<p>Esmee Brugts netted two long-range stunners as the&nbsp;Netherlands&nbsp;rediscovered their scoring touch in a crushing 7-0 win over Vietnam on Tuesday, reaching the Women's World Cup knockouts in style and locking up top spot in Group E. The Dutch had only scored once in each of their two previous games but, knowing goal difference could decide the group winners, were 4-0 up inside 25 minutes, with Brugts' curled effort the pick of the bunch. Her second goal in the 57th minute was a carbon copy of the first and put the&nbsp;Netherlands&nbsp;6-0 ahead before Jill Roord also bagged her second of the night to wrap up the emphatic win, the biggest of the tournament so far.</p>

<p>"I'll surely be looking back with a happy feeling," Brugts said. "I scored two but the rest of the team also played well. "The confidence level is the same as before the game. We wanted to be ranked first in the group. We managed to do so, and that's nice."</p>

<p>The&nbsp;Netherlands&nbsp;were expected to finish behind the United States in the group but the defending champions were held to a goalless draw by Portugal in Auckland and ended in second place in Group E, two points off the summit. The 2019 runners-up will travel to Sydney for their last 16 tie on Sunday and are likely to face Italy, who sit in second place behind Sweden in Group G.</p>

<p>Although they were missing all-time top scorer Vivianne Miedema due to injury, the Dutch had five different goalscorers against Vietnam, who had already been eliminated after losing their first two games.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/fifa-womens-wc-spain-angry-after-0-4-mauling-by-japan-says-coach-621225">FIFA Women's WC: Spain 'angry' after 0-4 mauling by Japan, says coach</a></strong></p>

<p>Lieke Martens, Katja Snoeijs, Roord and Danielle van de Donk also scored in the first half and the&nbsp;Netherlands&nbsp;had a staggering 42 attempts at goal overall, including 17 on target. By contrast, Vietnam managed five shots but none on target. Dominique Janssen launched a wonderful ball from defence into Vietnam's penalty area, where Martens lobbed goalkeeper Tran Thi Kim Thanh to put the&nbsp;Netherlands&nbsp;ahead after eight minutes for her 60th international goal.</p>

<p>Snoeijs slotted in the second three minutes later after being set up by Van de Donk, and Brugts soon added another from distance, her strike from outside the box nestling into the top right corner. Roord, who had twice fired wide twice, finally got on the scoresheet after volleying in Janssen's cross. Roord drew a fantastic save from Kim Thanh just before halftime, but Van de Donk was on hand to tap in the rebound.</p>

<p>After Brugts' superb sixth with another fierce strike, Roord, who had hit the crossbar, headed in the seventh with seven minutes remaining. "I was afraid that the gap would be even bigger," Vietnam coach Mai Duc Chung said. "We have tried our best but it is clear that we cannot close the gap between us and the&nbsp;Netherlands. "We have conceded 12 goals in our three games, so our level is low even compared to other Asian teams. But I think our efforts have been great. In this journey, I am satisfied with the spirit of the team."</p>

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Esmee Brugts netted two long-range stunners as the Netherlands rediscovered their scoring touch in a crushing 7-0 win over Vietnam on Tuesday, reaching the Women's World Cup knockouts in style and locking up top spot in Group E.

Esmee Brugts netted two long-range stunners as the Netherlands rediscovered their scoring touch in a crushing 7-0 win over Vietnam on Tuesday, reaching the Women's World Cup knockouts in style and locking up top spot in Group E. The Dutch had only scored once in each of their two previous games but, knowing goal difference could decide the group winners, were 4-0 up inside 25 minutes, with Brugts' curled effort the pick of the bunch. Her second goal in the 57th minute was a carbon copy of the first and put the Netherlands 6-0 ahead before Jill Roord also bagged her second of the night to wrap up the emphatic win, the biggest of the tournament so far. "I'll surely be looking back with a happy feeling," Brugts said. "I scored two but the rest of the team also played well. "The confidence level is the same as before the game. We wanted to be ranked first in the group. We managed to do so, and that's nice." The Netherlands were expected to finish behind the United States in the group but the defending champions were held to a goalless draw by Portugal in Auckland and ended in second place in Group E, two points off the summit. The 2019 runners-up will travel to Sydney for their last 16 tie on Sunday and are likely to face Italy, who sit in second place behind Sweden in Group G. Although they were missing all-time top scorer Vivianne Miedema due to injury, the Dutch had five different goalscorers against Vietnam, who had already been eliminated after losing their first two games. Also read: FIFA Women's WC: Spain 'angry' after 0-4 mauling by Japan, says coach Lieke Martens, Katja Snoeijs, Roord and Danielle van de Donk also scored in the first half and the Netherlands had a staggering 42 attempts at goal overall, including 17 on target. By contrast, Vietnam managed five shots but none on target. Dominique Janssen launched a wonderful ball from defence into Vietnam's penalty area, where Martens lobbed goalkeeper Tran Thi Kim Thanh to put the Netherlands ahead after eight minutes for her 60th international goal. Snoeijs slotted in the second three minutes later after being set up by Van de Donk, and Brugts soon added another from distance, her strike from outside the box nestling into the top right corner. Roord, who had twice fired wide twice, finally got on the scoresheet after volleying in Janssen's cross. Roord drew a fantastic save from Kim Thanh just before halftime, but Van de Donk was on hand to tap in the rebound. After Brugts' superb sixth with another fierce strike, Roord, who had hit the crossbar, headed in the seventh with seven minutes remaining. "I was afraid that the gap would be even bigger," Vietnam coach Mai Duc Chung said. "We have tried our best but it is clear that we cannot close the gap between us and the Netherlands. "We have conceded 12 goals in our three games, so our level is low even compared to other Asian teams. But I think our efforts have been great. In this journey, I am satisfied with the spirit of the team." WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Football: Netherlands thrash Vietnam 7-0 to reach FIFA Women's World Cup knockouts

<p>The Dutch authorities are set to tow away a blazing cargo ship with hundreds of electric vehicles on board sitting off the country’s coast, as per AFP.</p>

<p>An electric car is said to have sparked a deadly fire on the Fremantle Highway late Tuesday, killing one member of the all-India crew.</p>

<p>Japan-based K Line, the ship's charter company, informed that there were more than 3,700 cars on board, far more than an initial estimate of 3,000. Of them, at least 500 cars were electric.</p>

<h2><strong>Ship in stable condition</strong></h2>

<p>The Dutch water management agency Rijkswaterstaat said in a statement that the cargo ship was in stable condition, amid rising concerns that the vessel might cause an ecological disaster.</p>

<p>"The cargo ship is stable at this time. The ship is also still intact below the waterline and does not tilt," the agency said.</p>

<p>"The temperature on board the ship has dropped sharply and the intensity of the fire and smoke development have decreased," it added.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/europe/netherlands-to-ban-mobile-devices-in-classrooms-from-next-year-612417"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Netherlands to ban mobile devices in classrooms from next year</strong></a></p>

<p>It said that the salvage operations will begin as preparations were underway to tow the ship to an area further east.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It added that&nbsp;the operation could take 12 hours to get complete, under which the ship will be parked north of Schiermonnikoog island, before being taken to a port for further process.</p>

<h2><strong>No consequences for environment</strong></h2>

<p>Rijkswaterstaat said that the ship posed no threat to the environment. It also expected the towing operations to start as early as “this weekend”.</p>

<p>The fire had sparked fears of an ecological catastrophe on a neighbouring group of islands, Terschelling and Ameland, where the blaze originated. These islands, along with the ship, are situated in the ecologically delicate Wadden Sea archipelago.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Netherlands: 8-year-old child buys AK-47 on dark web</strong></p>

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<p>This region, encompassing the Netherlands, Germany, and Denmark, holds the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage Site designation and is home to a diverse array of over 10,000 aquatic and terrestrial species.</p>

<h2><strong>What caused the accident?’</strong></h2>

<p>Ship owner Shoei Kisen Kaisha said it was highly likely that electric cars triggered the deadly blaze but added that only investigations will reveal the actual cause.</p>

<p>Earlier, efforts to extinguish the fire at the Fremantle Highway were halted Thursday amid fears of the ship getting tilted due to the accumulation of water on board.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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The Dutch authorities are set to tow away a blazing cargo ship with hundreds of electric vehicles on board sitting off the country’s coast, as per AFP. An electric car is said to have sparked a deadly fire on the Fremantle Highway late Tuesday, killing one member of the all-India crew.

