With a new year comes a host of law changes, new rules, and regulations to be implemented in the Netherlands. The Dutch government is enforcing dozens of these new laws as of January 1, 2021. Every year, NL Times compiles a roundup of these rule changes for non-Dutch speaking people.
An important basic income tax rate will fall slightly, minimum wage will rise slightly, and people with savings and investments will be able to claim a higher exemption from the income tax on Box 3 assets. All told there are about 15 different changes coming into effect next year, and nearly all of them will affect a person's net earnings and tax payments in 2021.
A 12 percent increase on the tax airline passengers pay when flying from Dutch airports, a change in the tax scheme on car purchases, and a tax discount for those buying an electric car with solar panels are among the seven different changes coming into effect next year. Classic car fans with a love for cars made before 1971 will no longer have to get their vehicles inspected.
Read more at:
60 new laws & rules take effect in the Netherlands from January 1 | NL Times
The Future Is Here Today
Where Business, Nature and Leisure Provide An Ideal Setting For Living
December 31, 2020
December 30, 2020
The Netherlands: UN human rights committee criticises the Netherlands over child with 'nationality unknown'
The UN’s human rights committee says the Netherlands has violated a child’s rights by registering ‘nationality unknown’ in official records because this means he could not be registered as ‘stateless’ under Dutch law and therefore be given international protection as a stateless child.
‘States have the responsibility to ensure that stateless children under their jurisdiction who have no possibility to acquire any other nationality are not left without legal protection,’ said committee member Shuichi Furuya in a statement. ‘The right to nationality ensures concrete protection for individuals, in particular children.
The committee has now asked the Netherlands to review its decisions on Denny’s application to be registered as stateless, and on his application to be recognised as a Dutch citizen, as well as overhauling the relevant legislation. According to national Dutch statistics agency CBS, in September 2016 there were 13,169 children in the Netherlands under the age of 10 registered with ‘unknown nationality’, many of whom had been born in the Netherlands, the UN said.
Read more at: UN human rights committee criticises the Netherlands over child with 'nationality unknown' - DutchNews.nl
‘States have the responsibility to ensure that stateless children under their jurisdiction who have no possibility to acquire any other nationality are not left without legal protection,’ said committee member Shuichi Furuya in a statement. ‘The right to nationality ensures concrete protection for individuals, in particular children.
The committee has now asked the Netherlands to review its decisions on Denny’s application to be registered as stateless, and on his application to be recognised as a Dutch citizen, as well as overhauling the relevant legislation. According to national Dutch statistics agency CBS, in September 2016 there were 13,169 children in the Netherlands under the age of 10 registered with ‘unknown nationality’, many of whom had been born in the Netherlands, the UN said.
Read more at: UN human rights committee criticises the Netherlands over child with 'nationality unknown' - DutchNews.nl
December 29, 2020
Global Warming: 'Tip of the iceberg': is our destruction of nature responsible for Covid-19?
Only a decade or two ago it was widely thought that tropical forests and intact natural environments teeming with exotic wildlife threatened humans by harbouring the viruses and pathogens that lead to new diseases in humans such as Ebola, HIV and dengue.
But a number of researchers today think that it is actually humanity’s destruction of biodiversity that creates the conditions for new viruses and diseases such as Covid-19, the viral disease that emerged in China in December 2019, to arise – with profound health and economic impacts in rich and poor countries alike. In fact, a new discipline, planetary health, is emerging that focuses on the increasingly visible connections between the wellbeing of humans, other living things and entire ecosystems.
Read more at: 'Tip of the iceberg': is our destruction of nature responsible for Covid-19? | Environment | The Guardian
But a number of researchers today think that it is actually humanity’s destruction of biodiversity that creates the conditions for new viruses and diseases such as Covid-19, the viral disease that emerged in China in December 2019, to arise – with profound health and economic impacts in rich and poor countries alike. In fact, a new discipline, planetary health, is emerging that focuses on the increasingly visible connections between the wellbeing of humans, other living things and entire ecosystems.
Read more at: 'Tip of the iceberg': is our destruction of nature responsible for Covid-19? | Environment | The Guardian
December 28, 2020
EU: France may impose third national lockdown if Covid cases continue to rise
France has not ruled out imposing a third nationwide lockdown if coronavirus cases continue to rise, its health minister said Sunday, as the country braces for a possible post-Christmas spike.
We will never exclude measures that are necessary to protect the public," Olivier Veran told the Journal du Dimanche.
Read more at: France may impose third national lockdown if Covid cases continue to rise
We will never exclude measures that are necessary to protect the public," Olivier Veran told the Journal du Dimanche.
Read more at: France may impose third national lockdown if Covid cases continue to rise
December 27, 2020
Netherlands: Negative test result mandatory for most travellers to NL
Everyone over the age of 12 arriving in the Netherlands from a high risk area by plane, boat, train or coach will have to be able to show a negative coronavirus test from December 29, the Dutch government has confirmed.
Read more at: (Update) Negative test result mandatory for most travellers to NL - DutchNews.nl
Read more at: (Update) Negative test result mandatory for most travellers to NL - DutchNews.nl
December 25, 2020
EU-Britain Relations: Brexit: EU, UK finally clinch ′historic′ trade deal
he United Kingdom and the European Union have agreed to a post-Brexit free trade deal, sealing the UK's exit from the bloc, the UK government and EU announced on Thursday.
EU Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen said at a press conference on Thursday that: "It was a long and winding road, but we have a good deal to show for it."
The UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson tweeted an image of himself in front of a British flag with his thumbs up. The picture was accompanied by the text: "The deal is done."
Read more at: Brexit: EU, UK finally clinch ′historic′ trade deal | News | DW | 24.12.2020
EU Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen said at a press conference on Thursday that: "It was a long and winding road, but we have a good deal to show for it."
The UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson tweeted an image of himself in front of a British flag with his thumbs up. The picture was accompanied by the text: "The deal is done."
Read more at: Brexit: EU, UK finally clinch ′historic′ trade deal | News | DW | 24.12.2020
MERRY CHRISTMAS
As we celebrate Christmas around the world, let us not forget the reasonfor this festive season: "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life".Hope you and yours are having a Merry and Blessed Christmas.
December 23, 2020
The Netherlands: Ferries from UK banned from sailing to Netherlands
Ferry lines which transport passengers from the United Kingdom across the North Sea to the Netherlands will not be permitted from Monday as the Dutch government attempts to prevent a highly-contagious variant of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus from spreading through the Dutch population. After a considerable rise in infections in the UK, many parts of that country went back into a strict lockdown over the weekend.
At the very start of Sunday, Dutch Health Minister Hugo de Jonge sent a letter to Parliament announcing that the Netherlands banned passenger flights from the UK effective immediately, and for an initial duration of about ten days. Belgium followed suit with a ban that included trains, meaning Eurostar rail service from the UK could no longer reach the Netherlands.
Read more at:Ferries from UK banned from sailing to Netherlands: Reports | NL Times
At the very start of Sunday, Dutch Health Minister Hugo de Jonge sent a letter to Parliament announcing that the Netherlands banned passenger flights from the UK effective immediately, and for an initial duration of about ten days. Belgium followed suit with a ban that included trains, meaning Eurostar rail service from the UK could no longer reach the Netherlands.
Read more at:Ferries from UK banned from sailing to Netherlands: Reports | NL Times
December 21, 2020
The Netherlands: Ferries from UK banned from sailing to Netherlands
Ferry lines which transport passengers from the United Kingdom across the North Sea to the Netherlands will not be permitted from Monday as the Dutch government attempts to prevent a highly-contagious variant of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus from spreading through the Dutch population. After a considerable rise in infections in the UK, many parts of that country went back into a strict lockdown over the weekend.
At the very start of Sunday, Dutch Health Minister Hugo de Jonge sent a letter to Parliament announcing that the Netherlands banned passenger flights from the UK effective immediately, and for an initial duration of about ten days. Belgium followed suit with a ban that included trains, meaning Eurostar rail service from the UK could no longer reach the Netherlands.
Read more at:Ferries from UK banned from sailing to Netherlands: Reports | NL Times
At the very start of Sunday, Dutch Health Minister Hugo de Jonge sent a letter to Parliament announcing that the Netherlands banned passenger flights from the UK effective immediately, and for an initial duration of about ten days. Belgium followed suit with a ban that included trains, meaning Eurostar rail service from the UK could no longer reach the Netherlands.
Read more at:Ferries from UK banned from sailing to Netherlands: Reports | NL Times
Britain: EU to hold crisis talks as countries block travel from UK over new Covid strain
EU ambassadors are to hold a crisis meeting in Brussels on Monday to discuss travel restrictions on the UK as multiple countries began closing their doors to travellers from Britain after the discovery of a fast-spreading strain of Covid-19.
As the World Health Organization called on European members to step up measures, Belgium, France, Germany, Ireland and the Netherlands on Sunday announced the suspension of air links – and in some cases rail and ferry routes – from Britain.
Read more at: EU to hold crisis talks as countries block travel from UK over new Covid strain | World news | The Guardian
As the World Health Organization called on European members to step up measures, Belgium, France, Germany, Ireland and the Netherlands on Sunday announced the suspension of air links – and in some cases rail and ferry routes – from Britain.
Read more at: EU to hold crisis talks as countries block travel from UK over new Covid strain | World news | The Guardian
December 19, 2020
USA Economy: Disparity for everyone to see in a country which claims to be the greatest in the world ?
North Texas Food Bank (NTFB) distributed more than 600,000 pounds of food for about 25,000 people on Saturday, according to spokeswoman Anna Kurian. There were 7,280 turkeys distributed to families, Kurian told CNN.
Read more at: Thousands of cars form lines to collect food in Covid-hit Texas - CNN
Read more at: Thousands of cars form lines to collect food in Covid-hit Texas - CNN
The Netherlands: Schiphol overcrowded and airlines cancel flights to holiday destinations
Over the weekend and throughout this week, Schiphol was reportedly overwhelmed by travellers, with images of long queues and crowds in the departure hall shocking many - including the government Minister for Infrastructure, Cora van Nieuwenhuizen. In an interview with NOS on Wednesday, Van Nieuwenhuizen said she was “disappointed and angry” to see how busy Schiphol was, and stated she had repeatedly asked airport management and various airlines to take action and reduce / manage crowds.
Read more at: Schiphol overcrowded and airlines cancel flights to holiday destinations
Read more at: Schiphol overcrowded and airlines cancel flights to holiday destinations
December 17, 2020
Eurozone reform—it’s not just the fiscal rules –by Willi Koll
The Covid-19 pandemic has eclipsed the general overhaul of the economic-policy framework of the European Union and the eurozone initiated in February by the European Commission. Comprehensive reform of economic governance remains nevertheless urgent and indispensable.
Reform of the Stability and Growth Pact (SGP) and the Regulation on the Prevention and Correction of Macroeconomic Imbalances (MIP), within the framework of the ‘six-pack’ and ‘two-pack’ of the European Semester and other regulations, should again be at the centre of discussions, as soon as—at the latest—the consequences of the pandemic have been dealt with.
Read more at: Eurozone reform—it’s not just the fiscal rules – Willi Koll
Reform of the Stability and Growth Pact (SGP) and the Regulation on the Prevention and Correction of Macroeconomic Imbalances (MIP), within the framework of the ‘six-pack’ and ‘two-pack’ of the European Semester and other regulations, should again be at the centre of discussions, as soon as—at the latest—the consequences of the pandemic have been dealt with.
Read more at: Eurozone reform—it’s not just the fiscal rules – Willi Koll
December 16, 2020
The Netherlands: Reactions to Rutte's 5-week coronavirus lockdown in the Netherlands
Speaking from his official office in The Hague, Prime Minister Mark Rutte addressed the people of the Netherlands and, before announcing the new measures that would place in the country under lockdown, delivered a speech that served to remind the public of the severity of the situation and the importance of following the rules.
Almost 8,4 million people tuned in to listen to what the Prime Minister had to say - the highest number of viewers ever garnered by a coronavirus press conference or speech. Nearly 90 percent of all the people who were watching TV on Monday evening were watching Rutte’s speech.
People may have been eager to hear what Rutte had to say, but how have people responded to the strict lockdown measures that have been introduced just before the Christmas holidays?
Read more at: Reactions to Rutte's 5-week coronavirus lockdown in the Netherlands
Almost 8,4 million people tuned in to listen to what the Prime Minister had to say - the highest number of viewers ever garnered by a coronavirus press conference or speech. Nearly 90 percent of all the people who were watching TV on Monday evening were watching Rutte’s speech.
People may have been eager to hear what Rutte had to say, but how have people responded to the strict lockdown measures that have been introduced just before the Christmas holidays?
Read more at: Reactions to Rutte's 5-week coronavirus lockdown in the Netherlands
December 15, 2020
Pollution By Ocean Energy Exploration Companies: Abandoned oil and gas wells leave the ocean floor spewing methane - by Hannah Seo
Out on the deck of a research boat, Tara Yacovitch looked out to the water. In the middle of the Gulf of Mexico, the seascape is peppered with lights. And every light is part of an offshore oil or gas platform.
