Amsterdam Tram Bombing and Riots

Eritrean Smuggling Ring: 124 Refugees Trafficked, Extorted

Seven Eritrean smugglers operating partly from the Netherlands subjected 124 Eritrean refugees to human trafficking, violence, and extortion in Libyan warehouses before extorting their families in the Netherlands; two key suspects are in custody, highlighting the transnational nature of this crime.

Dutch Court Orders Reduction of Nitrogen Pollution

A Hague court ordered the Dutch government to significantly reduce nitrogen pollution in protected nature areas by 2030, or face a €10 million fine, following a lawsuit by Greenpeace due to the government's failure to address critically high levels of nitrogen oxide pollution, mainly stemming from agriculture and transportation, which threatens biodiversity.

Drug Seizures, Housing Shortages, and Same-Sex Marriage in the Netherlands

Dutch Customs announced 2024 drug seizure figures; cocaine remains the most prevalent drug. A new report shows that fewer than half of Dutch municipalities are meeting the government's target of constructing 30 percent social housing in new buildings. Thailand legalized same-sex marriage.

Dutch Pension Fund PME Considers €5 Billion Divestment from BlackRock over Climate Concerns

PME, a major Dutch pension fund, is considering withdrawing €5 billion in assets managed by BlackRock due to BlackRock's reduced climate engagement, raising concerns about alignment with PME's sustainability goals.