The Dutch authorities are set to tow away a blazing cargo ship with hundreds of electric vehicles on board sitting off the country’s coast, as per AFP. An electric car is said to have sparked a deadly fire on the Fremantle Highway late Tuesday, killing one member of the all-India crew. Japan-based K Line, the ship's charter company, informed that there were more than 3,700 cars on board, far more than an initial estimate of 3,000. Of them, at least 500 cars were electric. Ship in stable condition The Dutch water management agency Rijkswaterstaat said in a statement that the cargo ship was in stable condition, amid rising concerns that the vessel might cause an ecological disaster. "The cargo ship is stable at this time. The ship is also still intact below the waterline and does not tilt," the agency said. "The temperature on board the ship has dropped sharply and the intensity of the fire and smoke development have decreased," it added. Also read: Netherlands to ban mobile devices in classrooms from next year It said that the salvage operations will begin as preparations were underway to tow the ship to an area further east. It added that the operation could take 12 hours to get complete, under which the ship will be parked north of Schiermonnikoog island, before being taken to a port for further process. No consequences for environment Rijkswaterstaat said that the ship posed no threat to the environment. It also expected the towing operations to start as early as “this weekend”. The fire had sparked fears of an ecological catastrophe on a neighbouring group of islands, Terschelling and Ameland, where the blaze originated. These islands, along with the ship, are situated in the ecologically delicate Wadden Sea archipelago. Watch: Netherlands: 8-year-old child buys AK-47 on dark web × This region, encompassing the Netherlands, Germany, and Denmark, holds the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage Site designation and is home to a diverse array of over 10,000 aquatic and terrestrial species. What caused the accident?’ Ship owner Shoei Kisen Kaisha said it was highly likely that electric cars triggered the deadly blaze but added that only investigations will reveal the actual cause. Earlier, efforts to extinguish the fire at the Fremantle Highway were halted Thursday amid fears of the ship getting tilted due to the accumulation of water on board. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Netherlands to tow away blazing ship with 3,700 cars on board 'this weekend'

We have always discussed technological advancements, that is always a topic of discussion. But the advancements are concerning too - because children are now heaving dependent on it. In a shocking case from Netherlands, a woman says her 8-year-old ordered an AK-47 gun on dark web without any 'trouble'.

Netherlands: 8-year-old child buys AK-47 on dark web

<p>A major fire broke out on a cargo vessel carrying around 3,000 vehicles off the Dutch coast on Wednesday (July 26), killing one crew member, believed to be an Indian citizen, and injuring others.</p>

<p>Dutch broadcaster NOS said that all the crew, 23 in total, were Indian. Except for the lone casualty, all were safely evacuated.</p>

<p>The 199-metre Panama-registered Fremantle Highway caught fire on Tuesday (July 25) when it was sailing in the North Sea, some 27 kilometres north of Ameland, The Netherlands. It was headed from Germany to Egypt.</p>

<p>The Dutch Kustwacht (Coast Guard) received a distress call around midnight after the crew member’s attempt to extinguish the fire was unsuccessful.</p>

<p>Rescue ships sprayed water onto the burning boat to cool it down, but using too much water risked its sinking, the Dutch coastguard said, reports Reuters news agency.</p>

<p>A salvage vessel was hooked on to stop it from drifting.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="nl">Het kustwachtvliegtuig heeft beelden gemaakt van het schip Fremantle Highway. Updates over dit incident staan op ons liveblog (evenals het 🎥beeld voor de media): <a href="https://t.co/gWwfcKau0z">https://t.co/gWwfcKau0z</a> <a href="https://t.co/5725cNodUh">pic.twitter.com/5725cNodUh</a></p>
— Kustwacht Nederland (@Kustwacht_nl) <a href="https://twitter.com/Kustwacht_nl/status/1684198370003263488?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 26, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<h2><strong>'Vessel can still burn for days'</strong></h2>

<p>Officials said that the vessel "could still burn for days" even though its sinking may not pose any major environmental risk.</p>

<p>"The fire is most definitely still not controlled. It's a very hard fire to extinguish, possibly because of the cargo the ship was transporting," said Edwin Versteeg, a spokesperson for the Dutch Department of Waterways and Public Works.</p>

<p>Though the exact cause of fire is yet to be ascertained, Dutch public broadcaster NOS citing a coast guard official reported that one of the 25 electric cars onboard caught fire, and subsequently engulfed all the cars.</p>

<p>Around 350 of the total 2,857 vehicles on the ship on board were Mercedes-Benz cars, the company said.</p>

<p>The ship was still burning some 27 nautical miles (50 kilometres) north of the Dutch island of Ameland — located close to a major environmental and UNESCO heritage site</p>

<p>"The crew tried to put out the fire themselves&nbsp;but failed. Unfortunately, one person died and several others were injured," the&nbsp;coast guard said in a statement.</p>

<h2><strong>Indian embassy reacts</strong></h2>

<p>Meanwhile, the Embassy in the Netherlands said that it is in touch with the family members of the crew, and simultaneously coordinating with the Dutch authorities for all possible assistance.</p>

<p>“We are deeply saddened by the incident involving Ship ‘Fremantle Highway’ in North Sea, resulting in the death of an Indian seafarer &amp; injuries to the crew. Embassy of India is in touch with family of the deceased &amp; is assisting in repatriation of the mortal remains,” it posted on social media platform X, previously known as Twitter.</p>

<p>Embassy is also in touch with the remaining 20 injured crew members, who are safe and receiving medical attention. All possible assistance is being extended in coordination with the Dutch authorities and the shipping company.”</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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A major fire broke out on a cargo vessel carrying around 3,000 vehicles off the Dutch coast on Wednesday (July 26), killing one crew member, believed to be an Indian citizen, and injuring others.

A major fire broke out on a cargo vessel carrying around 3,000 vehicles off the Dutch coast on Wednesday (July 26), killing one crew member, believed to be an Indian citizen, and injuring others. Dutch broadcaster NOS said that all the crew, 23 in total, were Indian. Except for the lone casualty, all were safely evacuated. The 199-metre Panama-registered Fremantle Highway caught fire on Tuesday (July 25) when it was sailing in the North Sea, some 27 kilometres north of Ameland, The Netherlands. It was headed from Germany to Egypt. The Dutch Kustwacht (Coast Guard) received a distress call around midnight after the crew member’s attempt to extinguish the fire was unsuccessful. Rescue ships sprayed water onto the burning boat to cool it down, but using too much water risked its sinking, the Dutch coastguard said, reports Reuters news agency. A salvage vessel was hooked on to stop it from drifting. Het kustwachtvliegtuig heeft beelden gemaakt van het schip Fremantle Highway. Updates over dit incident staan op ons liveblog (evenals het 🎥beeld voor de media): https://t.co/gWwfcKau0z pic.twitter.com/5725cNodUh — Kustwacht Nederland (@Kustwacht_nl) July 26, 2023 × 'Vessel can still burn for days' Officials said that the vessel "could still burn for days" even though its sinking may not pose any major environmental risk. "The fire is most definitely still not controlled. It's a very hard fire to extinguish, possibly because of the cargo the ship was transporting," said Edwin Versteeg, a spokesperson for the Dutch Department of Waterways and Public Works. Though the exact cause of fire is yet to be ascertained, Dutch public broadcaster NOS citing a coast guard official reported that one of the 25 electric cars onboard caught fire, and subsequently engulfed all the cars. Around 350 of the total 2,857 vehicles on the ship on board were Mercedes-Benz cars, the company said. The ship was still burning some 27 nautical miles (50 kilometres) north of the Dutch island of Ameland — located close to a major environmental and UNESCO heritage site "The crew tried to put out the fire themselves but failed. Unfortunately, one person died and several others were injured," the coast guard said in a statement. Indian embassy reacts Meanwhile, the Embassy in the Netherlands said that it is in touch with the family members of the crew, and simultaneously coordinating with the Dutch authorities for all possible assistance. “We are deeply saddened by the incident involving Ship ‘Fremantle Highway’ in North Sea, resulting in the death of an Indian seafarer & injuries to the crew. Embassy of India is in touch with family of the deceased & is assisting in repatriation of the mortal remains,” it posted on social media platform X, previously known as Twitter. Embassy is also in touch with the remaining 20 injured crew members, who are safe and receiving medical attention. All possible assistance is being extended in coordination with the Dutch authorities and the shipping company.” (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Major fire breaks out on ship carrying 3,000 cars off Dutch coast, Indian crew member dead

<p>A report by the Guardian, on Friday (July 14) said that the European Commission president will return to Tunisia, over the weekend with the prime ministers of Italy and the Netherlands to sign a $1.12 billion (1 billion euro) deal.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What is the deal about?</strong></h2>

<p>The billion euro package was first announced by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen by the Europe Union for the North African nation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The British media report citing sources also said that a memorandum of understanding is expected to be signed, on Sunday, with von der Leyen accompanying Italian and Dutch PMs Giorgia Meloni and Mark Rutte to Tunisia.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The so-called “macro-financial assistance” package was announced last month, with $1 billion (900 million euros) directed towards helping Tunisia’s economy.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The rest will be divided into a reform agenda set by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and a partnership with Tunisia to combat people smuggling, human trafficking and the continuing tragedies in the Mediterranean Sea.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This comes weeks after Tunisian President Kais Saied rejected the package and said that Tunis will not be the EU’s “border guard”.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The country has witnessed a spike in racially motivated attacks after Saied <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tunisian-president-calls-for-expulsion-of-migrants-as-wave-of-crackdowns-on-dissents-continues-565946">accused</a> illegal immigrants from sub-Saharan African countries of bringing violence and alleging a “criminal plot” to change the country’s demography.</p>

