Stories from The Hague · Netherlands

Artificial intelligence is reportedly being used to generate evolving digital threats, according to Europol. In a separate operation, Europol announced the arrest of a Camorra criminal organization member. The AI was reportedly used to create sophisticated phishing schemes targeting crypto users. Further details on the AI threats were not immediately available. The arrest is part of a broader investigation into cybercrime. Europol has arrested a member of the Camorra crime syndicate amidst concerns over AI-driven cryptocurrency threats. The specifics of the threats and the arrested individual's role were not disclosed. No new information was provided in this update. One member of the Camorra crime syndicate was apprehended in connection with these activities. Europol made the arrest in The Hague. Europol announced the dismantling of a cybercriminal VPN service used in cyberattacks.

An advocacy group is calling on the Netherlands to ban all trade with Israeli settlements. The Dutch Parliament has approved a ban on goods originating from illegal Israeli settlements. Prime Minister Rob Jetten announced the cabinet's decision at a press conference.

The Dutch Supreme Court will reconsider the climate case against Shell on Friday, May 22, 2026. Milieudefensie (Friends of the Earth Netherlands) initiated the lawsuit against the energy company.

Tree experts in The Hague took approximately 100 cuttings from the city's only golden Canadian poplar, located on an island in the Hofvijver.

The General Court of Audit concluded in its 2025 accountability investigation that the aviation policy remains unclear.

A pig farm in the Netherlands, reportedly in violation of environmental and animal welfare laws since 2004, is set to receive €5 million in taxpayer money.

Queen Máxima of the Netherlands' Spanish language skills have reportedly declined after 25 years of Dutch citizenship.

King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands stated during a photo session that people "just have to deal with each other normally again." This comment was made in the context of discussions around refugees and demonstrations.

The United Nations has backed a climate crisis ruling from the ICJ World Court. The US, Russia, and Iran attempted to block the resolution. This decision said the international community's commitment to addressing the climate crisis. New Zealand is planning to change its laws to prevent private individuals and groups from filing lawsuits related to climate change. This initiative acknowledges the need for funding and support to address climate change issues. The Danish Parliament (Folketing) has adopted a resolution addressing the responsibility of states in curbing climate change. A report argues that the economic costs associated with climate change are not inherently madness.

Researchers from the Rekenkamer warn that the Netherlands may not be resilient against war, cyberattacks, natural disasters, or other catastrophes. Authorities in Orange County, California, have ordered 40,000 residents to evacuate due to the threat of a chemical explosion.