Offshore platforms can vary greatly in size—some are as big as multi-storied buildings, while others resemble small but very tall rooms. The boat carrying Yacovitch and her team also housed a variety of science equipment: methane isotope readers, spectrometers, and other tools to measure methane levels in the air around these sites.
Yacovitch, an instrument scientist at Aerodyne Research, is trying to understand the scope of what some scientists say is a massive environmental issue lurking below our seas. Wells are routinely drilled into the sea floor for oil and gas production, and abandoned when they stop being economically viable—sometimes this is after years of oil or gas extraction, sometimes it's part way through drilling before the well is even finished. But not all of these wells are plugged and properly maintained before being left behind. The result: methane and other gases leaking in unknown quantities for years on end from tens of thousands of holes in the ocean floor.
The harms for the ocean and its inhabitants, and the atmosphere above, are largely unknown. But we do know that methane is about 84 times more potent than carbon dioxide as a greenhouse gas, measured over a 20-year period, according to the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe.
Read more at: Abandoned oil and gas wells leave the ocean floor spewing methane - The Daily Climate
Offshore platforms can vary greatly in size—some are as big as multi-storied buildings, while others resemble small but very tall rooms. The boat carrying Yacovitch and her team also housed a variety of science equipment: methane isotope readers, spectrometers, and other tools to measure methane levels in the air around these sites.
Yacovitch, an instrument scientist at Aerodyne Research, is trying to understand the scope of what some scientists say is a massive environmental issue lurking below our seas. Wells are routinely drilled into the sea floor for oil and gas production, and abandoned when they stop being economically viable—sometimes this is after years of oil or gas extraction, sometimes it's part way through drilling before the well is even finished. But not all of these wells are plugged and properly maintained before being left behind. The result: methane and other gases leaking in unknown quantities for years on end from tens of thousands of holes in the ocean floor.
The harms for the ocean and its inhabitants, and the atmosphere above, are largely unknown. But we do know that methane is about 84 times more potent than carbon dioxide as a greenhouse gas, measured over a 20-year period, according to the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe.
Read more at: Abandoned oil and gas wells leave the ocean floor spewing methane - The Daily Climate
December 14, 2020
The Netherlands: Why the country goes in strict lockdown, while Belgium doesn't
The Netherlands will go into a “strict lockdown” from midnight to stave off the rising coronavirus infections, but Belgium
Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte announce a strict lockdown at 7:00 PM today, but a large part of the content already made it to the press, including measures such as the closure of schools, non-essential stores, museums, hairdressers and theatres. Like in Belgium, bars and restaurants in the country had already been closed for some time.
Read more at: Why the Netherlands goes into strict lockdown, but Belgium doesn't
Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte announce a strict lockdown at 7:00 PM today, but a large part of the content already made it to the press, including measures such as the closure of schools, non-essential stores, museums, hairdressers and theatres. Like in Belgium, bars and restaurants in the country had already been closed for some time.
Read more at: Why the Netherlands goes into strict lockdown, but Belgium doesn't
December 13, 2020
The Mysterious Universe: the link between Christianity and the Universe ia well established and no mystery to believers - by RM
On a clear night, when you look up to the sky and see the billions of twinkling stars, of which many support planets, like the planet we live on, we would be completely ignorant not to question the existence of life on other planets.The concept of the Universe, however, already is a mystery, which can only lead you to a Creator for its origin, because there is no other reliable technical or mathematical way to explain it.
So, ultimately, the discovery of intelligent aliens isn't likely to pose a serious crisis for Christianity, who believe in a Creator .They also believe that the penalty for those that sin is death (Romans 6:23). They believe that to rectify the circumstances they are in, God sent His only Son Jesus to die in their place, to take their punishment for sin (Romans 5:8). After Jesus’ death, He arose from the dead (1 Corinthians 15:3-6). Jesus is the only way to God (John 14:6) and He provides the blessing of salvation. Each person has the choice to receive or reject our Creator's gift through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9) and experience new birth (John 3:1-8).
If all this doesn't sound like it comes from the Creator of the Universe, I do not know what will. So don't worry about or deny the existence of aliens.
EU-Digest
So, ultimately, the discovery of intelligent aliens isn't likely to pose a serious crisis for Christianity, who believe in a Creator .They also believe that the penalty for those that sin is death (Romans 6:23). They believe that to rectify the circumstances they are in, God sent His only Son Jesus to die in their place, to take their punishment for sin (Romans 5:8). After Jesus’ death, He arose from the dead (1 Corinthians 15:3-6). Jesus is the only way to God (John 14:6) and He provides the blessing of salvation. Each person has the choice to receive or reject our Creator's gift through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9) and experience new birth (John 3:1-8).
If all this doesn't sound like it comes from the Creator of the Universe, I do not know what will. So don't worry about or deny the existence of aliens.
EU-Digest
December 12, 2020
Netherlands-Russian Relations: Netherlands expels two Russians after uncovering 'espionage network'
he Netherlands has expelled two alleged Russian spies who were working in the country as diplomats, its intelligence service says.
They are accused of targeting the high-tech sector and building a "substantial network of sources" in the industry.
The two individuals were working for Russia's Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR), Dutch officials said.
Russia described the accusations as "unfounded" and said the decision to expel its citizens was "provocative".
Read more at: Netherlands expels two Russians after uncovering 'espionage network' - BBC News
They are accused of targeting the high-tech sector and building a "substantial network of sources" in the industry.
The two individuals were working for Russia's Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR), Dutch officials said.
Russia described the accusations as "unfounded" and said the decision to expel its citizens was "provocative".
Read more at: Netherlands expels two Russians after uncovering 'espionage network' - BBC News
December 11, 2020
The Netherlands: Non-EU citizens must present negative Covid tests at Dutch borders from Tuesday
From 6 p.m. Tuesday, non-European Union and Schengen citizens will have to present negative Covid-19 test results and and a completed negative test declaration form when they enter the Netherlands by air or by sea. From January 1, when the transition period following Brexit will have ended, the new rule for entry into the country will also apply to most British people without a residence permit from a European Union nation.
”The United Kingdom has left the EU, and the transition period ends on 31 December 2020. This means that, as of 1 January 2021, passengers arriving in the Netherlands from the UK by air or sea also have to present a negative test result and declaration, unless they fall within an exemption category,” four Dutch ministries said in a statement.
Read more at: Non-EU citizens must present negative Covid tests at Dutch borders from Tuesday | NL Times
”The United Kingdom has left the EU, and the transition period ends on 31 December 2020. This means that, as of 1 January 2021, passengers arriving in the Netherlands from the UK by air or sea also have to present a negative test result and declaration, unless they fall within an exemption category,” four Dutch ministries said in a statement.
Read more at: Non-EU citizens must present negative Covid tests at Dutch borders from Tuesday | NL Times
December 10, 2020
The Netherlands - Coronavirus: Reactions to Christmas coronavirus measures in the Netherlands
On Tuesday evening, around 5,5 million people tuned in to watch Prime Minister Mark Rutte and Health Minister Hugo de Jonge’s press conference, in which they announced that no coronavirus measures would be relaxed over Christmas.
On the whole, this decision didn't come as much of a surprise, as the number of coronavirus infections in the Netherlands remains high. However, there were some that had hoped for some good news on December 8.
Business owners have become increasingly frustrated with the enforced closure of the catering industry, but were left hoping for some good news after a document from the Ministry of Economic Affairs leaked on Tuesday afternoon. The document stated that, based on figures from the National Institute for Public Health and Environment (RIVM), the catering industry actually only had a very limited impact on the national r-number.
Read more at: Reactions to Christmas coronavirus measures in the Netherlands
On the whole, this decision didn't come as much of a surprise, as the number of coronavirus infections in the Netherlands remains high. However, there were some that had hoped for some good news on December 8.
Business owners have become increasingly frustrated with the enforced closure of the catering industry, but were left hoping for some good news after a document from the Ministry of Economic Affairs leaked on Tuesday afternoon. The document stated that, based on figures from the National Institute for Public Health and Environment (RIVM), the catering industry actually only had a very limited impact on the national r-number.
Read more at: Reactions to Christmas coronavirus measures in the Netherlands
December 8, 2020
The Netherlands: Another one: Hiker finds a new metal monolith in the Netherlands: "a message from aliens from outerspace, or just a hoax?"
Strange metal monoliths are materialising everywhere, in California, Romania, the Isle of Wight and, according to the latest reports, the Netherlands, Germany and Spain. Their rate of appearance is quickening: barely 24 hours separate photos of the lone sentinel on the Isle of Wight’s Compton Beach and the new European manifestations. As these silent messengers follow those seen at wider intervals in Utah, California and Romania it seems that their message is becoming more urgent, the time of their revelation imminent.
One thing is clear to people all around the world, the metal monolith saga will not be ending any time soon as another one has been spotted in the Netherlands.
Similar to the ones in Utah, Romania, California and Britain, the Netherlands, too, has added its name to the list of places where the monolith mystery has itched its place.
"I walked up to it, but there was nothing to be seen around the monolith. Just as if it was placed from above," hiker Thijs de Jong told media — who was the first one to spot the monolith.
Read more at: Another one: Hiker finds a new metal monolith in the Netherlands, World News | wionews.com
One thing is clear to people all around the world, the metal monolith saga will not be ending any time soon as another one has been spotted in the Netherlands.
Similar to the ones in Utah, Romania, California and Britain, the Netherlands, too, has added its name to the list of places where the monolith mystery has itched its place.
"I walked up to it, but there was nothing to be seen around the monolith. Just as if it was placed from above," hiker Thijs de Jong told media — who was the first one to spot the monolith.
Read more at: Another one: Hiker finds a new metal monolith in the Netherlands, World News | wionews.com
December 6, 2020
The Netherlands: Should the Dutch ‘Black Pete’ tradition be abolished?
Many children in the Netherlands have grown up with the image of Black Pete, a helper for St Nicholas, an equivalent of Santa Claus.
The character is highly controversial, as the figure is usually portrayed by a white person wearing blackface makeup with exaggerated lips and an afro wig
Note Almere Digest: Indeed quite controversial. This has been a centuries old tradional Childrens celebration, before it became a racial issue. Amazing that the people promoting this as a racial issue have no qualms with the flagrant human rights violations of Saudi Arabia and many other countries around the world?
Read more at: Should the Dutch ‘Black Pete’ tradition be abolished? | Netherlands | Al Jazeera
The character is highly controversial, as the figure is usually portrayed by a white person wearing blackface makeup with exaggerated lips and an afro wig
Note Almere Digest: Indeed quite controversial. This has been a centuries old tradional Childrens celebration, before it became a racial issue. Amazing that the people promoting this as a racial issue have no qualms with the flagrant human rights violations of Saudi Arabia and many other countries around the world?
Read more at: Should the Dutch ‘Black Pete’ tradition be abolished? | Netherlands | Al Jazeera
December 5, 2020
The Netherlands: restaurants in the Netherlands to defy coronavirus measures and open in January - by Victoria Séveno
While the Dutch government are yet to announce the coronavirus measures that will be in place over the Christmas period - Prime Minister Mark Rutte and Health Minister Hugo de Jonge are expected to do this at a press conference on December 8 - De Jonge has stated that, if the number of coronavirus infections doesn’t drop over the coming weeks, it’s possible that the current semi-lockdown could stay in place until at least mid-January.
Read more at: Restaurants in the Netherlands to defy coronavirus measures and open in January
Read more at: Restaurants in the Netherlands to defy coronavirus measures and open in January
December 3, 2020
Coronavirus vaccine: US Presidents Obama, Clinton and Bush pledge to take Covid vaccine on TV to show its safety
ormer US presidents Barack Obama, George W Bush and Bill Clinton have pledged to get vaccinated for coronavirus on television to promote the safety of the vaccine.
The trio’s effort comes as the Food and Drug Administration prepares to meet next week to decide whether to authorize a Covid-19 vaccine produced by Pfizer and BioNTech as more than 3,100 people died from the coronavirus in America on Wednesday, a record single-day high and more than the number of people killed in the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
Read more at: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/dec/03/obama-clinton-bush-covid-vaccine-safety?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Other
The trio’s effort comes as the Food and Drug Administration prepares to meet next week to decide whether to authorize a Covid-19 vaccine produced by Pfizer and BioNTech as more than 3,100 people died from the coronavirus in America on Wednesday, a record single-day high and more than the number of people killed in the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
Read more at: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/dec/03/obama-clinton-bush-covid-vaccine-safety?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Other
The Netherlands: Groningen tops first ranking of the Netherlands' healthiest cities
Groningen is top of a new list of the healthiest Dutch cities compiled by civil engineering group Arcadis. Groningen, the list compilers say, has benefited from largely banning cars from the city centre, encouraging cycling and walking, limiting the development of high rise flats and offices and combating noise and air pollution.