<p>This has led many to leave Tunisia via the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/world-willfully-ignoring-deaths-of-nearly-300-children-this-year-trying-to-cross-mediterranean-un-615785">dangerous Mediterranean Sea route</a> to reach Europe. Several countries in the EU, particularly Italy, have been looking to reduce the increasing number of migrants fleeing Africa with most of the departures to Rome being from Tunisia.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the Netherlands, tensions ran high as Rutte, longest serving Dutch PM, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mark-rutte-longest-serving-pm-of-netherlands-calls-it-quits-after-govt-collapse-613875">quit</a>&nbsp;after failing to secure a package of measures to rein in migration.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Additionally, several members of the EU parliament have voiced opposition and concerns about giving Tunisia 1 billion euros over its breakdown of democracy under President Saied and the 27-nation bloc being complicit as it happens.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Rights groups urge support for migrants</strong></h2>

<p>On Friday, Tunisian rights groups sounded alarm over the deteriorating situation in the country’s port of Sfax with hundreds of migrants fleeing or being forced out of Tunisia’s second-largest city.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sfax is a departure point for migrants making their way to Europe but due to the unrest there, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tunisia-mulls-new-cemeteries-as-hundreds-of-dead-refugees-wash-up-on-coast-587777">hundreds</a> were forcibly taken to the desert bordering Libya and Algeria. Around 100 and 150 migrants including women and children are stuck on the border with Libya, said Romdane Ben Amor of the Tunisian Forum for Economic and Social Rights (FTDES), on Friday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Some 165 migrants were abandoned near the border with Algeria and were later picked up without any specifications of by whom or where they were taken, he added. Amor said that migrants need to be provided with emergency accommodation after the bodies of two migrants were found and fear of finding more, in the upcoming days.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Naila Zoghlami, head of the Tunisian Association of Democratic Women, said Saied’s remarks have given people “green light to do what they liked to migrants,” adding that women from sub-Saharan African countries told her organisation that they had been raped by Tunisians.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>

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A report by the Guardian, on Friday (July 14) said that the European Commission president will return to Tunisia, over the weekend with the prime ministers of Italy and the Netherlands to sign a $1.

A report by the Guardian, on Friday (July 14) said that the European Commission president will return to Tunisia, over the weekend with the prime ministers of Italy and the Netherlands to sign a $1.12 billion (1 billion euro) deal. What is the deal about? The billion euro package was first announced by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen by the Europe Union for the North African nation. The British media report citing sources also said that a memorandum of understanding is expected to be signed, on Sunday, with von der Leyen accompanying Italian and Dutch PMs Giorgia Meloni and Mark Rutte to Tunisia. The so-called “macro-financial assistance” package was announced last month, with $1 billion (900 million euros) directed towards helping Tunisia’s economy. The rest will be divided into a reform agenda set by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and a partnership with Tunisia to combat people smuggling, human trafficking and the continuing tragedies in the Mediterranean Sea. This comes weeks after Tunisian President Kais Saied rejected the package and said that Tunis will not be the EU’s “border guard”. The country has witnessed a spike in racially motivated attacks after Saied accused illegal immigrants from sub-Saharan African countries of bringing violence and alleging a “criminal plot” to change the country’s demography. This has led many to leave Tunisia via the dangerous Mediterranean Sea route to reach Europe. Several countries in the EU, particularly Italy, have been looking to reduce the increasing number of migrants fleeing Africa with most of the departures to Rome being from Tunisia. In the Netherlands, tensions ran high as Rutte, longest serving Dutch PM, quit after failing to secure a package of measures to rein in migration. Additionally, several members of the EU parliament have voiced opposition and concerns about giving Tunisia 1 billion euros over its breakdown of democracy under President Saied and the 27-nation bloc being complicit as it happens. Rights groups urge support for migrants On Friday, Tunisian rights groups sounded alarm over the deteriorating situation in the country’s port of Sfax with hundreds of migrants fleeing or being forced out of Tunisia’s second-largest city. Sfax is a departure point for migrants making their way to Europe but due to the unrest there, hundreds were forcibly taken to the desert bordering Libya and Algeria. Around 100 and 150 migrants including women and children are stuck on the border with Libya, said Romdane Ben Amor of the Tunisian Forum for Economic and Social Rights (FTDES), on Friday. Some 165 migrants were abandoned near the border with Algeria and were later picked up without any specifications of by whom or where they were taken, he added. Amor said that migrants need to be provided with emergency accommodation after the bodies of two migrants were found and fear of finding more, in the upcoming days. Naila Zoghlami, head of the Tunisian Association of Democratic Women, said Saied’s remarks have given people “green light to do what they liked to migrants,” adding that women from sub-Saharan African countries told her organisation that they had been raped by Tunisians. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

EU to give Tunisia over $1 billion to combat trafficking, support economy: Report

<p>Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte said on Monday that he will not participate in the upcoming general elections, effectively ending his 17-year-long political career.</p>

<p>The decision of Rutte, the longest-serving prime minister of the Netherlands, follows the collapse of his government last week.</p>

<p>“On Sunday I decided that I will not be available as a leader for the People’s Party for Freedom and Democracy VVD in the upcoming elections,” Rutte&nbsp;told&nbsp;the Dutch parliament Monday.</p>

<p>Despite having “energy and ideas” to continue, the 56-year-old Dutch leader said that it was a “personal decision, regardless of the developments in recent weeks”.</p>

<p>&nbsp;“I do this with mixed feelings, with emotions…I love the team dearly. But it feels right,” he said.</p>

<p>On Friday, the four-party ruling coalition quit after failing to secure a package of measures to rein in migration.</p>

<p>Rutte said that the decision of the four parties to resign was unanimous and was prompted by “irreconcilable differences”.</p>

<h2><strong>Longest-serving PM</strong></h2>

<p>For the last 17 years, Rutte was the leader of the VVD, and for 13 years he has been serving as the prime minister.</p>

<p>So far, no replacement of Rutte as the leader of VVD has been announced. The party’s parliamentary faction is being led by Sophie Hermans, Rutte’s former political assistant.</p>

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<p>It is unclear when the impending elections will take place, but local media reports suggested that it can either be in October or November.</p>

<p>Until then, Rutte said that he will continue as a caretaker prime minister.</p>

<h2><strong>To continue&nbsp;as caretaker PM</strong></h2>

<p>Rutte said that his job till then would be to smoothen the functioning of the government during his limited time as the outgoing administration cannot make new legislations and policies. &nbsp;</p>

<p>“But there are always urgent issues that require decisions now,” Rutte said, referring to the Ukraine war, supporting victims of earthquakes in Groningen city and a government childcare benefits scandal.</p>

<p>When asked what he will be doing post the retirement from active politics, the outgoing prime minister, who is currently teaching social studies once a week at a local school in The Hague, responded, “Maybe I will do that for a few days."</p>

<p>In his 13-year-long reign as the PM, Rutte has steered his party through various crises. His ability to negate political crises — including a scandal over childcare subsidies which caused him to briefly&nbsp;resign&nbsp;in January 2021 only to&nbsp;return to power&nbsp;two months later after his VVD party finished first in the national elections, has won him the nickname “Teflon Mark”.</p>

<p>On Friday, his coalition government could not agree to a unanimous asylum policy due to which they resigned.</p>

<p>Rutte’s VVD party wanted to limit family reunions for asylum seekers fleeing from war zones but ran into opposition from the ChristenUnie, the smallest member of the four-party coalition, which said it was unwilling to break up families.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte said on Monday that he will not participate in the upcoming general elections, effectively ending his 17-year-long political career.

Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte said on Monday that he will not participate in the upcoming general elections, effectively ending his 17-year-long political career. The decision of Rutte, the longest-serving prime minister of the Netherlands, follows the collapse of his government last week. “On Sunday I decided that I will not be available as a leader for the People’s Party for Freedom and Democracy VVD in the upcoming elections,” Rutte told the Dutch parliament Monday. Despite having “energy and ideas” to continue, the 56-year-old Dutch leader said that it was a “personal decision, regardless of the developments in recent weeks”. “I do this with mixed feelings, with emotions…I love the team dearly. But it feels right,” he said. On Friday, the four-party ruling coalition quit after failing to secure a package of measures to rein in migration. Rutte said that the decision of the four parties to resign was unanimous and was prompted by “irreconcilable differences”. Longest-serving PM For the last 17 years, Rutte was the leader of the VVD, and for 13 years he has been serving as the prime minister. So far, no replacement of Rutte as the leader of VVD has been announced. The party’s parliamentary faction is being led by Sophie Hermans, Rutte’s former political assistant. It is unclear when the impending elections will take place, but local media reports suggested that it can either be in October or November. Until then, Rutte said that he will continue as a caretaker prime minister. To continue as caretaker PM Rutte said that his job till then would be to smoothen the functioning of the government during his limited time as the outgoing administration cannot make new legislations and policies. “But there are always urgent issues that require decisions now,” Rutte said, referring to the Ukraine war, supporting victims of earthquakes in Groningen city and a government childcare benefits scandal. When asked what he will be doing post the retirement from active politics, the outgoing prime minister, who is currently teaching social studies once a week at a local school in The Hague, responded, “Maybe I will do that for a few days." In his 13-year-long reign as the PM, Rutte has steered his party through various crises. His ability to negate political crises — including a scandal over childcare subsidies which caused him to briefly resign in January 2021 only to return to power two months later after his VVD party finished first in the national elections, has won him the nickname “Teflon Mark”. On Friday, his coalition government could not agree to a unanimous asylum policy due to which they resigned. Rutte’s VVD party wanted to limit family reunions for asylum seekers fleeing from war zones but ran into opposition from the ChristenUnie, the smallest member of the four-party coalition, which said it was unwilling to break up families. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Mark Rutte, longest serving PM of Netherlands, calls it quits after govt collapse

A transgender model won the Miss Netherlands beauty pageant, for the first time in the competition's history. 22-year-old Rikkie Valerie Kolle is the second transgender contestant ever to participate in the beauty pageant.

