Dutch leader pledges to repay debt to quake-hit region
April 25, 2023 GMTTHE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte apologized Tuesday to residents of the northern province of Groningen who have suffered for years from earthquakes caused by gas extraction that damaged thousands of homes and ruined lives.
Populist Farmer Citizen Movement wins big in Dutch election
March 16, 2023 GMTTHE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — A new powerhouse of Dutch right-wing populism took political center stage Thursday after winning its first provincial elections, a victory that was seen as a resounding rebuke to Prime Minister Mark Rutte's ruling four-party coalition.
New populist BBB wins Dutch vote; Rutte coalition down
March 15, 2023 GMTTHE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — A new populist party riding anger among Dutch farmers and rural communities at government policies to rein in agricultural pollution emerged as the big winner in provincial elections Wednesday, according to early exit polls.
Dutch set to vote in local elections with national impact
March 14, 2023 GMTTHE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — Dutch voters go to the polls Wednesday in local elections with a national impact, with campaign themes ranging from local bugbears like dwindling public transport in remote villages to global issues such as migration and the environment.
Dutch government to restrict sales of processor chip tech
March 8, 2023 GMTTHE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — The Dutch government announced Wednesday that it is planning on imposing additional restrictions on the export of machines that make advanced processor chips, joining a U.S.
Inquiry issues damning report into Dutch gas drilling
February 24, 2023 GMTTHE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — A Dutch parliamentary inquiry released a damning report Friday into the government's handling of lucrative natural gas extraction that caused a string of earthquakes in the northern province of Groningen, saying that authorities put profits before people.
Amsterdam Anne Frank museum targeted with antisemitic text
February 10, 2023 GMTDutch police said Friday they are investigating a stunt that saw a text alluding to an antisemitic conspiracy theory projected onto the Anne Frank House museum in Amsterdam, causing outrage across the country.
Netherlands says it will send Patriot assistance to Ukraine
January 17, 2023 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — Netherlands Prime Minister Mark Rutte said Tuesday that his country plans to "join” the U.S. and Germany's efforts to train and arm Ukraine with advanced Patriot defense systems.
Biden to host Netherlands’ Rutte for White House talks
January 12, 2023 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden will host Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte at the White House on Tuesday for talks that are expected to center on the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine.
National Security Council spokesman John Kirby in announcing the meeting called the Netherlands “a very key supporter of security assistance in Ukraine.”
Dutch leader apologizes for Netherlands’ role in slave trade
December 19, 2022 GMTTHE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte apologized Monday on behalf of his government for the Netherlands’ role in slavery and the slave trade, in a speech welcomed by activists as historic but lacking in concrete plans for repair and reparations.
Caribbean divided as Netherlands mulls slavery apology
December 16, 2022 GMTPARAMARIBO, Suriname (AP) — Dutch colonizers kidnapped men, women and children and enslaved them on plantations growing sugar, coffee and other goods that built wealth at the price of misery.
On Monday, the Netherlands is expected to become one of the few nations to apologize for its role in slavery.
Europe hosts southeast Asian leaders as own crises mount
December 14, 2022 GMTBRUSSELS (AP) — European Union and southeast Asian countries commemorated 45 years of diplomatic ties Wednesday at a summit overshadowed by political distractions in Europe, ranging from the war in Ukraine to a bribery scandal.
Dutch PM meets lawmakers amid govt tensions over migration
November 8, 2022 GMTTHE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte met with lawmakers from his party Tuesday to discuss their concerns about the rising numbers of migrants seeking asylum in the Netherlands, amid tensions within his four-party coalition about how to tackle the issue.
Dutch nitrogen mediator advises buying out biggest polluters
October 5, 2022 GMTTHE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — An independent expert appointed to mediate in the bitter dispute between the Dutch government and the nation's farmers over plans to drastically slash emissions of nitrogen and ammonia presented a report Wednesday that included a suggestion that the government buy out hundreds of the heaviest polluters.
Amsterdam to house migrants on cruise ship moored in port
August 30, 2022 GMTAMSTERDAM (AP) — Amsterdam approved a plan Tuesday to temporarily accommodate at least 1,000 migrants on a cruise ship moored in the Dutch capital's port as the Netherlands seeks to end an accommodation crisis that last week saw hundreds of asylum-seekers sleeping outside a reception center.
Dutch government under fire in debate over emissions cuts
August 23, 2022 GMTTHE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte said Tuesday that members of his Cabinet have enough confidence in each other to keep working together as lawmakers broke into their summer vacations to debate the government's contentious plans to slash nitrogen emissions that have sparked angry protests by farmers.
