Stories from Netherlands

A startup based in Venlo is using lasers to remove weeds from fields.

A music streaming service reported a loss of 86 million euros despite growth in monthly users and paying subscribers. The company's revenue for the quarter reached 4.2 billion euros, falling short of the 4.5 billion euros expected by analysts.

The International Court of Justice is expected to rule on whether Myanmar is responsible for genocide against the Rohingya people. The judgment is anticipated around July 2026. This marks the first time the court will judge a state's responsibility in this context.

The court also ruled that the United States is required to provide reparations to the Republic of Nicaragua for damages caused. The decision mandates the cessation of the identified violations.

Chip manufacturer NXP Semiconductors reported Q1 2026 revenue that surpassed Wall Street expectations. Sales for the period increased by 12.2%, causing the company's stock to jump 11.4%.

Approximately 70,000 children and young people in the Netherlands were staying home from school in 2024, according to the parent association Balans. The Telegraaf reported that the issue of school dropout rates has persisted for years without resolution.

A hacker group known as Bargo has withdrawn its threat to release stolen data from software provider Chipsoft. Chipsoft reported earlier this month that data had been compromised by the group.

A large fire at the Zuiderstrand in Den Haag is now under control. Forest rangers will monitor the dunes in the coming hours to prevent the fire from reigniting tonight. Firefighters have brought the fire near Duindorp under control after deploying dozens of personnel.

An international taskforce targeting organized contract killings has arrested 280 suspects over a one-year period. The taskforce involves cooperation between 11 countries to address criminal organizations hiring youth for violent tasks. An additional 1,400 individuals are currently under suspicion, according to the report. A special taskforce is working to address the issue of violence-for-hire. Additionally, authorities have identified 1,400 other suspects in related investigations. The recruitment occurs online and targets children as young as 13 or 14 years old. The phenomenon is described as violence as a service or violence on demand. The report noted that the Northwest and central parts of Europe experienced one of the ten driest years ever recorded.

Wildfires have broken out in several locations across the Netherlands. Firefighters are currently extinguishing fires in the dunes near The Hague. A fire in Malde, Gelderland, has been extinguished. A fire on the Oorschotse heide in Brabant has been burning for six days, and authorities suspect arson. Omroep Brabant reports that extra patrols are being deployed to the area. Firefighters report a shortage of personnel and equipment to combat the blazes. The country has requested assistance from the international community to manage the situation. The two nations are sending a total of eight aircraft to aid in firefighting efforts.