Model Rikkie Kolle's crowning history

The Netherlands is returning treasures that were looted from Indonesia and Sri Lanka in the colonial era saying the items should never have been in the Netherlands. Molly Gambhir tells you more.

Gravitas: Netherlands returning items looted in colonial era

Here, we bring you the news that is trending across WION's social media platforms- The government of the Netherlands has decided to return over 400 highly valuable and culturally significant artworks that were looted in Indonesia and Sri Lanka during the Dutch colonial era. The artefacts included range of jewelry precious metals and richly decorated cannons.

Netherlands set to return treasures looted from Sri Lanka & Indonesia

<p>A range of jewellery, precious metals and a richly decorated cannon are set to be returned by the Netherlands, as part of hundreds of cultural artefacts and art which were looted in Indonesia and Sri Lanka, both former Dutch colonies.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On Thursday, the Ministry of Culture in The Hague stated that most of these artefacts are culturally significant and highly valuable.</p>

<p>Dutch state secretary for Culture and Media Gunay Uslu said, “This is a historic moment. It’s the first time we’re following the recommendations of the committee to give back objects that should never have been brought to the Netherlands. But we are not just returning objects. We are actually starting a period in which we are more intensively cooperating with Indonesia and Sri Lanka."</p>

<p>The decision taken of returning around 478 objects was taken after considering the government-appointed commission's recommendations last year, which talked about the illegal Dutch colonial acquisitions that have now been put on display in museums of the Netherlands.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/europe/netherlands-to-ban-mobile-devices-in-classrooms-from-next-year-612417">Netherlands to ban mobile devices in classrooms from next year</a></p>

<p>Uslu stated that they acted upon the recommendations which were stated in a report published by the Dutch committee in 2020, which was investigating the artefacts stolen during the colonial era.</p>

<p>The government was appealed by the committee to be "willing to return unconditionally" any cultural artefacts looted in former Dutch colonies if asked by the source country.</p>

<p>"The Netherlands must assume responsibility for its colonial past by making the recognition and redress of this injustice a key principle of the policy on colonial collections," the report stated.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The commission was established on the basis of a request received by Indonesia to return the natural history collections and art pieces from its former colonial ruler.</p>

<h2><strong>Loots of Dutches&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Some of the valuable objects which will be returned include "Lombok treasure", a collection of hundreds of precious stones, silver objects and gold&nbsp;looted by the Dutch colonial army from the island of Lombok, Indonesia in 1894. The government returned a part of this treasure to Indonesia in 1977.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Netherlands, Germany hit by rare summer storms, 2 dead</strong></p>

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<p>Another highlight from the stolen artefacts is the Cannon of Kandy which will also be returned to Sri Lanka. The ceremonial weapon has been made using silver, gold, bronze, inlaid with rubies.</p>

<p>The barrel, which is decorated with King of Kandy's symbols, is believed to have been looted by the Dutches in 1765. The piece has been a part of the Rijksmuseum's collection since 1800. This week, a ceremony has been planned to officially return the looted artefacts to Indonesia.&nbsp;</p>

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A range of jewellery, precious metals and a richly decorated cannon are set to be returned by the Netherlands, as part of hundreds of cultural artefacts and art which were looted in Indonesia and Sri Lanka, both former Dutch colonies.

A range of jewellery, precious metals and a richly decorated cannon are set to be returned by the Netherlands, as part of hundreds of cultural artefacts and art which were looted in Indonesia and Sri Lanka, both former Dutch colonies. On Thursday, the Ministry of Culture in The Hague stated that most of these artefacts are culturally significant and highly valuable. Dutch state secretary for Culture and Media Gunay Uslu said, “This is a historic moment. It’s the first time we’re following the recommendations of the committee to give back objects that should never have been brought to the Netherlands. But we are not just returning objects. We are actually starting a period in which we are more intensively cooperating with Indonesia and Sri Lanka." The decision taken of returning around 478 objects was taken after considering the government-appointed commission's recommendations last year, which talked about the illegal Dutch colonial acquisitions that have now been put on display in museums of the Netherlands. ALSO READ | Netherlands to ban mobile devices in classrooms from next year Uslu stated that they acted upon the recommendations which were stated in a report published by the Dutch committee in 2020, which was investigating the artefacts stolen during the colonial era. The government was appealed by the committee to be "willing to return unconditionally" any cultural artefacts looted in former Dutch colonies if asked by the source country. "The Netherlands must assume responsibility for its colonial past by making the recognition and redress of this injustice a key principle of the policy on colonial collections," the report stated. The commission was established on the basis of a request received by Indonesia to return the natural history collections and art pieces from its former colonial ruler. Loots of Dutches Some of the valuable objects which will be returned include "Lombok treasure", a collection of hundreds of precious stones, silver objects and gold looted by the Dutch colonial army from the island of Lombok, Indonesia in 1894. The government returned a part of this treasure to Indonesia in 1977. WATCH | Netherlands, Germany hit by rare summer storms, 2 dead Another highlight from the stolen artefacts is the Cannon of Kandy which will also be returned to Sri Lanka. The ceremonial weapon has been made using silver, gold, bronze, inlaid with rubies. The barrel, which is decorated with King of Kandy's symbols, is believed to have been looted by the Dutches in 1765. The piece has been a part of the Rijksmuseum's collection since 1800. This week, a ceremony has been planned to officially return the looted artefacts to Indonesia. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Netherlands set to return treasures looted from Sri Lanka, Indonesia in colonial period

<p>In a move to minimise distractions and promote focused learning, the Dutch government has announced that mobile phones, tablets, and smartwatches will be widely prohibited in classrooms starting from January 1, 2024.&nbsp;The aim is to create an environment that limits the interference caused by these devices during lessons.</p>

<p>However, there will be few exceptions for the use of these devices, Reuters news agency reported.&nbsp;Under the new changes, the use of mobile devices will only be permitted if they are deemed essential. For example, they may be allowed during lessons focused on digital skills, for medical purposes, or for individuals with disabilities who rely on such devices.</p>

<h2>Mobile phones are a disruption to learning</h2>

<p>Education Minister Robbert Dijkgraaf stressed the need for students to concentrate and have the best possible conditions for effective studying. He stated that while mobile phones have become deeply integrated into everyone's lives, they are not suitable for the classroom.</p>

<p>"Even though mobile phones are intertwined with our lives, they do not belong in the classroom," the minister said in a statement.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/philadelphia-gunman-identified-as-gun-loving-blm-supporter-kimbrady-carriker-reports-612409">Philadelphia gunman identified as gun-loving BLM supporter Kimbrady Carriker: Reports</a></p>

<p>He also said that scientific research supports the claim that mobile phones are a disruption to learning, and therefore it is essential to safeguard students from this distraction.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/one-killed-two-injured-after-explosions-rock-ukrainian-court-612402">One killed, two injured after multiple explosions rock Ukrainian court</a></p>

<p>"Students need to be able to concentrate and need to be given the opportunity to study well. Mobile phones are a disturbance, scientific research shows. We need to protect students against this," the statement by the education minister said.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Collaborative efforts for implementation</strong></h2>

<p>The ban is the outcome of a collaborative agreement between the Ministry of Education, schools, and associated organisations. Dijkgraaf mentioned that schools have the flexibility to devise their own strategies for enforcing the ban.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | British children are shorter than their European peers , says experts</strong></p>

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<p>However, he also cautioned that if satisfactory results are not achieved by the summer of 2024, legal regulations will be put in place to ensure compliance.</p>

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In a move to minimise distractions and promote focused learning, the Dutch government has announced that mobile phones, tablets, and smartwatches will be widely prohibited in classrooms starting from January 1, 2024.