Farmers’ group: Talks with Dutch govt delivered ‘too little’
August 5, 2022 GMTTHE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — The leader of the Netherlands' top agricultural lobby group said that a first round of talks Friday with a delegation led by Prime Minister Mark Rutte about the government’s nitrogen emissions reduction goals delivered “at the moment, too little" for thousands of farmers living in uncertainty.
‘Teflon’ Mark Rutte is longest-serving Dutch prime minister
August 2, 2022 GMTTHE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — Mark Rutte became the longest-serving Dutch prime minister Tuesday, and the leader known by some as “Teflon Mark” because scandals don't stick to him is showing no sign of slowing despite unrest gripping his nation and his party's popularity sliding in polls.
Cars hit tires dumped on Dutch highway amid farmer protests
July 28, 2022 GMTTHE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — Cars crashed into tires and other garbage piled on a highway in the northern Netherlands in the early hours of Thursday, police said, as protests by radical farmers against government plans to rein in nitrogen emissions continued.
EXPLAINER: Why are Dutch farmers protesting over emissions?
June 28, 2022 GMTTHE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — Farmers protested around the Netherlands as lawmakers voted Tuesday on proposals to slash emissions of damaging pollutants, a plan that will likely force farmers to cut their livestock herds or stop work altogether.
Dutch prime minister apologizes to Srebrenica peacekeepers
June 18, 2022 GMTTHE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — The Dutch government formally apologized Saturday to soldiers who were sent as U.N. peacekeepers to defend the Bosnian enclave of Srebrenica with insufficient firepower and manpower to keep the peace.
Group of NATO leaders pledge support for Ukraine
June 14, 2022 GMTTHE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — The leaders of seven NATO nations from across Europe pledged their support Tuesday for Sweden and Finland's bids to join the alliance and for providing more heavy weapons to help Ukraine battle Russia.
Dutch government angers farmers with tough emission goals
June 10, 2022 GMTTHE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — The Dutch government unveiled goals Friday to drastically reduce emissions of nitrogen oxides to protect the environment, a plan that would lead to major upheavals in the Netherlands' multibillion dollar agriculture industry and has already angered some farmers.
Dutch leader faces pressure over old-school text messages
May 20, 2022 GMTTHE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — The long-serving Dutch prime minister is in hot water over his low-tech cell phone.
Mark Rutte is facing unusual political and public pressure after revelations that he has been deleting text messages about official matters for years.
4 EU nations to harness North Sea wind for green transition
May 18, 2022 GMTCOPENHAGEN, Denmark (AP) — Four European Union countries plan to speed up the continent’s green transition and help wean it off Russian energy imports through a large new project to build wind farms in the North Sea, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said Wednesday.
Live updates | US set to send more military aid to Ukraine
April 21, 2022 GMTWASHINGTON — President Joe Biden is set to announce plans Thursday to send additional military aid to help Ukraine fight back against the Russian invasion, according to a U.S. official.
The official, who was not authorized to comment publicly and spoke on the condition of anonymity, said Biden will deliver a Thursday morning address at the White House detailing his plans to build on the roughly $2.6 billion in military assistance the administration has already approved for Ukraine.
Biden set to announce new military assistance for Ukraine
April 21, 2022 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden is set to announce plans Thursday to send additional military aid to help Ukraine fight back against the Russian invasion, according to a U.S. official.
The official, who was not authorized to comment publicly and spoke on the condition of anonymity, said Biden will deliver a Thursday morning address at the White House detailing his plans to build on the roughly $2.6 billion in military assistance the administration has already approved for Ukraine.
Invictus Games opens with Prince Harry tribute to Ukrainians
April 16, 2022 GMTTHE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — The Invictus Games competition for wounded, injured and ill service personnel and veterans opened Saturday night in the Netherlands with a standing ovation and a tribute from Prince Harry for the Ukrainian team members who left their war-torn nation to compete.
Queen meets Trudeau in 1st engagement since COVID-19
March 7, 2022 GMTLONDON (AP) — Queen Elizabeth II met with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Monday, smiling and greeting him in front of a large bouquet of blue and yellow flowers, the colors of the Ukrainian flag.