Read more at: Groningen tops first ranking of the Netherlands' healthiest cities - DutchNews.nl
Read more at: Groningen tops first ranking of the Netherlands' healthiest cities - DutchNews.nl
November 30, 2020
Britain-Netherlands relations: Creatives from UK and NL discuss how to adapt to Brexit and Covid
Creatives from the UK and the Netherlands came together in a virtual session on 25 November 2020 to discuss opportunities for, and threats to, future Anglo-Dutch cultural collaboration. In less time than it takes to drive from London to Birmingham, the nearly thirty participants from all over England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and the Netherlands had concluded a very successful session, coming up with some excellent analyses of what is required to maintain strong international cultural connections. It shows there are positives to the 'new normal' of meeting each other online. The useful input that was gathered during this meeting helps the Dutch Embassy in the UK, organiser of the event, to focus its efforts on facilitating bilateral cultural exchange.
Read more at: Creatives from UK and NL discuss how to adapt to Brexit and Covid | News item | netherlandsandyou.nl
Read more at: Creatives from UK and NL discuss how to adapt to Brexit and Covid | News item | netherlandsandyou.nl
November 29, 2020
The Netherlands: Unilever officially no longer Dutch company
For 91 years, the company structure was divided between the Netherlands and Great Britain, with two head offices in London and Rotterdam. The company also had two boards and two types of shares.
To simplify its structure, the company decided in 2018 to opt for one main office. Initially, the choice fell on Rotterdam, possibly partly due to the government's announcement to abolish the dividend tax. However, after opposition from influential shareholders, London became the final choice. In the end, the abolition of the dividend tax in the Netherlands was not passed.
The restructuring means that important strategic decisions will subsequently be made in London. This brings an end to the long Dutch history of the company, but in practice – at least in short term – there won't be much change.
Read more at: Unilever officially no longer Dutch company | NL Times
To simplify its structure, the company decided in 2018 to opt for one main office. Initially, the choice fell on Rotterdam, possibly partly due to the government's announcement to abolish the dividend tax. However, after opposition from influential shareholders, London became the final choice. In the end, the abolition of the dividend tax in the Netherlands was not passed.
The restructuring means that important strategic decisions will subsequently be made in London. This brings an end to the long Dutch history of the company, but in practice – at least in short term – there won't be much change.
Read more at: Unilever officially no longer Dutch company | NL Times
November 28, 2020
Nigeria-Netherlands relations: Nigeria gets back 600-year-old artefact from the Netherlands
Nigeria has received a “priceless” terracotta head believed to be at least 600 years old which was smuggled to the Netherlands, the information minister said.
Dutch ambassador to Nigeria Harry Van Dijk on Thursday returned it to Information Minister Lai Mohammed in a ceremony in the Nigerian capital, Abuja.
ead more at: Nigeria gets back 600-year-old artefact from the Netherlands | Europe | Al Jazeera
Dutch ambassador to Nigeria Harry Van Dijk on Thursday returned it to Information Minister Lai Mohammed in a ceremony in the Nigerian capital, Abuja.
ead more at: Nigeria gets back 600-year-old artefact from the Netherlands | Europe | Al Jazeera
November 27, 2020
EU - US relations: US Nuclear Weapons stockpiled in Europe: The New Nuclear Weapons Ban Treaty Will Be an Early Trial for Biden - by Miles A. Pomper
With support from nearly half the world’s nations, a new United Nations treaty banning the possession and use of nuclear weapons will take effect early next year. The U.N. confirmed last month that the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, or TPNW, had been ratified by the required 50 countries. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called it “a tribute to the survivors of nuclear explosions and tests, many of whom advocated for this treaty.”
Many non-nuclear-armed states, as well as pro-disarmament activists and organizations like the Nobel Peace Prize-winning International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons, have celebrated the agreement, which they see as a milestone in global efforts to prevent nuclear war. However, it has drawn strong opposition from nuclear-armed states, especially the five permanent members of the U.N. Security Council: Russia, China, France, the United Kingdom and the United States. The Trump administration has called on the treaty’s 84 signatories to back out of it. Its entry into force on Jan. 22, 2021, will pose a thorny diplomatic challenge for the incoming Biden administration.
Still, the treaty could pose a political problem in the future for NATO members and other countries that shelter under the U.S. nuclear umbrella, given the TPNW’s call not to support actions inconsistent with the treaty. That challenge is especially acute for the five NATO members that host an estimated 150 forward-deployed U.S nuclear weapons: Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands, Italy and Turkey. German, Dutch and Belgian disarmament advocates, in particular, enjoy strong mainstream political support among center-left parties in all three countries. And 56 former world leaders, including many from NATO countries, argued recently in an open letter that the new nuclear ban treaty can “help end decades of paralysis in disarmament.”
Note EU-Digest: Five NATO members, including, Belgium, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Turkey still shelter large numbers of US Nuclear weapons on their soil. Hopefully the UN TPNW Treaty will force the disarmament of these weapons from these countries, which presently makes them a major target for massive destruction and death in case of war.
Read more at: The New Nuclear Weapons Ban Treaty Will Be an Early Trial for
Many non-nuclear-armed states, as well as pro-disarmament activists and organizations like the Nobel Peace Prize-winning International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons, have celebrated the agreement, which they see as a milestone in global efforts to prevent nuclear war. However, it has drawn strong opposition from nuclear-armed states, especially the five permanent members of the U.N. Security Council: Russia, China, France, the United Kingdom and the United States. The Trump administration has called on the treaty’s 84 signatories to back out of it. Its entry into force on Jan. 22, 2021, will pose a thorny diplomatic challenge for the incoming Biden administration.
Still, the treaty could pose a political problem in the future for NATO members and other countries that shelter under the U.S. nuclear umbrella, given the TPNW’s call not to support actions inconsistent with the treaty. That challenge is especially acute for the five NATO members that host an estimated 150 forward-deployed U.S nuclear weapons: Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands, Italy and Turkey. German, Dutch and Belgian disarmament advocates, in particular, enjoy strong mainstream political support among center-left parties in all three countries. And 56 former world leaders, including many from NATO countries, argued recently in an open letter that the new nuclear ban treaty can “help end decades of paralysis in disarmament.”
Note EU-Digest: Five NATO members, including, Belgium, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Turkey still shelter large numbers of US Nuclear weapons on their soil. Hopefully the UN TPNW Treaty will force the disarmament of these weapons from these countries, which presently makes them a major target for massive destruction and death in case of war.
Read more at: The New Nuclear Weapons Ban Treaty Will Be an Early Trial for
EU Counter Measures To Be Taken- Article 7: Hungary and Poland maintain united front blocking EU COVID-19 recovery fund
The leaders of Hungary and Poland have vowed to maintain a united front and uphold their veto of the EU's budget and its massive pandemic relief fund.
They continue to oppose the mechanism that ties funding for countries to rule of law principles, arguing that the EU plan risks derailing the bloc.
" Note EU-Digest: Article 7 of the Treaty on European Union should be applied, which is a procedure in the treaties of the European Union (EU) to suspend certain rights from a member state and consequently stop all funding to these two countries within this legal framework".
Read more at: Hungary and Poland maintain united front blocking EU COVID-19 recovery fund | Euronews
They continue to oppose the mechanism that ties funding for countries to rule of law principles, arguing that the EU plan risks derailing the bloc.
" Note EU-Digest: Article 7 of the Treaty on European Union should be applied, which is a procedure in the treaties of the European Union (EU) to suspend certain rights from a member state and consequently stop all funding to these two countries within this legal framework".
Read more at: Hungary and Poland maintain united front blocking EU COVID-19 recovery fund | Euronews
November 26, 2020
The Netherlands: Dutch flower industry hit hard by the pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic has plunged the world’s largest flower auction on the outskirts of Amsterdam into chaos. As Europe remains in lockdown, no-one thinks of buying flowers and tons of them land in shredders.
Read more at: Dutch flower industry hit hard by the pandemic | Business| Economy and finance news from a German perspective | DW | 24.11.2020
Read more at: Dutch flower industry hit hard by the pandemic | Business| Economy and finance news from a German perspective | DW | 24.11.2020
November 25, 2020
EU - Opinion on Hungary and Poland: The E.U. Puts Its Foot Down on the Rule of Law - editorial board
After years of passively watching nationalist governments in Hungary and Poland undermine democratic rule, the European Union finally drew the line this year and declared that disbursements from the E.U. budget and a special coronavirus relief fund would be contingent on each member’s adherence to the rule of law. Hungary and Poland have shamelessly retaliated by threatening to veto the Union’s next seven-year budget, emergency funds and all, unless the condition is scrapped.
The governments in Budapest and Warsaw couched their defiance with their usual plaints that the bloc was behaving like their former Soviet overlords. “This is not why we created the European Union, so that there would be a second Soviet Union,” declared Viktor Orban, the proudly illiberal prime minister of Hungary. But such posturing has long been discredited, especially as both right-wing governments have happily reaped huge subsidies from the European Union.
The cynical reactions of Mr. Orban and the right-wing Law and Justice government in Warsaw demonstrated how far they have strayed from the fundamental principles they signed on to when they joined the European Union. They make no bones about it: Hungarian and Polish officials recently met to set up a joint institute to combat the “suppression of opinions by liberal ideology.”
Mr. Orban in particular has systematically worked to curtail the independence of the judiciary, bring the press to heel and curb civil society. With Fidesz, his nationalist party, in full control of Parliament, he took advantage of the coronavirus pandemic in March to assume broad and open-ended emergency powers that effectively allow him to rule by decree for as long as he wants.
Note EU-Digest: "Hungary and Poland want all the benefits of the EU, but do not want to comply with the rules - it's hight time for the EU Commission to give them an ultimatum- live up to the rules of the EU or lose your membership"
Read more at: Opinion | The E.U. Puts Its Foot Down on the Rule of Law - The New York Times
The governments in Budapest and Warsaw couched their defiance with their usual plaints that the bloc was behaving like their former Soviet overlords. “This is not why we created the European Union, so that there would be a second Soviet Union,” declared Viktor Orban, the proudly illiberal prime minister of Hungary. But such posturing has long been discredited, especially as both right-wing governments have happily reaped huge subsidies from the European Union.
The cynical reactions of Mr. Orban and the right-wing Law and Justice government in Warsaw demonstrated how far they have strayed from the fundamental principles they signed on to when they joined the European Union. They make no bones about it: Hungarian and Polish officials recently met to set up a joint institute to combat the “suppression of opinions by liberal ideology.”
Mr. Orban in particular has systematically worked to curtail the independence of the judiciary, bring the press to heel and curb civil society. With Fidesz, his nationalist party, in full control of Parliament, he took advantage of the coronavirus pandemic in March to assume broad and open-ended emergency powers that effectively allow him to rule by decree for as long as he wants.
Note EU-Digest: "Hungary and Poland want all the benefits of the EU, but do not want to comply with the rules - it's hight time for the EU Commission to give them an ultimatum- live up to the rules of the EU or lose your membership"
Read more at: Opinion | The E.U. Puts Its Foot Down on the Rule of Law - The New York Times
November 23, 2020
The Netherlands: Solar parks in Netherlands to be connected at 70% of their peak capacity –
The Netherlands’ renewable energy sector has reached an agreement with the country’s grid operators and power providers for a faster grid connection of solar parks. PV plant operators will be able to connect their projects at 70% of their capacity and, in turn, they will be allowed to connect them without having to wait for more grid availability.
Read more at: Solar parks in Netherlands to be connected at 70% of their peak capacity – pv magazine International
Read more at: Solar parks in Netherlands to be connected at 70% of their peak capacity – pv magazine International
November 22, 2020
The Netherlands: Bird flu: Nearly 200,000 chickens culled in the Netherlands after multiple outbreaks - by Alessio Dellanna
Dutch authorities slaughtered around 190,000 chickens after a particularly contagious strain of bird flu appeared on at least two poultry farms, agriculture minister Carola Schouten said on Sunday.
Health workers killed 100,000 hens on a farm in Hekendorp, not far from Gouda, in the west of the Netherlands, and 90,000 chickens on a farm in Witmarsum, in the northern Friesland region.
In both cases, authorities suspected "a highly contagious strain of the H5 variant”.
Read more at: Bird flu: Nearly 200,000 chickens culled in the Netherlands after multiple outbreaks | Euronews
Health workers killed 100,000 hens on a farm in Hekendorp, not far from Gouda, in the west of the Netherlands, and 90,000 chickens on a farm in Witmarsum, in the northern Friesland region.
In both cases, authorities suspected "a highly contagious strain of the H5 variant”.
Read more at: Bird flu: Nearly 200,000 chickens culled in the Netherlands after multiple outbreaks | Euronews
The Netherlands: could require travelers to show coronavirus test results at border
Minister Hugo de Jonge of Public Health wants to oblige travelers arriving in the Netherlands to prove that they tested negative for the coronavirus no more than 48 hours prior to arrival, he said in a letter to parliament.
Due to the rules around free travel in the European Union and Schengen area, a legislative amendment is needed to require that travelers from these areas show their test results at the Dutch border. De Jonge expects that this requirement will therefore only be implemented for them in the spring at the earliest. For non-European travelers exempted from the entry EU ban, a test statement can be requested from mid-December, he said.