In a move to minimise distractions and promote focused learning, the Dutch government has announced that mobile phones, tablets, and smartwatches will be widely prohibited in classrooms starting from January 1, 2024. The aim is to create an environment that limits the interference caused by these devices during lessons. However, there will be few exceptions for the use of these devices, Reuters news agency reported. Under the new changes, the use of mobile devices will only be permitted if they are deemed essential. For example, they may be allowed during lessons focused on digital skills, for medical purposes, or for individuals with disabilities who rely on such devices. Mobile phones are a disruption to learning Education Minister Robbert Dijkgraaf stressed the need for students to concentrate and have the best possible conditions for effective studying. He stated that while mobile phones have become deeply integrated into everyone's lives, they are not suitable for the classroom. "Even though mobile phones are intertwined with our lives, they do not belong in the classroom," the minister said in a statement. Also Read | Philadelphia gunman identified as gun-loving BLM supporter Kimbrady Carriker: Reports He also said that scientific research supports the claim that mobile phones are a disruption to learning, and therefore it is essential to safeguard students from this distraction. Also Read | One killed, two injured after multiple explosions rock Ukrainian court "Students need to be able to concentrate and need to be given the opportunity to study well. Mobile phones are a disturbance, scientific research shows. We need to protect students against this," the statement by the education minister said. Collaborative efforts for implementation The ban is the outcome of a collaborative agreement between the Ministry of Education, schools, and associated organisations. Dijkgraaf mentioned that schools have the flexibility to devise their own strategies for enforcing the ban. Watch | British children are shorter than their European peers , says experts × However, he also cautioned that if satisfactory results are not achieved by the summer of 2024, legal regulations will be put in place to ensure compliance. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

Netherlands to ban mobile devices in classrooms from next year

Nature's fury in the Netherlands and Germany a record-breaking summer storm wreaked havoc in the two countries claiming two lives, damaging property, and plunging international air and rail travel into disarray. Meteorologists say the storm was the strongest on record to hit the Netherlands in the summer months. They also issued a "Code Red" warning for millions of people.

Netherlands, Germany hit by rare summer storms, 2 dead

A rare summer storm named 'Poly' kills one and injures several in the Netherlands. The National Meteorology Institute sent its highest code red storm warning to residents of the Noord-Holland province, which includes Amsterdam. Residents are urged to stay indoors while flights and trains are cancelled.

Summer storm Poly makes landfall in Netherlands

Mobile phones, tablets, and smartwatches will be banned across classrooms in the Netherlands from next year. The Dutch government said on Tuesday, that in a bid to limit distractions during lessons, mobile phones will be banned in classrooms starting January 1, 2024.

Mobile phones to be banned in classrooms from next year in Netherlands

<p lang="en-US">Archaeologists recently discovered a 4,000-year-old religious burial ground in the Netherlands, which has been dubbed as the "Stonehenge of the Netherlands”.<br />
<br />
The mound discovered is 65 feet in diameter and contains the remains of around 60 men, women and children, as reported by Phys.org. The burial ground has several passages through which the sun would shine directly on the winter and summer solstices, which are the longest and shortest days of the year.<br />
<br />
The town of Tiel, which is 45 miles east of Rotterdam, was discovered by archaeologists after six years of digging.</p>

<p lang="en-US"><strong>ALSO READ |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/netherlands-proposing-curbs-on-english-language-courses-in-universities-report-606996">Netherlands proposing curbs on English-language courses in universities: Report</a></p>

<p lang="en-US">Taking to its Facebook page, the town of Tiel said, “What a spectacular archaeological discovery! Archaeologists have found a 4,000-year-old religious sanctuary on an industrial site. This is the first time a site like this has been discovered in the Netherlands.”</p>

<h2 lang="en-US"><strong>Another Stonehenge</strong></h2>

<p lang="en-US">“The largest mound served as a sun calendar, similar to the famous stones of Stonehenge in England,” the town said in a statement, as per Reuters.<br />
<br />
The archaeologists were also able to find offerings of both human and animal skulls as well as valuables like a bronze spearhead from the spots where the sun beamed directly.<br />
<br />
“This sanctuary must have been a highly significant place where people kept track of special days in the year, performed rituals and buried their dead. Rows of poles stood along pathways used for processions,” the town stated.<br />
<br />
Meanwhile, the national broadcaster NOS said, “This hill reminded one of Stonehenge, the well-known mysterious prehistoric monument in Britain, where this phenomenon also occurs.”</p>

<p lang="en-US"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine war: Netherlands and Norway extend support to Ukraine</strong></p>

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<h2 lang="en-US"><strong>Two smaller mounds, glass beads among other discoveries</strong></h2>

<p lang="en-US">The archaeologists also discovered two other smaller mounds which were being used for burial rituals and were estimated to have been used for around 800 years. The archaeologists added that in those times, the calendar was being used mainly to check harvest and festival days.<br />
<br />
In the excavation, the experts also found a glass bead, which is said to have originated from Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq) in the area. “This bead travelled a distance of some 5,000 kilometres, four millennia ago,” said chief researcher Cristian van der Linde said.<br />
<br />
University of Groningen professor Stijn Arnoldussen said, “The bead must have been a spectacular item as for people then it was an unknown material.”<br />
<br />
“Things were already being exchanged in those times. The bead may have been above ground for hundreds of years before it reached Tiel, but of course, it didn’t have to be,” Arnoldussen stated.<br />
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Archaeologists recently discovered a 4,000-year-old religious burial ground in the Netherlands, which has been dubbed as the "Stonehenge of the Netherlands”. The mound discovered is 65 feet in diameter and contains the remains of around 60 men, women and children, as reported by Phys.

Archaeologists recently discovered a 4,000-year-old religious burial ground in the Netherlands, which has been dubbed as the "Stonehenge of the Netherlands”. The mound discovered is 65 feet in diameter and contains the remains of around 60 men, women and children, as reported by Phys.org. The burial ground has several passages through which the sun would shine directly on the winter and summer solstices, which are the longest and shortest days of the year. The town of Tiel, which is 45 miles east of Rotterdam, was discovered by archaeologists after six years of digging. ALSO READ | Netherlands proposing curbs on English-language courses in universities: Report Taking to its Facebook page, the town of Tiel said, “What a spectacular archaeological discovery! Archaeologists have found a 4,000-year-old religious sanctuary on an industrial site. This is the first time a site like this has been discovered in the Netherlands.” Another Stonehenge “The largest mound served as a sun calendar, similar to the famous stones of Stonehenge in England,” the town said in a statement, as per Reuters. The archaeologists were also able to find offerings of both human and animal skulls as well as valuables like a bronze spearhead from the spots where the sun beamed directly. “This sanctuary must have been a highly significant place where people kept track of special days in the year, performed rituals and buried their dead. Rows of poles stood along pathways used for processions,” the town stated. Meanwhile, the national broadcaster NOS said, “This hill reminded one of Stonehenge, the well-known mysterious prehistoric monument in Britain, where this phenomenon also occurs.” WATCH | Russia-Ukraine war: Netherlands and Norway extend support to Ukraine Two smaller mounds, glass beads among other discoveries The archaeologists also discovered two other smaller mounds which were being used for burial rituals and were estimated to have been used for around 800 years. The archaeologists added that in those times, the calendar was being used mainly to check harvest and festival days. In the excavation, the experts also found a glass bead, which is said to have originated from Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq) in the area. “This bead travelled a distance of some 5,000 kilometres, four millennia ago,” said chief researcher Cristian van der Linde said. University of Groningen professor Stijn Arnoldussen said, “The bead must have been a spectacular item as for people then it was an unknown material.” “Things were already being exchanged in those times. The bead may have been above ground for hundreds of years before it reached Tiel, but of course, it didn’t have to be,” Arnoldussen stated. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Archaeologists unearth 4,000-year-old ‘Stonehenge’ burial ground in the Netherlands

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<p>The government of the Netherlands is proposing curbs on English language courses in universities. According to a report by The Guardian on Tuesday (June 20), as the United Kingdom (UK) voted to leave the European Union (EU), Dutch universities started offering more courses in the English language. However, the government has proposed a cap on the number of students from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) in some subjects and is forcing universities to offer<strong>&nbsp;</strong>at least two-thirds of the content of<strong>&nbsp;</strong>standard bachelor’s degrees in Dutch.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The report said that international students might be required to learn basic Dutch to increase their chances of staying in the country. Netherlands' Education Minister Robbert Dijkgraaf said there can be room in the curriculum for any other language, but the proposal is that it should not be more than a third.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"That means that most of your education is in Dutch, but if you want to give a few specialist subjects in English, that is allowed," Education Minister Dijkgraaf added, The Guardian reported.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Dijkgraaf further said that exceptions are possible, but will require special permission. In April, he sent a letter to Prime Minister Mark Rutte, saying that Dutch should be strengthened at universities.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>'Dutch by default'</strong></h2>

<p>Djikgraaf said that the current law says "Dutch by default", and there is a huge hole in the net and everyone swims through it. The education minister's bill would come into force in September next year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The bill has had mixed reactions.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Democrats 66 party MP Jeanet van der Laan said that high-level Dutch skills needed to be preserved but voiced concerns about the bill, The Guardian further reported.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Conservative parties are proposing to force all international students to follow part of the curriculum in Dutch,” der Laan said, adding this high threshold would make international students think twice before registering in the Netherlands.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"So we will miss out on talent we want," she added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Universities of the Netherlands Association, meanwhile, said that local students should improve their Dutch and international students should learn it.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“There are still possibilities for English-language education,” association spokesperson Ruben Puylaert said, adding the association believed that this national control interferes with the autonomy of universities.&nbsp;</p>

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The government of the Netherlands is proposing curbs on English language courses in universities. According to a report by The Guardian on Tuesday (June 20), as the United Kingdom (UK) voted to leave the European Union (EU), Dutch universities started offering more courses in the English language.

