The Netherlands - Cyber attacks: Digitization leaves the Netherlands vulnerable to cyber attacks: NCTV report says

The Netherlands is particularly vulnerable to IT failures and attacks because almost all vital processes and systems have been completely digitized with no analogue back-ups, the Dutch counter terrorism unit NCTV said on Wednesday.

‘The Netherlands is dependent on a limited number of providers and countries. This makes us vulnerable to changed intentions,’ the report said.

‘For example, a large part of the hard and software is designed and produced in China and the US.’ In addition, little expertise is needed to launch a cyber attack which could, for example, knock out gas, electricity and water supplies.

The best way to reduce the risks is to improve security systems. And while companies and government are taking action, they sometimes think the cost of the improvements are not worth it ‘until things go wrong,’ the NCTV said.

The biggest threats presently come from China, Russia and Iran, and a variety of hackersthe NCTV said, in a restatement of earlier reports.

Read more at: Digitization leaves the Netherlands vulnerable to cyber attacks: NCTV - DutchNews.nl - Live

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Garbage: After China will Romania become Europe's Garbage dump

After China, will Romania become Europe's rubbish dump? Until recently, China received eight million tonnes of plastic waste a year, much of it from western European countries. But Beijing has stopped accepting most used plastics. 

Experts believe a lot of that waste may now be sent to Eastern Europe. In Romania, the law on incineration allows all sorts of different types of rubbish - such as tyres, oils and plastics - to be burned. Locals there are already dealing with the alarming consequences.

Read more at:
http://www.france24.com/en/20190610-focus-romania-rubbish-dump-plastic-waste-incineration-europe-environment-china

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Europe Day 2019 : A video about the average European Citizen

Click here to see the video: https://youtu.be/6gAdwk0Fy7k

Soccer: Portugal 1-0 Netherlands: Nations League final – as it happened

 Portugal have done the European double - they won Euro 2016 and have added the 2019 Nations League.

They are a slightly odd side, a bit of a motley crew with one or two class acts like Bernardo Silva. But they are brilliantly organized at the back, they work like stink and they have a demented glory addict in attack.

Read more: Portugal 1-0 Netherlands: Nations League final – as it happened | Football | The Guardian

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Big Pharma in the EU : Dutch healthcare institute "Zorginstituut Nederland" says drugs companies are effectively blackmailing officials by refusing to be transparent about their prices

The Dutch healthcare institute "Zorginstituut Nederland" said recently insurers should stop paying for expensive drugs if pharmaceutical companies continue to refuse to say how they arrive at their pricing.

The institute, which assesses the efficacy of new drugs and advises the government on whether they should be included in the basic healthcare policy, says the drugs companies are effectively blackmailing officials by refusing to be transparent about their prices.

Last years June announcement that Ireland is joining the Beneluxa Initiative on Pharmaceutical Policy might suggest renewed vigour for the drive to equip national governments with more clout in their pricing negotiations with international drug firms.

The likelihood is that better-informed health authorities will be better equipped to confront drug firms. Similarly, drug firms will be obliged to present more cogent justifications for their pricing ambitions/

 As has been proven in the US, Pharmaceutical companies. also known there as "Big Pharma, can not be left operating with little or no strict Governmental controls.

In the US this has led to a steady rise in the cost of pharmaceutical products for consumers.

 It is more than obvious the Pharmaceutical industry must be closely monitored in two major areas: a) Their pricing structures and practices, and b) Providing far more transparency in their marketing and sales activities, specifically as it relates to the insurance and medical industry.

In Europe the initiatives of the Beneluxa Initiative on Pharmaceutical Policy certainly are a step in the right direction, but unfortunately Government support and action has been extremely slow, while the Pharmaceutical lobby in the EU Parliament, however, like it has been in the US Congress and Senate, has been vigorous and very effective.

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The Dutch healthcare institute Zorginstituut Nederland said in February insurers should stop paying for expensive drugs if pharmaceutical companies continue to refuse to say how they arrive at the price. The institute, which assesses the efficacy of new drugs and advises the government on whether they should be included in the basic healthcare policy, says the drugs companies are effectively blackmailing officials by refusing to be transparent about their prices. Leadiant Biosciences told DutchNews.nl in a statement: ‘We follow the discussion and the AMC initiative. Bringing medicines for rare diseases like CTX to patients and families in need requires a collaboration between industry and health systems, including governments, regulators, insurers, advocacy groups, and health professionals. ‘At the heart of the issue is ensuring the medicines we develop and deliver meet the appropriate standards of safety, efficacy and quality – and are accessible to the people who need them. We will continue to engage with the relevant stakeholders on solutions that address these needs.’ The company did not comment on the reason behind the price hike.

Read more at DutchNews.nl:

UEFA Nations League - Netherlands-England - Netherlands 3-1 England: Nations League at a glance - UEFA.com

The Netherlands will play Portugal in Sunday's UEFA Nations League final  after they came from behind to beat England 3-1 in extra time in Guimaraes.

Portugal await in Sunday's inaugural UEFA Nations League final. The Oranje overwhelmed the Portuguese 3-0 in March 2018, only their second win in 13 previous meetings with the Selecção 

Read more at: UEFA Nations League - Netherlands-England - Netherlands 3-1 England: Nations League at a glance - UEFA.com

D-day: World leaders, minus Vladimir Putin, gathered in UK for the start of the 75th D-day commemorations

World leaders gather in UK for start of 75th D-Day commemorations Queen Elizabeth II joined British Prime Minister Theresa May and other world leaders for a ceremony on the southern coast of England that will start two days of commemorations for the 75th anniversary of D-Day.

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http://www.france24.com/en/20190605-uk-france-germany-usa-portsmouth-75th-anniversary-d-day-wwii-queen-trump-veterans