Read more at: Netherlands could require travelers to show coronavirus test results at border | NL Times
Due to the rules around free travel in the European Union and Schengen area, a legislative amendment is needed to require that travelers from these areas show their test results at the Dutch border. De Jonge expects that this requirement will therefore only be implemented for them in the spring at the earliest. For non-European travelers exempted from the entry EU ban, a test statement can be requested from mid-December, he said.
Read more at: Netherlands could require travelers to show coronavirus test results at border | NL Times
November 20, 2020
The Netherlands: Could there be an indirect mandatory vaccination rule in the Netherlands? - by Victoria Séveno
At a debate in the House of Representatives (Tweede Kamer) on Wednesday, Prime Minister Mark Rutte revealed that cabinet ministers were considering implementing a so-called indirect vaccination obligation in the Netherlands when the coronavirus vaccine becomes available.
Other members of Rutte’s party, People's Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD), are also supportive of this policy, with MP Hayke Veldman saying: "I prefer that everyone [is vaccinated] voluntarily, but I am prepared to make it an indirect vaccination obligation so that if you don't get vaccinated, it will have
Read more at: Could there be an indirect mandatory vaccination rule in the Netherlands?
Other members of Rutte’s party, People's Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD), are also supportive of this policy, with MP Hayke Veldman saying: "I prefer that everyone [is vaccinated] voluntarily, but I am prepared to make it an indirect vaccination obligation so that if you don't get vaccinated, it will have
Read more at: Could there be an indirect mandatory vaccination rule in the Netherlands?
November 19, 2020
Netherlands has world's highest English proficiency for non-native speakers
Netherlands residents are the best non-native English speakers in the world, according to the EF English Proficiency Index. In the ten years that this index has been ranking English proficiency in various countries, the Netherlands has topped the ranking four times, and has never ranked lower than third.
The index based its figures on English test results of 2.2 million adults in 100 countries around the world. The participants had to complete various tests, including reading advanced texts, using "nuanced and appropriate" language in social settings, and negotiating a contract with a native English speaker.
Read more at: Netherlands has world's highest English proficiency for non-native speakers | NL Times
The index based its figures on English test results of 2.2 million adults in 100 countries around the world. The participants had to complete various tests, including reading advanced texts, using "nuanced and appropriate" language in social settings, and negotiating a contract with a native English speaker.
Read more at: Netherlands has world's highest English proficiency for non-native speakers | NL Times
Hungary says it blocked EU budget over migration 'blackmail' - "which is total nonsense by Orban who destroyed Democracy in his country" said a European parliamentarian
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban said Wednesday his country vetoed the EU's budget over plans to tie funding to respect for the rule of law, as it amounted to "blackmailing" countries that oppose migration.
Read more at: Hungary says it blocked EU budget over migration 'blackmail'
Read more at: Hungary says it blocked EU budget over migration 'blackmail'
November 17, 2020
The Netherlands: 14 degrees in November?: Record-breaking temperatures in the Netherlands
Over the weekend, cities across the Netherlands experienced exceptionally high temperatures for this time of year. Amsterdam recorded temperatures of 14 degrees - significantly higher than the November average of around 9 degrees. Since the start of the month, a number of weather records have been broken: Monday was the warmest November 9 ever recorded, and November 2 reached temperatures above 20 degrees, making it the warmest November day ever.
Read more at: 14 degrees in November?: Record-breaking temperatures in the Netherlands
Read more at: 14 degrees in November?: Record-breaking temperatures in the Netherlands
November 16, 2020
Canada- China Relations : Bob Rae calls on UN to investigate evidence of genocide against China's Muslim Uighur minority
Canada's ambassador to the United Nations says he's called on the organization's Human Rights Council to investigate whether China's persecution of Muslim Uighurs in Xinjiang province should be considered an act of genocide.
Beijing lashes back, calling Rae 'ignorant'
Read more at: Bob Rae calls on UN to investigate evidence of genocide against China's Uighur minority | CBC News
Beijing lashes back, calling Rae 'ignorant'
Read more at: Bob Rae calls on UN to investigate evidence of genocide against China's Uighur minority | CBC News
November 15, 2020
The Netherlands: Dutch PM Rutte to seek fourth term
Liberal Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte has confirmed he will seek a fourth term in office, wanting to continue steering the Netherlands through the coronavirus pandemic.
Dutch elections are set for March 17 next year.
Read more at: Dutch PM Rutte to seek fourth term | Macau Business
Dutch elections are set for March 17 next year.
Read more at: Dutch PM Rutte to seek fourth term | Macau Business
November 13, 2020
The Origins of the EU: How the CIA Created the EU - by Eric Zuesse
The details are supplied in an exhaustive 1,000-page biography of Jean Monnet by Éric Roussel, which was published only in France in 1996, and which seems to have been successfully suppressed. It has never been translated, and has no reviews even at Amazon. However, Ambrose Evans-Pritchard of UK’s Telegraph newspaper has provided some of the core information from it. Furthermore, Richard J. Aldrich’s 2003 The Hidden Hand also provides key details, such as by Aldrich’s saying, on page 366, about the American Committee for a United Europe: ACUE, more than any other American front organization of the Cold War, was a direct creature of the leading lights of the CIA. Indeed, it was so replete with famous CIA figures that its ‘front’ was very thin. Its early years seemed to have formed something of a laboratory for figures such as [Bill] Donovan, [Allen] Dulles, [Walter] Bedell Smith and [Tom] Braden, before they moved on to other projects in the mid-1950s. Over its first three years of operations, 1949-51, ACUE received $384,650, the majority being dispersed to Europe. This was a large sum, but from 1952 ACUE began to spend such sums annually. The total budget for the period 1949-60 amounted to approximately $4 million. As the quantity of money flowing across the Atlantic began to increase, ACUE opened a local Paris office to monitor more closely groups that had received grants. By 1956, the flood of increased funding was prompting fears among the Directors of ACUE that its work would be publicly exposed.
The emerging European Economic Community (EEC) and the growing Western intelligence community overlapped to a considerable degree. This is underlined by the creation of the Bilderberg Group, an informal and secretive transatlantic council of key decision-makers [representatives of the billionaires who controlled U.S. and U.S.-allied international corporations]. Bilderberg was founded by Joseph Retinger and Prince Bernhard of the Netherlands in 1952 in response to the rise of anti-Americanism in Europe. … Retinger secured support from Averell Harriman, David Rockefeller and Walter Bedell Smith. The formation of the American wing of Bilderberg was entrusted to Eisenhower’s psychological warfare chief, C.D. Jackson, and the funding for the first meeting, held at the Hotel de Bilderberg in Holland in 1954, was provided by the CIA.
Funds for these CIA operations came not only from the U.S. Treasury but from private sources, America’s super-rich, and, also from organized gangsters, as was revealed in the 1998 classic by Alexander Cockburn and Jeffrey St. Clair, Whiteout: The CIA, Drugs and the Press. This off-the-books funding comes from narcotics kingpins throughout the world, as protection-money, which is essential to keep them in business. So, the EU was financially fueled from all of these sources, and, basically, was a bribing-operation (to end up getting the ‘right’ people into the EU’s Parliament, etc.), in addition to be receiving funds from what might be considered idealistic philanthropic donors (because the dream of a united Europe had long preceded the grubby version of it that the CIA created for Europeans). The EU was a Cold War operation, from the very start. Though the Cold War was allegedly ideological, it was actually the result of a decision that U.S. President Harry S. Truman made on 26 July 1945, for the post-WW-II U.S. to achieve, ultimately, the world’s first all-encompassing global empire. The EU was designed to serve the political aspects of that, and NATO the military aspects, for America’s European ‘allies’ (America’s European vassal nations). The aim was for the Soviet Union (subsequently only Russia) to become surrounded by enemies, so that, in the final analysis, the U.S. and its ‘allies’ would be offering the U.S.S.R. “a deal they can’t refuse.” This deal (quite fitting to come from an international gangland operation such as America’s Deep State) would be inclusion in the U.S. empire, on terms that are set solely by the U.S. Government — either this, or else conquest. Then, the same thing would be done to China.
Pritchard issued two important articles about this, the first being his 19 September 2000 “Euro-federalists financed by US spy chiefs”: DECLASSIFIED American government documents show that the US intelligence community ran a campaign in the Fifties and Sixties to build momentum for a united Europe. It funded and directed the European federalist movement. … One memorandum, dated July 26, 1950, gives instructions for a campaign to promote a fully fledged European parliament. It is signed by Gen William J Donovan, head of the American wartime Office of Strategic Services, precursor of the CIA.
The documents were found by Joshua Paul, a researcher at Georgetown University in Washington. They include files released by the US National Archives. Washington’s main tool for shaping the European agenda was the American Committee for a United Europe, created in 1948. The chairman was Donovan, ostensibly a private lawyer by then.
The vice-chairman was Allen Dulles, the CIA director in the Fifties. The board included Walter Bedell Smith, the CIA’s first director, and a roster of ex-OSS figures and officials who moved in and out of the CIA. The documents show that ACUE financed the European Movement, the most important federalist organisation in the post-war years. In 1958, for example, it provided 53.5 per cent of the movement’s funds.
The European Youth Campaign, an arm of the European Movement, was wholly funded and controlled by Washington. The Belgian director, Baron Boel, received monthly payments into a special account. When the head of the European Movement, Polish-born Joseph Retinger, bridled at this degree of American control and tried to raise money in Europe, he was quickly reprimanded.
The leaders of the European Movement — Retinger, the visionary Robert Schuman and the former Belgian prime minister Paul-Henri Spaak — were all treated as hired hands by their American sponsors. The US role was handled as a covert operation. ACUE’s funding came from the Ford and Rockefeller foundations as well as business groups with close ties to the US government.
Read the complete report at: How the CIA Created the EU - Modern Diplomacy
The emerging European Economic Community (EEC) and the growing Western intelligence community overlapped to a considerable degree. This is underlined by the creation of the Bilderberg Group, an informal and secretive transatlantic council of key decision-makers [representatives of the billionaires who controlled U.S. and U.S.-allied international corporations]. Bilderberg was founded by Joseph Retinger and Prince Bernhard of the Netherlands in 1952 in response to the rise of anti-Americanism in Europe. … Retinger secured support from Averell Harriman, David Rockefeller and Walter Bedell Smith. The formation of the American wing of Bilderberg was entrusted to Eisenhower’s psychological warfare chief, C.D. Jackson, and the funding for the first meeting, held at the Hotel de Bilderberg in Holland in 1954, was provided by the CIA.
Funds for these CIA operations came not only from the U.S. Treasury but from private sources, America’s super-rich, and, also from organized gangsters, as was revealed in the 1998 classic by Alexander Cockburn and Jeffrey St. Clair, Whiteout: The CIA, Drugs and the Press. This off-the-books funding comes from narcotics kingpins throughout the world, as protection-money, which is essential to keep them in business. So, the EU was financially fueled from all of these sources, and, basically, was a bribing-operation (to end up getting the ‘right’ people into the EU’s Parliament, etc.), in addition to be receiving funds from what might be considered idealistic philanthropic donors (because the dream of a united Europe had long preceded the grubby version of it that the CIA created for Europeans). The EU was a Cold War operation, from the very start. Though the Cold War was allegedly ideological, it was actually the result of a decision that U.S. President Harry S. Truman made on 26 July 1945, for the post-WW-II U.S. to achieve, ultimately, the world’s first all-encompassing global empire. The EU was designed to serve the political aspects of that, and NATO the military aspects, for America’s European ‘allies’ (America’s European vassal nations). The aim was for the Soviet Union (subsequently only Russia) to become surrounded by enemies, so that, in the final analysis, the U.S. and its ‘allies’ would be offering the U.S.S.R. “a deal they can’t refuse.” This deal (quite fitting to come from an international gangland operation such as America’s Deep State) would be inclusion in the U.S. empire, on terms that are set solely by the U.S. Government — either this, or else conquest. Then, the same thing would be done to China.
Pritchard issued two important articles about this, the first being his 19 September 2000 “Euro-federalists financed by US spy chiefs”: DECLASSIFIED American government documents show that the US intelligence community ran a campaign in the Fifties and Sixties to build momentum for a united Europe. It funded and directed the European federalist movement. … One memorandum, dated July 26, 1950, gives instructions for a campaign to promote a fully fledged European parliament. It is signed by Gen William J Donovan, head of the American wartime Office of Strategic Services, precursor of the CIA.
The documents were found by Joshua Paul, a researcher at Georgetown University in Washington. They include files released by the US National Archives. Washington’s main tool for shaping the European agenda was the American Committee for a United Europe, created in 1948. The chairman was Donovan, ostensibly a private lawyer by then.
The vice-chairman was Allen Dulles, the CIA director in the Fifties. The board included Walter Bedell Smith, the CIA’s first director, and a roster of ex-OSS figures and officials who moved in and out of the CIA. The documents show that ACUE financed the European Movement, the most important federalist organisation in the post-war years. In 1958, for example, it provided 53.5 per cent of the movement’s funds.
The European Youth Campaign, an arm of the European Movement, was wholly funded and controlled by Washington. The Belgian director, Baron Boel, received monthly payments into a special account. When the head of the European Movement, Polish-born Joseph Retinger, bridled at this degree of American control and tried to raise money in Europe, he was quickly reprimanded.