The government of the Netherlands is proposing curbs on English language courses in universities. According to a report by The Guardian on Tuesday (June 20), as the United Kingdom (UK) voted to leave the European Union (EU), Dutch universities started offering more courses in the English language. However, the government has proposed a cap on the number of students from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) in some subjects and is forcing universities to offer at least two-thirds of the content of standard bachelor’s degrees in Dutch. The report said that international students might be required to learn basic Dutch to increase their chances of staying in the country. Netherlands' Education Minister Robbert Dijkgraaf said there can be room in the curriculum for any other language, but the proposal is that it should not be more than a third. "That means that most of your education is in Dutch, but if you want to give a few specialist subjects in English, that is allowed," Education Minister Dijkgraaf added, The Guardian reported. Dijkgraaf further said that exceptions are possible, but will require special permission. In April, he sent a letter to Prime Minister Mark Rutte, saying that Dutch should be strengthened at universities. 'Dutch by default' Djikgraaf said that the current law says "Dutch by default", and there is a huge hole in the net and everyone swims through it. The education minister's bill would come into force in September next year. The bill has had mixed reactions. Democrats 66 party MP Jeanet van der Laan said that high-level Dutch skills needed to be preserved but voiced concerns about the bill, The Guardian further reported. “Conservative parties are proposing to force all international students to follow part of the curriculum in Dutch,” der Laan said, adding this high threshold would make international students think twice before registering in the Netherlands. "So we will miss out on talent we want," she added. The Universities of the Netherlands Association, meanwhile, said that local students should improve their Dutch and international students should learn it. “There are still possibilities for English-language education,” association spokesperson Ruben Puylaert said, adding the association believed that this national control interferes with the autonomy of universities. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Netherlands proposing curbs on English-language courses in universities: Report

<p>A town named Veere in the south of Netherlands launched a campaign to stop nudist beach goers from engaging in sex on the beach. Veere is located about 160 km southwest of Amsterdam.</p>

<p>This week, the local municipality put up amended beachside boards. The boards warned beach visitors that the dunes are legally off limits, public sex is banned and there is "increased monitoring" to combat "sexual meeting place activities in the dunes, nature reserve and beach."</p>

<h2><strong>Project Oranjezon: The anti-sex campaign to dissuade sex on the beach</strong></h2>

<p>The municipality has launched "Project Oranjezon" or orange sun.</p>

<p>It was inspired by a number of complaints to the municipality, water board and local nature organisation about "sex acts carried out by naked recreationists", <em>The Guardian</em> reported.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Over 200 birds wash up on a Chilean beach | WION Climate Tracker</strong></p>

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<p>"The dunes are hugely important to the local community and must be protected from undesirable behaviour that damages the natural environment and can disturb other holidaymakers," Veere’s mayor, Frederiek Schouwenaar, was quoted as saying by The Observer.</p>

<p>"[This] is an important step to ensure public order and safety."</p>

<p>It has been reported that there will be no more warnings from authorities, but immediate "verbal" enforcement and eight new information boards bang the message home.</p>

<h2><strong>Criticism from naturist organisations</strong></h2>

<p>Meanwhile, a few naturist organisations said that there must be a distinction between nude sunbathing and sexual activity.</p>

<p>Karlien Lodewijk, a spokesperson for the NFN Open en Bloot (open and bare) naked recreation association, told <em>The Guardian</em>: "Sex outdoors is not naked recreation, and people who come to sunbathe find it just as much of a nuisance as other people do. Naked recreation gives a real feeling of freedom, and it’s very healthy to see real, naked bodies that are not photoshopped."</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indian-american-father-sacrifices-life-saving-son-from-drowning-at-california-beach-601691">Indian-American father sacrifices life saving son from drowning at California beach</a></strong></p>

<p>"But we distance ourselves from sex outdoors."</p>

<p>Many others decried conservative notions surrounding the sex in general.</p>

<p>"It has become a bit of a trend in the Netherlands and other countries that, because of a conservative movement, people who are less happy about sexuality and nudity have a louder voice," Yuri Ohlrichs, a sexologist and senior consultant at Rutgers, the Netherlands Centre on Sexuality told <em>The Guardian</em>.</p>

<p>"That’s what we are seeing with this outdoor sex in the dunes [ban]. Who does it bother? Someone who does it in order to be seen is breaking the Dutch law by confronting people with sexuality against their wishes."<br />
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A town named Veere in the south of Netherlands launched a campaign to stop nudist beach goers from engaging in sex on the beach. Veere is located about 160 km southwest of Amsterdam.

A town named Veere in the south of Netherlands launched a campaign to stop nudist beach goers from engaging in sex on the beach. Veere is located about 160 km southwest of Amsterdam. This week, the local municipality put up amended beachside boards. The boards warned beach visitors that the dunes are legally off limits, public sex is banned and there is "increased monitoring" to combat "sexual meeting place activities in the dunes, nature reserve and beach." Project Oranjezon: The anti-sex campaign to dissuade sex on the beach The municipality has launched "Project Oranjezon" or orange sun. It was inspired by a number of complaints to the municipality, water board and local nature organisation about "sex acts carried out by naked recreationists", The Guardian reported. Also watch | Over 200 birds wash up on a Chilean beach | WION Climate Tracker × "The dunes are hugely important to the local community and must be protected from undesirable behaviour that damages the natural environment and can disturb other holidaymakers," Veere’s mayor, Frederiek Schouwenaar, was quoted as saying by The Observer. "[This] is an important step to ensure public order and safety." It has been reported that there will be no more warnings from authorities, but immediate "verbal" enforcement and eight new information boards bang the message home. Criticism from naturist organisations Meanwhile, a few naturist organisations said that there must be a distinction between nude sunbathing and sexual activity. Karlien Lodewijk, a spokesperson for the NFN Open en Bloot (open and bare) naked recreation association, told The Guardian: "Sex outdoors is not naked recreation, and people who come to sunbathe find it just as much of a nuisance as other people do. Naked recreation gives a real feeling of freedom, and it’s very healthy to see real, naked bodies that are not photoshopped." Also read | Indian-American father sacrifices life saving son from drowning at California beach "But we distance ourselves from sex outdoors." Many others decried conservative notions surrounding the sex in general. "It has become a bit of a trend in the Netherlands and other countries that, because of a conservative movement, people who are less happy about sexuality and nudity have a louder voice," Yuri Ohlrichs, a sexologist and senior consultant at Rutgers, the Netherlands Centre on Sexuality told The Guardian. "That’s what we are seeing with this outdoor sex in the dunes [ban]. Who does it bother? Someone who does it in order to be seen is breaking the Dutch law by confronting people with sexuality against their wishes." WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Netherlands town launches 'Project Orange Sun' to prevent sex on the beach

<p>With climate change protests gaining significant momentum globally, hundreds of people in Netherlands participated in demonstrations in The Hague blocking a&nbsp;roadway in a mark of protest against Dutch fossil fuel subsidies. Over 1,500 of Extinction Rebellion climate group supporters were arrested on Saturday, as per Dutch police.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Vandalism charges against climate activists&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Police used water cannons on climate activists during protests to disperse them. The officials said detention of a total of "1,579 people" have been done and 40 of them "will be prosecuted" on offences including vandalism. One of the activists allegedly bit a policeman, according to the police.</p>

<h2><strong>Celebrities join protests&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Several Dutch celebrities, including Carice van Houten, who is best known for playing Melisandre in the popular television series <em>Game of Thrones</em>, were present at the demonstration. In a video that she uploaded to Instagram, Van Houten can be seen being wet with a water cannon while donning a red poncho. Some protesters had umbrellas or were dressed in swimwear as they sat across the A12 motorway carrying flags and slogans.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-republicans-reach-deal-to-avert-catastrophic-debt-default-597327">US: Biden, Republicans reach ‘in principle’ deal to avert catastrophic debt default</a></p>

<p>The Hague's Extinction Rebellion has arranged seven protests in the same area of the highway near the parliament and other ministry buildings. According to the Dutch news agency ANP, Saturday's demonstration witnessed the largest number of arrests ever.</p>

<p>“We’re going to stay here until they drag us away,” said postgraduate student Anne Kerevers, 31. Climate change is an unfolding crisis and we know the cause and it’s still being subsidised by our government and it needs to stop,” she told AFP.</p>