Stung by criticism, UK’s Johnson speeds up Russia sanctions
March 7, 2022 GMTLONDON (AP) — U.K. lawmakers are set to pass a bill on Monday aimed at toughening sanctions on Russia and rooting out ill-gotten money from the British economy.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the Economic Crime Bill will let British authorities ”pursue (Russian President Vladimir) Putin’s allies in the U.K.
Dutch government eases lockdown despite soaring infections
January 25, 2022 GMTTHE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — Prime Minister Mark Rutte further eased the Netherlands' coronavirus lockdown, allowing bars, restaurants, museums, theaters and other venues to reopen from Wednesday for the first time this year.
Man who threatened Dutch minister gets 6 months in prison
January 19, 2022 GMTTHE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — A man who stood outside the home of a former Dutch foreign minister shouting and waving a burning torch was sent to prison Wednesday for six months, Dutch media reported.
Dutch government eases lockdown, but not for hospitality
January 14, 2022 GMTVALKENBURG, Netherlands (AP) — The Dutch government eased its coronavirus lockdown Friday, allowing non-essential stores, universities, sports clubs and “contact businesses” like hairdressers to reopen for the first time in nearly a month.
Frustration grows as Dutch Cabinet mulls future of lockdown
January 13, 2022 GMTTHE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — The new Dutch government met Thursday to discuss whether to extend or ease its coronavirus lockdown amid growing anger among owners of businesses that have been shuttered for weeks.
Dutch king swears in new ruling coalition, Rutte’s 4th
January 10, 2022 GMTTHE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte embarked on a fourth term Monday, leading a coalition that took office amid a nationwide coronavirus lockdown and policy challenges ranging from climate change and housing shortages to the future of agriculture.
Netherlands ‘going into lockdown again’ to curb omicron
December 18, 2021 GMTLONDON (AP) — Nations across Europe moved to reimpose tougher measures to stem a new wave of COVID-19 infections spurred by the highly transmissible omicron variant, with the Netherlands leading the way by imposing a nationwide lockdown.
New Dutch coalition vows to spend big on broad reforms
December 15, 2021 GMTTHE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — The leaders of four political parties set to join forces in the next Dutch ruling coalition pledged Wednesday to tackle thorny problems including climate change and housing shortages and to strengthen education and a health care system that has been stretched almost to breaking point by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dutch extend COVID lockdown; school holidays to start early
December 14, 2021 GMTTHE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — The Dutch government on Tuesday ordered elementary schools to close a week early for Christmas holidays as authorities battle to rein in coronavirus infections amid concerns about the swift spread of the new omicron variant.
Marathon talks to form next Dutch coalition near finish line
December 13, 2021 GMTTHE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — The four parties negotiating to form the next Dutch coalition government agreed Monday on a policy blueprint, officials overseeing the talks announced, a major step toward the end of their marathon talks.
EU wants calm amid virus protests; rioters called ‘idiots’
November 22, 2021 GMTTHE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — In the face of demonstrations across much of Europe protesting tough COVID-19 measures over the past days, authorities on Monday pleaded for patience, calm and a willingness to get a vaccine shot in the arm as infections spike upward again.
Dutch govt orders 3-week partial lockdown amid virus surge
November 12, 2021 GMTTHE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — Caretaker Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte announced a three-week partial lockdown Friday amid surging COVID-19 cases in the Netherlands, saying his government wants to “deliver a hard blow to the virus.”
Dutch, Canadian leaders hope for climate progress at G-20
October 29, 2021 GMTTHE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — Canada and the Netherlands are counting on the weekend Group of 20 summit in Rome to make significant progress toward clinching an acceptable deal at the United Nations climate meeting starting immediately afterward.
Talk talk: Dutch coalition negotiations set new record
October 29, 2021 GMTTHE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — Talks to hammer out a new ruling Dutch coalition broke the record Friday for the longest post-election government formation negotiations — 226 days and counting.
The previous Dutch record was held by the last government, which was made up of the same four parties currently trying to broker agreements on a policy blueprint for a new four-year term.
Dutch government to lower energy taxes amid surge in prices
October 15, 2021 GMTTHE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — The Dutch government is planning a multibillion euro package to help households cope with soaring energy bills, a minister said Friday. The Netherlands is the latest European nation to seek to deal with the effects of surging prices for electricity and gas.
Court papers: Man threatened to kill Dutch prime minister
October 13, 2021 GMTTHE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — Dutch police arrested a 22-year-old man in July on suspicion of threatening to kill caretaker Prime Minister Mark Rutte, according to court documents, the latest in a string of threats against politicians in the Netherlands.