The leaders of the European Movement — Retinger, the visionary Robert Schuman and the former Belgian prime minister Paul-Henri Spaak — were all treated as hired hands by their American sponsors. The US role was handled as a covert operation. ACUE’s funding came from the Ford and Rockefeller foundations as well as business groups with close ties to the US government.
Read the complete report at: How the CIA Created the EU - Modern Diplomacy
November 12, 2020
Meteor hurling towards earth: Massive asteroid subject of new findings
A University of Hawaiʻi Institute for Astronomy (IfA) astronomer has revealed critical new findings linked to a large asteroid expected to pass extremely close to Earth. Dave Tholen and collaborators have announced the detection of Yarkovsky acceleration on the near-Earth asteroid Apophis. This acceleration arises from an extremely weak force on an object due to non-uniform thermal radiation. This force is particularly important for the asteroid Apophis, as it affects the probability of an Earth impact in 2068.
Read more at: Massive asteroid subject of new findings | University of Hawaiʻi System News
Read more at: Massive asteroid subject of new findings | University of Hawaiʻi System News
The Netherlands Railway System: NS asks travellers in the Netherlands to register their train journeys to limit crowds
Using Treinwijzer, a new feature on the Dutch Railways (Nederlandse Spoorwegen, NS) app, the railway company is asking all travellers to register their planned journeys in advance, so they can more easily track busyness and limit crowds.
According to the rail company, this new system is designed to help NS travellers plan their journeys, keeping in mind the realities of the ongoing coronavirus crisis and helping them to avoid busy services. In a press release, they say: “Travellers can... gain more insight into the expected crowds in the train and receive an alert if their train seems to be getting busier or is cancelled.”
NS also hopes that this new system will reassure people across the Netherlands that they can indeed travel safely by train: “We know from research that there are now travellers who choose a different mode of transport for fear of crowds, although travelling by train can be done safely and comfortably" The Treinwijzer function in the NS app is available from Wednesday, November 11, and NS are encouraging all train travellers to make use of it as much as possible - but they do note that registering your trip is not mandatory, merely recommended.
Read more at: NS asks travellers in the Netherlands to register their train journeys to limit crowds
According to the rail company, this new system is designed to help NS travellers plan their journeys, keeping in mind the realities of the ongoing coronavirus crisis and helping them to avoid busy services. In a press release, they say: “Travellers can... gain more insight into the expected crowds in the train and receive an alert if their train seems to be getting busier or is cancelled.”
NS also hopes that this new system will reassure people across the Netherlands that they can indeed travel safely by train: “We know from research that there are now travellers who choose a different mode of transport for fear of crowds, although travelling by train can be done safely and comfortably" The Treinwijzer function in the NS app is available from Wednesday, November 11, and NS are encouraging all train travellers to make use of it as much as possible - but they do note that registering your trip is not mandatory, merely recommended.
Read more at: NS asks travellers in the Netherlands to register their train journeys to limit crowds
November 11, 2020
The Netherlands: Protestant church’s declaration of guilt towards the Jews is a historic step
The Dutch Protestant Church is to admit that it helped to ‘sow the seeds’ of anti-Semitism and failed to protect the country’s Jewish population before, during and after the Second World War.
On Sunday, November 8, René de Reuver, the church’s official scribe, will read out a ‘declaration of guilt’ in the Rav Aron Schuster Synagogue in Amsterdam as part of the commemoration of Kristallnacht, the ‘night of broken glass’ in 1938 seen as the moment when the Nazis’ oppression of the Jews tipped over into outright persecution.
Read more at: Protestant church's declaration of guilt towards the Jews is a historic step - DutchNews.nl
On Sunday, November 8, René de Reuver, the church’s official scribe, will read out a ‘declaration of guilt’ in the Rav Aron Schuster Synagogue in Amsterdam as part of the commemoration of Kristallnacht, the ‘night of broken glass’ in 1938 seen as the moment when the Nazis’ oppression of the Jews tipped over into outright persecution.
Read more at: Protestant church's declaration of guilt towards the Jews is a historic step - DutchNews.nl
November 10, 2020
A US Coup d'etat ?: Trump Is Trying to Overturn the Election, but I’m Not Panicking—Yet - by Elie Mystal
Joe Biden is going to be the next president of the United States. He will be inaugurated on January 20 and take power at noon that day. There is nothing, legally, that Trump can do to stop that.
What Trump and his feckless Republican Party might do illegally to try to overturn the results of the election and prevent Biden from taking power is a different matter. Trump has evidently intimidated the administrator of the General Services Administration into refusing to acknowledge Biden’s victory and thus prevent his team from starting the transition process. Only a smattering of Republicans have acknowledged that Biden won, and most of those who have, like George W. Bush, no longer hold any political power. Trump has already filed a raft of baseless lawsuits. His people are drumming up talk of some kind of Electoral College devilry to overthrow the popular will. And Trump fired the Secretary of Defense, Mike Esper, yesterday, which seems like the kind of thing one does before one launches a coup d’état.
Read more at: Trump Is Trying to Overturn the Election, but I’m Not Panicking—Yet | The Nation
What Trump and his feckless Republican Party might do illegally to try to overturn the results of the election and prevent Biden from taking power is a different matter. Trump has evidently intimidated the administrator of the General Services Administration into refusing to acknowledge Biden’s victory and thus prevent his team from starting the transition process. Only a smattering of Republicans have acknowledged that Biden won, and most of those who have, like George W. Bush, no longer hold any political power. Trump has already filed a raft of baseless lawsuits. His people are drumming up talk of some kind of Electoral College devilry to overthrow the popular will. And Trump fired the Secretary of Defense, Mike Esper, yesterday, which seems like the kind of thing one does before one launches a coup d’état.
Read more at: Trump Is Trying to Overturn the Election, but I’m Not Panicking—Yet | The Nation
November 9, 2020
Coronavirus vaccine : Our COVID-19 vaccine is 90% effective, says Pfizer - by Alice Tidey
A potential COVID-19 vaccine being developed by Pfizer and BioNTech has been found to be more than 90% effective.
The vaccine has been tested on more than 43,500 participants during Phase 3 — the final stage of development when it is given to thousands to test its efficacy and safety.
Analysis carried out evaluated that 94 trial participants had been confirmed to have contracted COVID-19.
"Today is a great day for science and humanity," Pfizer Chairman and CEO, Dr Albert Bourla, said in a statement.
Read more at: Coronavirus: Our COVID-19 vaccine is 90% effective, says Pfizer | Euronews
The vaccine has been tested on more than 43,500 participants during Phase 3 — the final stage of development when it is given to thousands to test its efficacy and safety.
Analysis carried out evaluated that 94 trial participants had been confirmed to have contracted COVID-19.
"Today is a great day for science and humanity," Pfizer Chairman and CEO, Dr Albert Bourla, said in a statement.
Read more at: Coronavirus: Our COVID-19 vaccine is 90% effective, says Pfizer | Euronews
November 8, 2020
US Elections: Trump's Turkish Ally Erdogan and other populists/authoritarian leaders around the world Stay Mum on Biden Victory
Erdogan, along with the leaders of Russia, Israel, Iran, Hungary, Saudi Arabia and China, offered no initial congratulations to the president-elect.
Read more at: Trump's Turkish Ally Erdogan Stays Mum on Biden Victory | Greek Reporter Europe
Read more at: Trump's Turkish Ally Erdogan Stays Mum on Biden Victory | Greek Reporter Europe
November 7, 2020
USA - Live: Joe Biden elected president of the United States after winning Pennsylvania - by Lauren Chadwick
Joe Biden is the president-elect of the United States after being projected to win the battleground state of Pennsylvania. He is also projected to win the state of Nevada.
Read more at: Live | Joe Biden elected president of the United States after winning Pennsylvania | Euronews
Read more at: Live | Joe Biden elected president of the United States after winning Pennsylvania | Euronews
November 6, 2020
US elections are not all you can read about: Five key European news stories you may have missed while all eyes were stateside
While our collective attention has been gripped by the unusually tight race to see who will prevail in the US presidential election between President Donald Trump and challenger, former Vice President Joe Biden, the world has continued to turn and with it, a lot of important news stories have broken that have by and large flown under the radar.
Here are the five biggest stories in European which may have missed your attention during coverage of the race for the White House. Click on link below
Read more at: US election: Five key European news stories you may have missed while all eyes were stateside | Euronews
Here are the five biggest stories in European which may have missed your attention during coverage of the race for the White House. Click on link below
Read more at: US election: Five key European news stories you may have missed while all eyes were stateside | Euronews
November 4, 2020
US Election 2020 - final results will be days off: Tighter than expected vote may take days to resolve
Mr Trump, a Republican, claimed to have won and vowed to launch a Supreme Court challenge, baselessly alleging fraud, while Mr Biden, a Democrat, said he was "on track" to victory.
Read more at: US Election 2020: Tighter than expected vote may take days to resolve - BBC News
Read more at: US Election 2020: Tighter than expected vote may take days to resolve - BBC News
November 3, 2020
EU-US Relations: EU ‘troublemakers’ back Trump over Biden in US election
ivergences on the managing of the rise of China or Europe’s need to do more for its own security are likely to remain, whoever is the next man in the White House. What would change is the tone as Biden, a convinced transatlanticist, believes the US can only play this role in dialogue with its partners.
Under Trump, Washington and Europe clashed on a number of issues, ranging from foreign policy or trade to environment, digital, and agriculture. Washington and Brussels even disagreed over how to handle the COVID-19 pandemic.
The EU is waiting for the results of the elections to impose $4 billion in compensatory tariffs on US exports, in response to Washington subsidies to Boeing. Brussels wants to try to find a negotiated solution and cancel US tariffs on $7.5 billion worth of European products, an option that could be on the cards if Biden is the winner.
Tensions, however, are expected to continue if Trump remains in the White House. The new EU Trade commissioner, Valdis Dombrovskis, expressed his willingness to find a fresh start with his administration when he took over in October. But he also warned that there is no room for more piecemeal agreements like the lobster deal to facilitate the bilateral trade.
Read more at: EU ‘troublemakers’ back Trump over Biden in US election – EURACTIV.com
Under Trump, Washington and Europe clashed on a number of issues, ranging from foreign policy or trade to environment, digital, and agriculture. Washington and Brussels even disagreed over how to handle the COVID-19 pandemic.
The EU is waiting for the results of the elections to impose $4 billion in compensatory tariffs on US exports, in response to Washington subsidies to Boeing. Brussels wants to try to find a negotiated solution and cancel US tariffs on $7.5 billion worth of European products, an option that could be on the cards if Biden is the winner.
Tensions, however, are expected to continue if Trump remains in the White House. The new EU Trade commissioner, Valdis Dombrovskis, expressed his willingness to find a fresh start with his administration when he took over in October. But he also warned that there is no room for more piecemeal agreements like the lobster deal to facilitate the bilateral trade.
Read more at: EU ‘troublemakers’ back Trump over Biden in US election – EURACTIV.com
November 2, 2020
Turkey Earthquake: Man, 70, pulled out alive in Turkey as quake's death toll hits 60
Rescue workers extricated a 70-year-old man from a collapsed building in western Turkey on Sunday, some 34 hours after a strong earthquake in the Aegean Sea struck Turkey and Greece, killing at least 60 people and injuring more than 900.
Read more at: Man, 70, pulled out alive in Turkey as quake's death toll hits 60 | CBC News
Read more at: Man, 70, pulled out alive in Turkey as quake's death toll hits 60 | CBC News
October 31, 2020
England lockdown: Boris Johnson issues new stay-at-home order
England will go into a new monthlong lockdown on Thursday, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced on Saturday.
Read more at: England lockdown: Boris Johnson issues new stay-at-home order | News | DW | 31.10.2020
Read more at: England lockdown: Boris Johnson issues new stay-at-home order | News | DW | 31.10.2020
Coronavirus - Flu Vaccination: A Flu Shot Might Reduce Coronavirus Infections, Early Research Suggests - by Melinda Wenner Moyer
U.S. health officials are urging Americans to get their flu shots this year in the hopes of thwarting a winter “twindemic”—a situation in which both influenza and COVID-19 spread and sicken the public. But a new study suggests that there could be another key reason to get a flu jab this year: it might reduce your risk of COVID-19. The research, released as a preprint that has not yet been peer-reviewed, indicates that a flu vaccine against the influenza virus may also trigger the body to produce broad infection-fighting molecules that combat the pandemic-causing coronavirus.
n the new study, Mihai Netea, an infectious disease immunologist at Radboud University Medical Center in the Netherlands, and his colleagues combed through their hospital’s databases to see if employees who got a flu shot during the 2019–2020 season were more or less likely to get infected by SARS-CoV-2, the virus behind COVID-19. Workers who received a flu vaccine, the researchers found, were 39 percent less likely to test positive for the coronavirus as of June 1, 2020. While 2.23 percent of nonvaccinated employees tested positive, only 1.33 percent of vaccinated ones did. Netea and his team posted their findings on the preprint server MedRxiv on October 16.