<h2><strong>What police said on&nbsp;arrests?&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Climate activists have been arrested in various countries as a result of their participation in protests or acts of civil disobedience related to climate change. Over these latest arrests in The Hague, police said they had many times “given activists the opportunity to end their action and leave” prior to resorting to water cannons to deter the protesters and arresting them.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/egypt-unearths-tombs-mummification-workshops-from-ancient-burial-site-597299">Egypt unearths tombs, mummification workshops from ancient burial site</a></p>

<p>A spokesperson for Extinction Rebellion Aaron Pereira said, “We’ve been coming back every month, or every two months, and every time the number (of protesters) has doubled.”</p>

<p>“There is broad popular support for real climate action and people are waking up to the fact that the government is actively going against this by subsidising the fossil fuel industry,” Pereira added.</p>

<h2><strong>What&nbsp;is Extinction Rebellion climate group?&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Extinction Rebellion (XR) is a global environmental movement and activist group that was founded in the United Kingdom. XR's primary objective is to raise awareness about the urgent need to address the climate crisis and ecological collapse. The movement employs non-violent civil disobedience and direct action to pressure governments and corporations to take immediate and drastic action on climate change.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | India's new Parliament: PM Modi to inaugurate new Parliament on Sunday | Details</strong></p>

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<p>It joined other organisations this week in Geneva to protest against the largest private aircraft sales event in Europe. The airport's aviation traffic was momentarily hampered by protesters on the tarmac when some demonstrators glued themselves to the showcase planes.</p>

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With climate change protests gaining significant momentum globally, hundreds of people in Netherlands participated in demonstrations in The Hague blocking a roadway in a mark of protest against Dutch fossil fuel subsidies.

With climate change protests gaining significant momentum globally, hundreds of people in Netherlands participated in demonstrations in The Hague blocking a roadway in a mark of protest against Dutch fossil fuel subsidies. Over 1,500 of Extinction Rebellion climate group supporters were arrested on Saturday, as per Dutch police. Vandalism charges against climate activists Police used water cannons on climate activists during protests to disperse them. The officials said detention of a total of "1,579 people" have been done and 40 of them "will be prosecuted" on offences including vandalism. One of the activists allegedly bit a policeman, according to the police. Celebrities join protests Several Dutch celebrities, including Carice van Houten, who is best known for playing Melisandre in the popular television series Game of Thrones, were present at the demonstration. In a video that she uploaded to Instagram, Van Houten can be seen being wet with a water cannon while donning a red poncho. Some protesters had umbrellas or were dressed in swimwear as they sat across the A12 motorway carrying flags and slogans. Also Read | US: Biden, Republicans reach ‘in principle’ deal to avert catastrophic debt default The Hague's Extinction Rebellion has arranged seven protests in the same area of the highway near the parliament and other ministry buildings. According to the Dutch news agency ANP, Saturday's demonstration witnessed the largest number of arrests ever. “We’re going to stay here until they drag us away,” said postgraduate student Anne Kerevers, 31. Climate change is an unfolding crisis and we know the cause and it’s still being subsidised by our government and it needs to stop,” she told AFP. What police said on arrests? Climate activists have been arrested in various countries as a result of their participation in protests or acts of civil disobedience related to climate change. Over these latest arrests in The Hague, police said they had many times “given activists the opportunity to end their action and leave” prior to resorting to water cannons to deter the protesters and arresting them. Also Read | Egypt unearths tombs, mummification workshops from ancient burial site A spokesperson for Extinction Rebellion Aaron Pereira said, “We’ve been coming back every month, or every two months, and every time the number (of protesters) has doubled.” “There is broad popular support for real climate action and people are waking up to the fact that the government is actively going against this by subsidising the fossil fuel industry,” Pereira added. What is Extinction Rebellion climate group? Extinction Rebellion (XR) is a global environmental movement and activist group that was founded in the United Kingdom. XR's primary objective is to raise awareness about the urgent need to address the climate crisis and ecological collapse. The movement employs non-violent civil disobedience and direct action to pressure governments and corporations to take immediate and drastic action on climate change. Watch | India's new Parliament: PM Modi to inaugurate new Parliament on Sunday | Details × It joined other organisations this week in Geneva to protest against the largest private aircraft sales event in Europe. The airport's aviation traffic was momentarily hampered by protesters on the tarmac when some demonstrators glued themselves to the showcase planes. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

Netherlands: Over 1,500 arrested in protests by Extinction Rebellion climate group

Dutch judges on Friday ordered a man suspected of fathering more than 550 children through sperm donations to stop donating, in the latest fertility scandal to shock the Netherlands.

Netherlands: Sperm donor who fathered 550 children ordered to stop

Should euthanasia be sanctioned for children under the age of 12? In a landmark decision, the Dutch government has given a green signal for permitting children under the age of 12, suffering from unbearable pain, can perform euthanasia.

Netherlands tweaks euthanasia rules: Euthanasia legalised for children under 12 years

<p>The Netherlands, which was the first in the world to legalise euthanasia, is now looking to extend the scope of its present legislation to include doctor-assisted death for terminally ill children who are between 1 to 12 years of age, media reports said on Friday quoting the Dutch government.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Netherlands legalised euthanasia in 2002 under the Termination of Life on Request and Assisted Suicide (Review Procedures) Act. This law allows doctors to legally end the lives of patients who are suffering unbearably with no prospect of improvement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-approves-electronic-enlistment-bill-clamps-down-on-russians-who-dodge-military-service-582599">Putin approves electronic call-up bill, clamps down on Russians who dodge military service</a></p>

<p>According to the government, the new regulations would apply to an estimated 5 to 10 children annually who endure unbearable disease-related suffering. However, it must meet strict criteria that the children have no chance of recovery and palliative care also fails to give relief.</p>

<p>The Dutch government in a statement said, "The end of life for this group is the only reasonable alternative to the child's unbearable and hopeless suffering."&nbsp;</p>

<p>The legislation previously allowed for the possibility of euthanasia for terminally ill babies up to their first birthday and for children older than 12 years old. According to data from regional euthanasia review boards, there was just one case of euthanasia for a minor between the ages of 12 and 16 in 2022.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pentagon-leak-us-president-biden-says-probe-will-examine-why-leaker-had-classified-access-582597">Pentagon leak: US President Biden says investigation will examine why leaker had classified access</a></p>

<p>In the Netherlands, doctors who carry out euthanasia must follow strict guidelines. It includes obtaining the patient's informed consent and reporting the procedure to a review committee.</p>

<p><strong>Belgium, the first nation which allowed euthanasia for children</strong></p>

<p>Belgium since 2014 started allowing doctor-assisted death for children of all ages. The legislation does, however, place certain limitations on children who wish to exercise these rights. It is required that they must have the permission of their parents and medical professionals. It must be a fatal or incurable illness or chronic pain.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Macron's pension reform gets constitutional green light despite raging protests</strong></p>

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<p>With the passage of the Belgian Euthanasia Act in 2002, euthanasia became officially authorised in Belgium for individuals who suffer from “constant and unbearable physical or mental suffering that cannot be alleviated”.</p>

<p>Euthanasia laws have been controversial internationally. Many of its supporters argue that it allows patients to die with dignity and relieve their suffering. However, those who oppose Euthanasia say that it is unethical and undermines the value of human life.<br />
<br />
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The Netherlands, which was the first in the world to legalise euthanasia, is now looking to extend the scope of its present legislation to include doctor-assisted death for terminally ill children who are between 1 to 12 years of age, media reports said on Friday quoting the Dutch government.

The Netherlands, which was the first in the world to legalise euthanasia, is now looking to extend the scope of its present legislation to include doctor-assisted death for terminally ill children who are between 1 to 12 years of age, media reports said on Friday quoting the Dutch government. The Netherlands legalised euthanasia in 2002 under the Termination of Life on Request and Assisted Suicide (Review Procedures) Act. This law allows doctors to legally end the lives of patients who are suffering unbearably with no prospect of improvement. Also Read | Putin approves electronic call-up bill, clamps down on Russians who dodge military service According to the government, the new regulations would apply to an estimated 5 to 10 children annually who endure unbearable disease-related suffering. However, it must meet strict criteria that the children have no chance of recovery and palliative care also fails to give relief. The Dutch government in a statement said, "The end of life for this group is the only reasonable alternative to the child's unbearable and hopeless suffering." The legislation previously allowed for the possibility of euthanasia for terminally ill babies up to their first birthday and for children older than 12 years old. According to data from regional euthanasia review boards, there was just one case of euthanasia for a minor between the ages of 12 and 16 in 2022. Also Read | Pentagon leak: US President Biden says investigation will examine why leaker had classified access In the Netherlands, doctors who carry out euthanasia must follow strict guidelines. It includes obtaining the patient's informed consent and reporting the procedure to a review committee. Belgium, the first nation which allowed euthanasia for children Belgium since 2014 started allowing doctor-assisted death for children of all ages. The legislation does, however, place certain limitations on children who wish to exercise these rights. It is required that they must have the permission of their parents and medical professionals. It must be a fatal or incurable illness or chronic pain. Watch | Macron's pension reform gets constitutional green light despite raging protests × With the passage of the Belgian Euthanasia Act in 2002, euthanasia became officially authorised in Belgium for individuals who suffer from “constant and unbearable physical or mental suffering that cannot be alleviated”. Euthanasia laws have been controversial internationally. Many of its supporters argue that it allows patients to die with dignity and relieve their suffering. However, those who oppose Euthanasia say that it is unethical and undermines the value of human life. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Netherlands backs extending euthanasia laws to include terminally ill children aged 1 to 12 years

