation of the government's approach during the crisis.