Read more at: A Flu Shot Might Reduce Coronavirus Infections, Early Research Suggests - Scientific American
n the new study, Mihai Netea, an infectious disease immunologist at Radboud University Medical Center in the Netherlands, and his colleagues combed through their hospital’s databases to see if employees who got a flu shot during the 2019–2020 season were more or less likely to get infected by SARS-CoV-2, the virus behind COVID-19. Workers who received a flu vaccine, the researchers found, were 39 percent less likely to test positive for the coronavirus as of June 1, 2020. While 2.23 percent of nonvaccinated employees tested positive, only 1.33 percent of vaccinated ones did. Netea and his team posted their findings on the preprint server MedRxiv on October 16.
Read more at: A Flu Shot Might Reduce Coronavirus Infections, Early Research Suggests - Scientific American
October 30, 2020
Germany: Only one in ten Germans would vote for Trump
If the Germans were allowed to take part in the presidential election in the United States, their vote would be clear: only 10% would vote for incumbent President Donald Trump, a clear majority of 56% his challenger Joe Biden.
Read more at: Only one in ten Germans would vote for Trump | – re:Jerusalem
Read more at: Only one in ten Germans would vote for Trump | – re:Jerusalem
October 28, 2020
The Netherlands: Current coronavirus rules will last well into December, Dutch prime minister says
The partial lockdown imposed in the Netherlands two weeks ago will last deep into December, prime minister Mark Rutte and health minister Hugo de Jonge told reporters on Tuesday evening.
‘You can assume that you will celebrate Sinterklaas in a small group, with no more than three people from outside your household,’ Rutte said. ‘It is still too early to say about Christmas.’ Ministers are also working on new recommendations for holiday travel, both in the Netherlands and abroad, and that could be published as early as later this week, Rutte said.
Read more at: Current coronavirus rules will last well into December, Dutch prime minister says - DutchNews.nl
‘You can assume that you will celebrate Sinterklaas in a small group, with no more than three people from outside your household,’ Rutte said. ‘It is still too early to say about Christmas.’ Ministers are also working on new recommendations for holiday travel, both in the Netherlands and abroad, and that could be published as early as later this week, Rutte said.
Read more at: Current coronavirus rules will last well into December, Dutch prime minister says - DutchNews.nl
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October 27, 2020
EU -Britain: Vaccine hopes rise as Oxford jab prompts immune response among old as well as young adults - by Guy Faulconbridge, Kate Kelland, Kate Holton
The vaccine, developed by the University of Oxford, also triggers lower adverse responses among the elderly, British drug maker AstraZeneca Plc AZN.L, which is helping manufacture the vaccine, said on Monday.
Read more at: Vaccine hopes rise as Oxford jab prompts immune response among old as well as young adults | Reuters
Read more at: Vaccine hopes rise as Oxford jab prompts immune response among old as well as young adults | Reuters
October 26, 2020
The Netherlands: Experts call for shorter and sharper coronavirus lockdown in the Netherlands - by Victoria Séveno
The Red Team is advising the Dutch government to put the Netherlands into a stricter lockdown as soon as possible, closing everything - including schools - for two weeks and only leaving supermarkets and pharmacies open for necessities. Wim Schellekens, former inspector at the Health Care Inspectorate and member of the Red Team, told RTL Nieuws: “If we opt for a strong lockdown now, we can resume our life somewhat normally in a few weeks.”
Read more at: Experts call for shorter and sharper coronavirus lockdown in the Netherlands
Read more at: Experts call for shorter and sharper coronavirus lockdown in the Netherlands
October 25, 2020
America's Latest Export: The Conspiracy Theorists Crazies have crossed the Atlantic and QAnon is now in Europe–by Mark Scott
If you don't know what QAnon is this is how wikileaks divines the cult - https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/QAnon.
At first glance it’s not a natural fit. The U.S. conspiracy theory — now with millions of acolytes worldwide — alleges a vast deception to undermine U.S. President Donald Trump. It blends anti-government, anti-lockdown and anti-Semitic rhetoric with unfounded beliefs about a vast pedophile ring run by the global elite. Its followers adhere to a quasi-religious belief that a great savior — aided by “Q,” an anonymous government insider from whom QAnon gets its name — will protect followers from the dark forces behind the conspiracy.
In the U.S., discussion about QAnon has broken into the political mainstream. When Trump was asked to disavow the group at a recent town hall event, he first said he knew “nothing about QAnon” but then added: “I do know that they are very much against pedofiles.
Despite its digital roots, this conspiracy based, populst, ultra -right-wing QAnon has extended its reach into the real world, with attendees at protests against anti-coronavirus measures and supportive of conspiracy theories spreading its talking points across Europe, the U.S. and other parts of the world.
Read more at: QAnon goes European – POLITICO
At first glance it’s not a natural fit. The U.S. conspiracy theory — now with millions of acolytes worldwide — alleges a vast deception to undermine U.S. President Donald Trump. It blends anti-government, anti-lockdown and anti-Semitic rhetoric with unfounded beliefs about a vast pedophile ring run by the global elite. Its followers adhere to a quasi-religious belief that a great savior — aided by “Q,” an anonymous government insider from whom QAnon gets its name — will protect followers from the dark forces behind the conspiracy.
In the U.S., discussion about QAnon has broken into the political mainstream. When Trump was asked to disavow the group at a recent town hall event, he first said he knew “nothing about QAnon” but then added: “I do know that they are very much against pedofiles.
Despite its digital roots, this conspiracy based, populst, ultra -right-wing QAnon has extended its reach into the real world, with attendees at protests against anti-coronavirus measures and supportive of conspiracy theories spreading its talking points across Europe, the U.S. and other parts of the world.
Read more at: QAnon goes European – POLITICO
EU-France-Turkey relations: France recalls envoy after Turkey scolds Macron over Muslims -by Daren Butler, Geert De Clercq
France recalled its ambassador on Saturday after Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said his counterpart Emmanuel Macron needed mental help over his attitude towards Muslims.
The French leader this month declared war on “Islamist separatism”, which he believes is taking over some Muslim communities in France.
Read more at: France recalls envoy after Turkey scolds Macron over Muslims | Reuters
The French leader this month declared war on “Islamist separatism”, which he believes is taking over some Muslim communities in France.
Read more at: France recalls envoy after Turkey scolds Macron over Muslims | Reuters
October 23, 2020
US Presidential elections: Biden leads Trump by 10 points nationally in new Quinnipiac poll
Former Vice President Joe Biden maintains a wide national lead over President Trump heading into the final 12-day stretch before Election Day, according to a new Quinnipiac University poll released on Thursday.
The Democratic nominee has a 10-point advantage in the race, garnering the support of a slight majority of likely voters — 51 percent — while Trump lagged behind him at 41 percent, according to the latest poll. That margin is virtually identical to the lead Biden held in two Quinnipiac polls from September that showed the former vice president ahead of Trump 52 percent to 42 percent.
Read more at: Biden leads Trump by 10 points nationally in new Quinnipiac poll | TheHill
The Democratic nominee has a 10-point advantage in the race, garnering the support of a slight majority of likely voters — 51 percent — while Trump lagged behind him at 41 percent, according to the latest poll. That margin is virtually identical to the lead Biden held in two Quinnipiac polls from September that showed the former vice president ahead of Trump 52 percent to 42 percent.
Read more at: Biden leads Trump by 10 points nationally in new Quinnipiac poll | TheHill
October 21, 2020
The Netherlands: Last Dutch municipality without coronavirus confirms first infected resident
The municipality of Schiermonnikoog, located on the Dutch island of the same name, reported its first case of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus on Sunday. The island was the last of 355 municipalities in the Netherlands without an infection.
The infection was not reported to the GGD in time to be included in Sunday’s data from public health agency RIVM. The organization announced 8,184 new infections in the Netherlands with the data, a single-day record.
Read more at: Last Dutch municipality without coronavirus confirms first infected resident | NL Times
The infection was not reported to the GGD in time to be included in Sunday’s data from public health agency RIVM. The organization announced 8,184 new infections in the Netherlands with the data, a single-day record.
Read more at: Last Dutch municipality without coronavirus confirms first infected resident | NL Times
October 20, 2020
Dutch economy outperforming others because of “intelligent lockdown”
While the first wave of the coronavirus pandemic dealt an unprecedented blow to the Dutch economy, the Netherlands is still doing better than many other European countries, Statistics Netherlands reported on Tuesday. This may have to do with the Netherlands' "intelligent lockdown" keeping more sectors open than in other countries with stricter lockdowns.
In the second quarter, the Dutch economy contracted by 8.5 percent compared to the previous quarter. "This was the strongest contraction ever recorded," the stats office said. But compared to other European countries, the Dutch economy came off favorably. Germany's economy shrank by 9.7 percent, Belgium's by 12.1 percent, and France's by 13.8 percent
Read more at: Dutch economy outperforming others because of “intelligent lockdown” | NL Times
In the second quarter, the Dutch economy contracted by 8.5 percent compared to the previous quarter. "This was the strongest contraction ever recorded," the stats office said. But compared to other European countries, the Dutch economy came off favorably. Germany's economy shrank by 9.7 percent, Belgium's by 12.1 percent, and France's by 13.8 percent
Read more at: Dutch economy outperforming others because of “intelligent lockdown” | NL Times
October 18, 2020
The Netherlands: Churchgoers in Dutch 'Bible Belt' defy coronavirus instructions
Hundreds of Dutch worshippers from a deeply conservative branch of
Protestantism gathered in churches across the Netherlands on Sunday,
defying government instructions to limit indoor groups to 30 to try to
contain surging coronavirus infections.
Read more at:
Churchgoers in Dutch 'Bible Belt' defy coronavirus instructions | Reuters
Although
Dutch churches are exempt on constitutional grounds from the government
order, almost all church associations had said they would follow the
rules, after massive gatherings in some Protestant churches last week
had sparked outrage.
Reformed
Protestant churches in what is known as the Dutch Bible Belt had made
it clear they would continue to receive considerably more than 30
faithful at a time, despite the heavy criticism.
Read more at:
Churchgoers in Dutch 'Bible Belt' defy coronavirus instructions | Reuters
The Netherlands: Coronavirus leads to increased risk of extremist attack in the Netherlands - by Victoria Séveno
The Dutch counter-terrorism unit (NCTV) has warned in its quarterly
threat assessment that, while there is no indication that an attack is
imminent, there is nonetheless an increased risk of attack in the Netherlands from radicalised right-wing extremists.
Read more:
NCTV: Coronavirus leads to increased risk of extremist attack in the Netherlands
Read more:
NCTV: Coronavirus leads to increased risk of extremist attack in the Netherlands
October 16, 2020
Soccer: Italy 1-1 Netherlands: Improved Oranje earn point in Bergamo - Italy
The Netherlands kept their chances of progressing in the Nations League alive with a well-earned point against Italy in Bergamo.
Frank de Boer is still searching for his first win after four games as manager, but his team looked far more assured and incisive than they did in the goalless draw against Bosnia-Herzegovina on Saturday.
Read more at:
Italy 1-1 Netherlands: Improved Oranje earn point in Bergamo - DutchNews.nl
Frank de Boer is still searching for his first win after four games as manager, but his team looked far more assured and incisive than they did in the goalless draw against Bosnia-Herzegovina on Saturday.
Read more at:
Italy 1-1 Netherlands: Improved Oranje earn point in Bergamo - DutchNews.nl
October 15, 2020
The US Economy and the US Dollar: the US is facing a dollar collapse by the end of 2021 and an over 50% chance of a double-dip recession, economist Stephen Roach says - by Shalini Nagarajan
- The US dollar could collapse by the end of 2021 and the economy can expect a more than 50% chance of a double-dip recession, the economist Stephen Roach told CNBC on Wednesday.
- The US has seen economic output rise briefly and then fall in eight of the past 11 business-cycle recoveries, Roach said.
- Grim second-quarter data cannot be dismissed, he said, pointing out that "the current-account deficit in the United States, which is the broadest measure of our international imbalance with the rest of the world, suffered a record deterioration."
- Roach last predicted a crash in the dollar index in June, when it was trading at about 96. He said at the time that it would collapse 35% against other major currencies within the next year or two.
Roach,a former chairman of Morgan Stanley Asia, also said he sees a more than 50% probability of a double-dip recession in the United States.
He based that prediction on historical evidence, saying that in eight of the past 11 business-cycle recoveries economic output has risen briefly and then fallen.
"It's certainly something that happens more often than not," he said.
Roach last predicted a dollar crash in June, saying it would collapse 35% against other major currencies within the next couple of years. At the time, the dollar index traded at about 96. On Thursday, the index traded at about 94.41.
He said on Wednesday that he expected the collapse to happen by the end of 2021, but he did not say by how much.
Read more at:
The US is facing a dollar collapse by the end of 2021 and an over 50% chance of a double-dip recession, economist Stephen Roach says | Markets Insider
October 13, 2020
The Netherlands goes into partial lockdown; face masks will be compulsory
Cafes, bars and restaurants in the Netherlands are to be shut for at least four weeks from Wednesday 10pm in an effort to get coronavirus under control, prime minister Mark Rutte told reporters on Tuesday evening.