<p>At least one person died and over dozen were seriously injured early Tuesday when a high-speed passenger train derailed in southwest Netherlands, news agencies reported citing emergency services.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Hollands Midden emergency services said: "One person has died and at least 30 people have been injured. Eleven people are being housed in homes of local residents, while the seriously injured are taken to hospital."&nbsp;</p>

<p>The crash took place around 3:25am (0125 GMT), near the village of Voorschoten, between The Hague and Amsterdam.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The emergency services also said that the rescue teams were seen ferrying away the injured in the pre-dawn darkness at the scene of the accident.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A fire department spokesman told Dutch radio that 19 people were rushed to the hospital and some were being treated on the crash site.&nbsp;</p>

<p>ANP news agency said that the front carriage of the night train from Leiden city to The Hague derailed and ploughed into a field after the accident. It further mentioned that the second carriage was on its side and a fire broke out in the rear carriage but was later extinguished.&nbsp;</p>

<p>So far, there's no confirmation of the main cause of the crash. Some reports claimed that it derailed after slamming into construction equipment.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Some reports claimed that the passenger train had collided with a freight train. Dutch Railways (NS) spokesman Erik Kroeze said a freight train was involved in the accident but could not give details.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>

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At least one person died and over dozen were seriously injured early Tuesday when a high-speed passenger train derailed in southwest Netherlands, news agencies reported citing emergency services.

At least one person died and over dozen were seriously injured early Tuesday when a high-speed passenger train derailed in southwest Netherlands, news agencies reported citing emergency services. The Hollands Midden emergency services said: "One person has died and at least 30 people have been injured. Eleven people are being housed in homes of local residents, while the seriously injured are taken to hospital." The crash took place around 3:25am (0125 GMT), near the village of Voorschoten, between The Hague and Amsterdam. The emergency services also said that the rescue teams were seen ferrying away the injured in the pre-dawn darkness at the scene of the accident. A fire department spokesman told Dutch radio that 19 people were rushed to the hospital and some were being treated on the crash site. ANP news agency said that the front carriage of the night train from Leiden city to The Hague derailed and ploughed into a field after the accident. It further mentioned that the second carriage was on its side and a fire broke out in the rear carriage but was later extinguished. So far, there's no confirmation of the main cause of the crash. Some reports claimed that it derailed after slamming into construction equipment. Some reports claimed that the passenger train had collided with a freight train. Dutch Railways (NS) spokesman Erik Kroeze said a freight train was involved in the accident but could not give details. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

At least one person killed in Dutch train crash, many seriously injured

<p>A marine biologist who was walking on the shores of a beach in the Netherlands was startled when he found a rare and evasive creature, sea lamprey, washed ashore.</p>

<p>This ‘vampire fish’, as it is called due to its nature to extract the blood of its prey, was discovered on the Dutch island of Texel, reports UK-based Metro newspaper.</p>

<p>“I always have my eye out when driving on the beach for other interesting finds, and I saw a large eel-like fish lying on the water’s edge when driving by," he was quoted as saying.</p>

<p>“I immediately knew it was a sea lamprey, they are incredible fish. They resemble eels but they are jawless fish, they have a disc-like mouth filled with teeth.”</p>

<p>“I have never found one on the beach. They are amazing, almost alien-like looking fish, with an equally amazing lifestyle,” he added.</p>

<p>Known for sucking and drinking the blood of its prey, the seam lamprey is considered elusive as it was last sighted on the island in 2017.</p>

<p>According to experts, the nearly three-foot-long fish is incredibly old. They belong to the oldest group of vertebrates, the Agnatha, which existed more than 400 million years ago before there were fish with jaws.</p>

<p>The sea creature was later given to Ecomare, a nature museum, aquarium and sanctuary for seals and birds.</p>

<p>According to museum officials, sea lampreys are mainly found in the spring when they migrate from the sea to freshwater to spawn.</p>

<p>It is said that sea lampreys do not have a jaw but instead have a sucker-shaped mouth with teeth in it—which they use it to attack fish and suck the blood out.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
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A marine biologist who was walking on the shores of a beach in the Netherlands was startled when he found a rare and evasive creature, sea lamprey, washed ashore.

A marine biologist who was walking on the shores of a beach in the Netherlands was startled when he found a rare and evasive creature, sea lamprey, washed ashore. This ‘vampire fish’, as it is called due to its nature to extract the blood of its prey, was discovered on the Dutch island of Texel, reports UK-based Metro newspaper. “I always have my eye out when driving on the beach for other interesting finds, and I saw a large eel-like fish lying on the water’s edge when driving by," he was quoted as saying. “I immediately knew it was a sea lamprey, they are incredible fish. They resemble eels but they are jawless fish, they have a disc-like mouth filled with teeth.” “I have never found one on the beach. They are amazing, almost alien-like looking fish, with an equally amazing lifestyle,” he added. Known for sucking and drinking the blood of its prey, the seam lamprey is considered elusive as it was last sighted on the island in 2017. According to experts, the nearly three-foot-long fish is incredibly old. They belong to the oldest group of vertebrates, the Agnatha, which existed more than 400 million years ago before there were fish with jaws. The sea creature was later given to Ecomare, a nature museum, aquarium and sanctuary for seals and birds. According to museum officials, sea lampreys are mainly found in the spring when they migrate from the sea to freshwater to spawn. It is said that sea lampreys do not have a jaw but instead have a sucker-shaped mouth with teeth in it—which they use it to attack fish and suck the blood out. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Rare blood-sucking fish found washed ashore at the Netherlands beach

<p>A farmers' protest party sent shockwaves through Dutch politics as it emerged a big winner in provincial elections. Make-up of the country's Senate is determined by these elections.</p>

<p>The BBB or BoerBurgerBeweging (Farmer-Citizen Movement) party rode a wave of protests against the government's environmental policies and looked set to have won more Senate seats than Prime Minister Mark Rutte's conservative VVD party.</p>

<p>Public broadcaster NOS forecast on Thursday that BBB will win 16 out of total 75 seats in the Senate. The Senate has the power to block legislation agreed in the lower house of the parliament. The VVD dropped from 12 to 10 seats.</p>

<p>The meteoric rise of BBB is a major blow for Rutte's governing coalition, casting doubt over its aim to drastically cut nitrogen pollution on farms, the single issue upon which BBB was founded in 2019.</p>

<p>"It's so overwhelming that the electorate has made their voices heard so clearly," BBB leader Caroline van der Plas told NOS after polls closed on Wednesday.</p>

<p>"Now is the time to take the citizen seriously. Now is the time."</p>

<p>The government aims to cut nitrogen emissions in half by 2030, as relatively large numbers of livestock and heavy use of fertilizers have led to levels of nitrogen oxides in the soil and water that violate European Union regulations.</p>

<p>The nitrogen problem has crippled construction in the Netherlands as environmental groups have won a string of court cases ordering the government to limit the emissions and preserve nature, before new building permits can be granted.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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A farmers' protest party sent shockwaves through Dutch politics as it emerged a big winner in provincial elections. Make-up of the country's Senate is determined by these elections.

A farmers' protest party sent shockwaves through Dutch politics as it emerged a big winner in provincial elections. Make-up of the country's Senate is determined by these elections. The BBB or BoerBurgerBeweging (Farmer-Citizen Movement) party rode a wave of protests against the government's environmental policies and looked set to have won more Senate seats than Prime Minister Mark Rutte's conservative VVD party. Public broadcaster NOS forecast on Thursday that BBB will win 16 out of total 75 seats in the Senate. The Senate has the power to block legislation agreed in the lower house of the parliament. The VVD dropped from 12 to 10 seats. The meteoric rise of BBB is a major blow for Rutte's governing coalition, casting doubt over its aim to drastically cut nitrogen pollution on farms, the single issue upon which BBB was founded in 2019. "It's so overwhelming that the electorate has made their voices heard so clearly," BBB leader Caroline van der Plas told NOS after polls closed on Wednesday. "Now is the time to take the citizen seriously. Now is the time." The government aims to cut nitrogen emissions in half by 2030, as relatively large numbers of livestock and heavy use of fertilizers have led to levels of nitrogen oxides in the soil and water that violate European Union regulations. The nitrogen problem has crippled construction in the Netherlands as environmental groups have won a string of court cases ordering the government to limit the emissions and preserve nature, before new building permits can be granted. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Farmers' protest party in Netherlands registers surprise election victory

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