Leaders of 4 Dutch parties open to renewing coalition
September 30, 2021 GMTTHE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — Leaders of the four parties that made up the last coalition government in the Netherlands agreed Thursday — more than six months after a general election — to join forces again for another four-year term, leading negotiators said.
Dutch political leaders meet amid stalled coalition talks
September 29, 2021 GMTTHE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — Dutch political party leaders met Wednesday to force a breakthrough in deadlocked negotiations to form a new ruling coalition — efforts that came more than six months after a general election left a deeply divided parliament in the European Union nation.
Dutch king’s speech outlines limited government plans
September 21, 2021 GMTTHE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — The Dutch king outlined a pared-back government plan for the coming year on Tuesday in his traditional speech opening the new parliamentary term that came amid drawn-out negotiations to form a new ruling coalition.
Dutch ditch social distancing, mandate COVID-19 passes
September 14, 2021 GMTTHE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — Social distancing will end in the Netherlands on Sept. 25, the same date that the government will begin mandating COVID-19 health passes to get into venues like bars, restaurants and theaters, caretaker Prime Minister Mark Rutte said Tuesday.
Dutch coalition talks deadlocked 5 months after election
August 31, 2021 GMTTHE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — The Netherlands appeared to be heading toward talks to form a minority coalition after efforts to piece together a Cabinet made up of five parties from across the political spectrum broke down Tuesday.
Dutch COVID-19 infections soar by 500% in a week
July 13, 2021 GMTTHE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — Coronavirus infections in the Netherlands skyrocketed by more than 500% over the last week, the country's public health institute reported Tuesday. The surge follows the scrapping of almost all remaining lockdown restrictions and the reopening of night clubs in late June.
Dutch leader says easing lockdown was ‘error of judgment’
July 12, 2021 GMTTHE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — The Dutch leader apologized Monday for what he called “an error of judgment” in relaxing the Netherlands' coronavirus lockdown, a move that has led to a sharp surge in infections.
Dutch reinforce COVID-19 measures after spike in cases
July 9, 2021 GMTTHE HAGUE (AP) — The Dutch government has reinforced measures to contain COVID-19 after a spike in new cases, particularly among young people, driven by the delta variant first identified in India.
Hungary PM calls EU leaders ‘colonialists’ in LGBT law feud
July 2, 2021 GMTBUDAPEST, Hungary (AP) — Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban on Friday accused European leaders of acting like “colonialists" in their criticism of a controversial law that's seen as limiting the rights of LGBT people in that country.
EU leaders defend LGBT rights amid concern over Hungary law
June 24, 2021 GMTBRUSSELS (AP) — European Union leaders clashed with Hungary’s prime minister during a heated summit Thursday over new legislation in his country that will ban showing content about LGBT issues to children, a measure that has been widely criticized across the region and has angered human rights groups.
Dutch talks on forming coalition government still deadlocked
June 22, 2021 GMTTHE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — Nearly 100 days after Dutch national election, talks to form a new ruling coalition remain deadlocked, the official who has led weeks of negotiations said Tuesday.
The conservative People's Party for Freedom and Democracy led by three-term Prime Minister Mark Rutte won the most seats in the three-day election that ended March 17, but the splintered result has so far prevented the formation of a new govering coalition.
Dutch princess won’t accept payment when she turns 18
June 11, 2021 GMTTHE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — The heir to the Dutch throne, Princess Amalia, has decided for the next few years not to accept the allowance -- worth some 1.6 million euros ($1.9 million) per year -- that she is entitled to receive annually once she turns 18 in December.
Dutch move toward further easing of coronavirus lockdown
May 11, 2021 GMTTHE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — Dutch zoos and theme parks will be allowed to reopen next week under strict conditions and bars and cafes can extend the opening hours of their outdoor terraces, if hospital and intensive care admissions continue to fall, caretaker Prime Minister Mark Rutte announced Tuesday...
Dutch coronavirus infections rise ahead of lockdown easing
April 22, 2021 GMTTHE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — Dutch caretaker Prime Minister Mark Rutte on Thursday defended his decision to ease his country's lockdown next week even after the Netherlands recorded 9,648 new coronavirus infections— the highest daily increase since January...
Balancing act: Dutch PM eases lockdown amid infection rise
April 20, 2021 GMTTHE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — Dutch caretaker Prime Minister Mark Rutte announced a significant easing in his country's months-long coronavirus lockdown Tuesday, calling it a delicate balancing act as infections remain stubbornly high...