The measures, in total, amount to a partial lockdown, Rutte said. ‘The number of social contacts and movements we make has to be cut drastically,’ he said. ‘It is the only way. We have to be tough on ourselves and on our behaviour.’
The number of newly notified positive coronavirus tests in the Netherlands soared by a further 7,393 cases in the 24 hours to Tuesday 10am and there were nearly 44,000 newly registered cases of coronavirus in the past week.
‘Too many people are not keeping to the rules,’ Rutte said.
‘Then we have no choice but to take tougher measures to make sure that we can no longer meet each other.’
The government also plans to make face masks compulsory in all indoor public spaces, but that still needs to be worked out legally. ‘We want to prevent discussion about the measures,’ Rutte said. ‘We want people to stick to them.’
This is also why a ban on the sale of alcohol after 8pm is being introduced, Rutte said. ‘People were asking why cafes had to close at 10pm while they could still buy alcohol. So now we have dealt with that,’ he said.
The measures, described by Rutte as a hammer, would be assessed after two weeks to see if any progress is being made. ‘But they will last at least four weeks and if that does not help, then we will go into a total lockdown.’
Read more at:
The Netherlands goes into partial lockdown; face masks will be compulsory - DutchNews.nl
The measures, in total, amount to a partial lockdown, Rutte said. ‘The number of social contacts and movements we make has to be cut drastically,’ he said. ‘It is the only way. We have to be tough on ourselves and on our behaviour.’
The number of newly notified positive coronavirus tests in the Netherlands soared by a further 7,393 cases in the 24 hours to Tuesday 10am and there were nearly 44,000 newly registered cases of coronavirus in the past week.
‘Too many people are not keeping to the rules,’ Rutte said.
‘Then we have no choice but to take tougher measures to make sure that we can no longer meet each other.’
The government also plans to make face masks compulsory in all indoor public spaces, but that still needs to be worked out legally. ‘We want to prevent discussion about the measures,’ Rutte said. ‘We want people to stick to them.’
This is also why a ban on the sale of alcohol after 8pm is being introduced, Rutte said. ‘People were asking why cafes had to close at 10pm while they could still buy alcohol. So now we have dealt with that,’ he said.
The measures, described by Rutte as a hammer, would be assessed after two weeks to see if any progress is being made. ‘But they will last at least four weeks and if that does not help, then we will go into a total lockdown.’
Read more at:
The Netherlands goes into partial lockdown; face masks will be compulsory - DutchNews.nl
October 12, 2020
The Global Pandemic: COVID-19 situation update worldwide, as of 12 October 2020
Since 31 December 2019 and as of 12 October 2020, 37 568 843 cases
of COVID-19 (in accordance with the applied case definitions and
testing strategies in the affected countries) have been reported,
including 1 077 508 deaths.
Read more at:
COVID-19 situation update worldwide, as of 12 October 2020
Read more at:
COVID-19 situation update worldwide, as of 12 October 2020
October 10, 2020
The Netherlands: Dutch coronavirus figures are 'very bad', Rutte says. Weekend will be crucial
New coronavirus measures cannot be avoided in the Netherlands if there is no improvement in the number of new infections in the coming 24 to 72 hours, prime minister Mark Rutte told reporters after the weekly cabinet
conference on Friday.
The number of new coronavirus infections in the Netherlands continues to rise, with a further 5,983 cases registered with public health institute RIVM in the 24 hours to Friday morning.
Although the increase on Thursday’s total is 154, well down on the shock 800 increase between Wednesday and Thursday, Rutte said that officials need to see something ‘positive’ in the coming period. ‘I will want to know from experts what the weekend figures say.
The Netherlands now has one of the worst infection rates in Europe, and this has received widespread coverage in the foreign press.
The figures, Rutte said, are ‘very bad.’ ‘People are faced with not having the operation they expected, more people will die, are worried about jobs and loneliness… and that is because we are not taking the basic rules seriously,’ he said.
By Friday a further 69 people had been admitted to hospital, taking the total to 1,139, of whom 239 are in intensive care.
Read more at:
Dutch coronavirus figures are 'very bad', Rutte says. Weekend will be crucial - DutchNews.nl
conference on Friday.
The number of new coronavirus infections in the Netherlands continues to rise, with a further 5,983 cases registered with public health institute RIVM in the 24 hours to Friday morning.
Although the increase on Thursday’s total is 154, well down on the shock 800 increase between Wednesday and Thursday, Rutte said that officials need to see something ‘positive’ in the coming period. ‘I will want to know from experts what the weekend figures say.
The Netherlands now has one of the worst infection rates in Europe, and this has received widespread coverage in the foreign press.
The figures, Rutte said, are ‘very bad.’ ‘People are faced with not having the operation they expected, more people will die, are worried about jobs and loneliness… and that is because we are not taking the basic rules seriously,’ he said.
By Friday a further 69 people had been admitted to hospital, taking the total to 1,139, of whom 239 are in intensive care.
Read more at:
Dutch coronavirus figures are 'very bad', Rutte says. Weekend will be crucial - DutchNews.nl
October 9, 2020
EU-Saudi Relations: European Parliament urges EU to snub Saudi G20 Summit
The European Parliament on Thursday voted to downgrade its attendance
at the November G20 summit in Saudi Arabia over human rights concerns,
and to urge for sanctions.
The bill is one of the strongest political messages the institution has ever issued on Saudi Arabia and comes on the two-year anniversary of the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
MEPs approved a wide-ranging resolution that condemns Saudi human rights abuses and urges the European Union to downgrade its representation at the upcoming G20 Leaders' Summit to avoid legitimizing human rights violations.
Belgian MEP and vice chair of the delegation for the relations with Arab Peninsula Marc Tarabella said: "We are all aware of the importance of Saudi Arabia as a partner of the European Union and for the stability of the Middle East. However, this must not be an alibi for violating human rights."
Read more at:
European Parliament urges EU to snub Saudi G20 Summit | News | DW | 08.10.2020
The bill is one of the strongest political messages the institution has ever issued on Saudi Arabia and comes on the two-year anniversary of the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
MEPs approved a wide-ranging resolution that condemns Saudi human rights abuses and urges the European Union to downgrade its representation at the upcoming G20 Leaders' Summit to avoid legitimizing human rights violations.
Belgian MEP and vice chair of the delegation for the relations with Arab Peninsula Marc Tarabella said: "We are all aware of the importance of Saudi Arabia as a partner of the European Union and for the stability of the Middle East. However, this must not be an alibi for violating human rights."
Read more at:
European Parliament urges EU to snub Saudi G20 Summit | News | DW | 08.10.2020
October 8, 2020
EU: Coronavirus -Remdesivir: Commission signs a joint procurement contract with Gilead for the supply of Remdesivir
The Commission has signed a joint procurement framework contract with
the pharmaceutical company Gilead for the supply of up to 500,000
treatment courses of Veklury, the brand name for Remdesivir, and the
opportunity to increase supply beyond the 500,000 treatment courses.
There are 36 signatories of the Joint Procurement Agreement
participating in this joint procurement, including all EU countries,
the EEA countries of Norway and Iceland*, the UK, as well as six
candidate countries and potential candidates (Albania, the Republic of
North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, Kosovo** and Bosnia and
Herzegovina). All participating countries can now place their orders to
procure Veklury directly. Veklury is at this stage the only medicine
with a conditional marketing authorisation in the EU for the treatment
of COVID-19 patients needing oxygen supply.
Read more at: Coronavirus: Remdesivir
Read more at: Coronavirus: Remdesivir
The Netherlands: brief overview of the Dutch governmental budget for 2021 - by Rachel Deloughry
The big question for anyone working in the Netherlands
is how, when and to what extent the economic downturn due to the
coronavirus will affect public finances in the long term. According to
CBP, the Dutch economy will grow by 3,5 percent next year. Thanks, in
part, to the support package for companies, unemployment is at the rate
of 5,9 percent as opposed to the previously feared rate of 6,5 percent.
Here are the main points regarding the Dutch economy:
A brief overview of the Dutch governmental budget for 2021
Here are the main points regarding the Dutch economy:
- The economy will contract by 5 percent in 2020 but will grow by 3,5 percent in 2021 provided there is no second lockdown
- National debt will reach 60 percent of GDP
- Unemployment will be at 5,9 percent
- Higher spending on unemployment benefits will reach an overspend of 230 million euros
A brief overview of the Dutch governmental budget for 2021
October 6, 2020
Coronavirus - The Netherlands: Dutch run out of anti-viral drug Remdesivir to treat coronavirus patients
Dutch hospitals can no longer order supplies of the anti-viral drug Remdesivir to treat coronavirus patients because central supplies have run out, the Financieele Dagblad reported on Tuesday.
Read more at:
Dutch run out of anti-viral drug Remdesivir to treat coronavirus patients - DutchNews.nl
Read more at:
Dutch run out of anti-viral drug Remdesivir to treat coronavirus patients - DutchNews.nl
Denmark: Government seeking to tap mobile phones of rejected asylum-seekers "program should also be adopted in the Netherlands and other EU countries"
The government is aiming to obtain data from the mobile phones of rejected asylum-seekers in a bid to hasten their repatriation.
The measure is one of seven proposals that are part of a new repatriation law,
According to the immigration minister, Mattias Tesfaye, many asylum seekers in Denmark have used YouTube and Snapchat to discuss routes and destination countries.
The new law aims to provide clear direction on the treatment of asylum seekers – from the moment they are rejected residence until the time they are sent home.
Read more at:
Government seeking to tap mobile phones of rejected asylum-seekers - The Post
The measure is one of seven proposals that are part of a new repatriation law,
According to the immigration minister, Mattias Tesfaye, many asylum seekers in Denmark have used YouTube and Snapchat to discuss routes and destination countries.
The new law aims to provide clear direction on the treatment of asylum seekers – from the moment they are rejected residence until the time they are sent home.
Read more at:
Government seeking to tap mobile phones of rejected asylum-seekers - The Post
October 5, 2020
USA: Trump’s Turn From Immigration to the Enemy Within - by Ryan Devereaux
Trump’s shift from demonizing immigrants to targeting leftists is straight out of the fascist playbook.
Read more at: Trump’s Turn From Immigration to the Enemy Within
Read more at: Trump’s Turn From Immigration to the Enemy Within
October 3, 2020
The Netherlands one of the most sustainable destinations for expats
In the first-ever Environment and Sustainability Ranking published by InterNations - a network of expats around the world - the Netherlands has been ranked 12th out of 60 destinations for expats when it comes to sustainable living.
The data for the ranking was gathered via InterNations’ annual Expat Insider Survey, one of the most extensive surveys about living and working abroad, in which participants were asked to rate, on a scale of one to seven, their personal satisfaction in eight separate areas: air quality, the natural environment, water and sanitation, the availability of green goods and services, energy supply, local waste management and recycling infrastructure. The rating also covers perception of local government support for environmental policies and how invested the local population is in environmental issues.
Over 15.000 expats took part in the Expat Insider 2020, representing a total of 173 nationalities and living in 181 different countries or territories. For a country to be included in the ranking, a sample size of at least 75 respondents was necessary - this year, 60 countries met this requirement. The survey covers a number of issues, including making friends as an expat and the best cities around the world for expats.
Read more at:
The Netherlands one of the most sustainable destinations for expats
The data for the ranking was gathered via InterNations’ annual Expat Insider Survey, one of the most extensive surveys about living and working abroad, in which participants were asked to rate, on a scale of one to seven, their personal satisfaction in eight separate areas: air quality, the natural environment, water and sanitation, the availability of green goods and services, energy supply, local waste management and recycling infrastructure. The rating also covers perception of local government support for environmental policies and how invested the local population is in environmental issues.
Over 15.000 expats took part in the Expat Insider 2020, representing a total of 173 nationalities and living in 181 different countries or territories. For a country to be included in the ranking, a sample size of at least 75 respondents was necessary - this year, 60 countries met this requirement. The survey covers a number of issues, including making friends as an expat and the best cities around the world for expats.
Read more at:
The Netherlands one of the most sustainable destinations for expats
October 2, 2020
The Netherlands: Government has wishy washy poicy in wearing masks
Some things are hard to get your head around, even in 2020. The Dutch reluctance to don face masks is one of them.
When I brought my daughter to get tested for Covid-19 recently, I was shocked to find that most people waiting in line weren’t wearing face masks. The medical professionals taking the swabs were in full gear, but even the workers checking our details were maskless. This was, after all, a place you could (in theory) only walk into if you had symptoms.
Even more shocking was the man who checked-in my other daughter and I at the drive-thru testing centre at Amsterdam RAI. I asked him why he wasn’t wearing a mask. He said he had been, mostly to protect himself against the car fumes, but his bosses told him to take it off.
Why has the Netherlands been virtually alone among its European neighbours—and much of the world—in its reluctance to mandate masks?
Read more at:
Despite the government u-turn, the Dutch are still unwilling to wear masks - DutchNews.nl
October 1, 2020
Italy: Mike Pompeo Denied Audience With Pope Francis | HuffPost
The Vatican denied U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo’s request for an audience with Pope Francis this week, saying the pope would not see Pompeo in the midst of the ongoing American election.
“Yes, he asked,” Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin told The Associated Press as Pompeo is in Europe for a weeklong visit. “But the pope had already said clearly that political figures are not received in election periods. That is the reason.”
Pompeo will still meet with Parolin and other top Vatican officials during the visit, but the refusal was seen by some as the latest example of a political rift between the United States and the Vatican. During a religious freedom conference this week, Pompeo issued a strong denouncement of a deal the Catholic Church signed two years ago with China related to the appointment of bishops, which it is considering extending.President Donald Trump has taken a hard line against China, as has Pompeo, in the leadup to the U.S. election in November. The secretary of state has also taken unusual efforts to use his political authority to promote religious freedom.
Read more at:
Mike Pompeo Denied Audience With Pope Francis | HuffPost
Netherlands: Hundreds of UK firms turn to Netherlands with Brexit transition wrapping up
Hundreds of British companies are working on opening a branch in the
Netherlands by the end of this year, when the Brexit transition period
ends. The Netherlands Foreign Investment Agency (NFIA) is receiving
daily requests for information from British companies, AD reports.
Read more at:
Hundreds of UK firms turn to Netherlands with Brexit transition wrapping up | NL Times
Netherlands by the end of this year, when the Brexit transition period
ends. The Netherlands Foreign Investment Agency (NFIA) is receiving
daily requests for information from British companies, AD reports.
Read more at:
Hundreds of UK firms turn to Netherlands with Brexit transition wrapping up | NL Times
September 29, 2020
The Netherlands (finally) considers nationwide face mask obligation
Following the Netherlands’ announcement of the stricter
measures against the coronavirus on Monday, calls for a national face
mask obligation in the country are rising.
measures against the coronavirus on Monday, calls for a national face
mask obligation in the country are rising.
The Dutch government’s current measure
– that shopkeepers in the cities of Amsterdam, Rotterdam and The Hague
should only allow customers wearing a face mask to enter their shops –
is perceived as unclear, according to the Dutch Lower House.
– that shopkeepers in the cities of Amsterdam, Rotterdam and The Hague
should only allow customers wearing a face mask to enter their shops –
is perceived as unclear, according to the Dutch Lower House.
Read more at:
The Netherlands considers nationwide face mask obligation
The Netherlands: Dutch bring in new rules, forecast 5,000 coronavirus cases a day by next week
The Dutch government expects the number of positive coronavirus cases a day to reach 5,000 by next week, health minister Hugo de Jonge told reporters during Monday evening’s press conference to outline new measures to stem the spread.
Read more at:
Dutch bring in new rules, forecast 5,000 coronavirus cases a day by next week - DutchNews.nl
Read more at:
Dutch bring in new rules, forecast 5,000 coronavirus cases a day by next week - DutchNews.nl
September 27, 2020
European airlines cutting fares to woo back passengers
According to ForwardKeys, a company which analyses the tourism market,
airlines trimmed fares from Britain, France, Germany and the Netherlands
to destinations in southern Europe by 15 percent in August compared
with the same period last year.
Read More at
airlines trimmed fares from Britain, France, Germany and the Netherlands
to destinations in southern Europe by 15 percent in August compared
with the same period last year.
Read More at
September 26, 2020
Netherlands lockdown looming if people ignore Covid rules: Security boss
With coronavirus infections continuing to rise fast, and hospitalizations for Covid-19 growing at an exponential rate, lockdown measures will be needed to get the health problem under control if people do not do a better job of maintaining a safe distance from each other, said Nijmegen Mayor Hubert Bruls. In addition to his role as mayor, Bruls serves as the chair of the Gelderland-Zuid Security Region, one of eight regions added to the list of those at a "worrying" level with regard to the coronavirus crisis.
Read more at: https://nltimes.nl/
Read more at: https://nltimes.nl/
September 25, 2020
The Netherlands: More Dutch seniors active on social media
Social media usage among the elderly in the Netherlands has soared in recent years. The group 65 to 74-year-olds in particular have become increasingly active users.
In 2019, 76 percent of the respondents in this age category said they had used social media, up from 40 percent five years previously. An ncrease in social media use was also seen among people aged 75 and over. Exchanging text messages, via WhatsApp for example, is most popular among the elderly for passing along information. This is according to recent figures taken from the survey on ICT usage by households and individuals in 2019,
More Dutch seniors active on social media
In 2019, 76 percent of the respondents in this age category said they had used social media, up from 40 percent five years previously. An ncrease in social media use was also seen among people aged 75 and over. Exchanging text messages, via WhatsApp for example, is most popular among the elderly for passing along information. This is according to recent figures taken from the survey on ICT usage by households and individuals in 2019,
More Dutch seniors active on social media
The Netherlands: National measures needed to get coronavirus under control in the Netherlands - by Victoria Séveno
Speaking at a press conference on Friday, September 18, Prime Minister Mark Rutte and Health Minister Hugo de Jonge announced that six of the 25 security regions in the Netherlands had entered the “worrying” alert phase (code orange). At Wednesday’s parliamentary debate, Rutte announced that a further eight regions would join them<
Read more at:
National measures needed to get coronavirus under control in the Netherlands
National measures needed to get coronavirus under control in the Netherlands
September 23, 2020
The Netherlands - a source for life after death: Dutch 'living coffin' aims to provide source for life after death
A Dutch startup has created a biodegradable "living coffin" made
of a fungus instead of wood that it says can convert a decomposing human
body into key nutrients for plants.
Loop company says its casket is made of mycelium, the underground root structure of mushrooms, and filled with a bed of moss to stimulate decomposition.
"Mycelium is nature's biggest recycler," Bob Hendrikx, creator of the living coffin.
Read more at:
Dutch 'living coffin' aims to provide source for life after death |
Coronavirus: Can Europe tame the pandemic’s next wave? - by Kai Kupferschmidt
We’re at risk of gambling away our success,” virologist Christian Drosten warned in the German newspaper Die Zeit
last month. His message referred to Germany, but it could have been
addressed to all of Europe. After beating back COVID-19 in the spring,
most of Europe is seeing a resurgence. Spain is reporting close to
10,000 cases a day, more than it had at the height of the outbreak in
the spring. France is back to reporting thousands of cases a day. In
Germany, numbers are still low, but rising steadily. The pandemic is
affecting countries that saw few cases in the spring, such as Greece and
Malta, but is also rebounding in places that suffered terribly,
including the cities of Madrid and Barcelona.
Few dispute that Europe rose to the initial challenge. In Bergamo, a
hotspot in Italy’s Lombardy region, crematoria were so overburdened in
March that army trucks had to transport the dead to other cities—but on
24 May, Lombardy registered zero COVID-19 deaths for the first time. By
early July, the European Union and the United Kingdom together averaged
fewer than 5000 new cases per day, whereas the United States and Brazil
(which together have roughly the same population) had 50,000 and 40,000,
respectively. Europeans enjoyed a surprisingly normal summer, with northern Europeans flocking to Mediterranean beaches.
The rising case numbers today aren’t quite comparable to the peak in
April because countries are now testing far more people on a daily
basis. But the increase shows that Europe relaxed measures too early and too
much, says virologist Ab Osterhaus of the University of Veterinary
Medicine in Hanover, Germany. “The wrong message was given, basically:
We have done a great job and now we can relax again.” Instead, Europe
could have tried to emulate New Zealand by stopping community
transmission completely and zealously guarding against reintroductions,
says Devi Sridhar, a global health expert at the University of Edinburgh
who has been advising the Scottish government. Scotland committed early
on to pushing case numbers down to zero, but other countries did not,
and now almost all are seeing a resurgence
Read more at:
Can Europe tame the pandemic’s next wave? | Science | AAAS
September 22, 2020
Coronavirus: Beware: Fall and winter could be a friend to COVID-19, experts say - by Peter Krouse
A pandemic of the novel coronavirus has now killed more than 942,000 people worldwide.Over 30 million people across the globe have been diagnosed with COVID-19, the disease caused by the new respiratory virus, according to data compiled by the Center for Systems Science and Engineering at Johns Hopkins University.The
criteria for diagnosis -- through clinical means or a lab test -- has
varied from country-to-country. Still, the actual numbers are believed
to be much higher due to testing shortages, many unreported cases and
suspicions that some national governments are hiding or downplaying the
scope of their outbreaks.
Since the first cases were detected in China in December, the virus has rapidly spread to every continent except Antarctica.
The United States is the worst-affected country, with more than 6.6 million diagnosed cases and at least 197,397 deaths.
Read more at: https://www.cleveland.com/news/2020/08/beware-fall-and-winter-could-be-a-friend-to-covid-19-experts-say.html
September 20, 2020
The Netherlands: No, the expats are not leaving, but coronavirus has made it harder to move here
There is little evidence that international workers are leaving the Netherlands because of the coronavirus epidemic, but fewer people are arriving, experts and organisations working with expats have told DutchNews.nl
International schools say that while a few people have been called back to base, families are not packing up and leaving on a large scale and pupil numbers are steady. And while some housing agencies have said they have more property on their books, it is very unclear how much of this is due to people leaving, and how much to tougher regulations on holiday rentals
Read more at: No, the expats are not leaving, but coronavirus has made it harder to move here - DutchNews.nl
International schools say that while a few people have been called back to base, families are not packing up and leaving on a large scale and pupil numbers are steady. And while some housing agencies have said they have more property on their books, it is very unclear how much of this is due to people leaving, and how much to tougher regulations on holiday rentals
Read more at: No, the expats are not leaving, but coronavirus has made it harder to move here - DutchNews.nl
The Netherlands: Rutte: "The coronavirus is making a comeback"; New rules for hospitality, groups: by Zack Newmark
surge in new infections of the SARS-CoV-2 novel coronavirus will ranslate to new restrictions in at least six regions of the Netherlandsbeginning on Monday. "The coronavirus is making a comeback,"
Prime Minister Mark Rutte said at a press conference Friday night. At the event, Health Minister Hugo de Jonge introduced a three-stage warning system for the 25 security regions of the Netherlands, where 19 regions are at Level 1, or "vigilance", meaning people still need to pay attention to social distancing rules, and six regions including the four, largest cities were placed at the "Worrysome" Level 2.
Read more at: Rutte: "The coronavirus is making a comeback"; New rules for hospitality, groups | NL Times
September 19, 2020
Netherlands: Biggest Dutch cities to restrict bars, restaurants in Covid fight
Cafes, bars and restaurants in the Randstad region of the Netherlands will only be allowed to host 50 people at a time, down from 100. The new rule could go into effect as soon as Friday in six of the country's 25 security regions, including Amsterdam-Amstelland, Rotterdam-Rijmmond, and Utrecht.
Read more at: Biggest Dutch cities to restrict bars, restaurants in Covid fight: Report | NL Times
September 17, 2020
The Netherlands must be ready for serious economic setbacks, says king
The Netherlands must ready itself for serious economic setbacks, king
Willem Alexander said on Tuesday afternoon, in his official speech to
mark the start of the parliamentary year.
The Dutch economy and government finances are healthy and financial
buffers have been built up over the past few years which we can now
benefit from, the king said. ‘Now we have to ready ourselves for the
consequences of a serious economic setback, which will impact the
economy and government finances in the long term,’ he said.
Much
depends on how long coronavirus keeps us in its grip, he said. ‘But the
recent figures and prognoses are unheard of in peace time,’ he said.
‘The economic setbacks facing our biggest European and global trading
partners are in many cases even greater. For an open country like the
Netherlands, with its focus on trade and exports, this is an extra
complication, especially in the wake of Brexit.’
Read more at:
The Netherlands must be ready for serious economic setbacks, says king - DutchNews.nl
The Netherlands must be ready for serious economic setbacks, says king
The Netherlands must ready itself for serious economic setbacks, king Willem Alexander said on Tuesday afternoon, in his official speech to mark the start of the parliamentary year.
The Dutch economy and government finances are healthy and financial buffers have been built up over the past few years which we can now benefit from, the king said. ‘Now we have to ready ourselves for the consequences of a serious economic setback, which will impact the economy and government finances in the long term,’ he said.
Much depends on how long coronavirus keeps us in its grip, he said. ‘But the recent figures and prognoses are unheard of in peace time,’ he said. The economic setbacks facing our biggest European and global trading partners are in many cases even greater. For an open country like the Netherlands, with its focus on trade and exports, this is an extra complication, especially in the wake of Brexit.’
Read more at: The Netherlands must be ready for serious economic setbacks, says king - DutchNews.nl
September 15, 2020
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Coronavirus strikes again: 2 new coronavirus reinfection cases: Belgium, Netherlands, Hong Kong - by Aylin Woodward and Hilary Brueck
Just hours after the world's first confirmed coronavirus reinfection case was documented in Hong Kong on Monday,
researchers reported a woman in Belgium had caught the virus a second
time. So, too, did Dutch virus experts, who announced an older person in
the Netherlands as a third confirmed reinfection of COVID-19, the
disease caused by the coronavirus.
Read more at:
2 new coronavirus reinfection cases: Belgium, Netherlands, Hong Kong - Business Insider
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