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Paramount and other industry leaders have publicly rejected a boycott pledge calling for a ban on Israeli film institutions implicated in Gaza conflict. The pledge, signed by numerous actors and filmmakers, aims to oppose what signatories see as complicity in Israeli actions. Responses highlight tensions over artistic freedom and political activism amid ongoing Gaza violence.
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Recent reports highlight growing concerns over retirement preparedness across Australia, the UK, and Europe. Australians face higher savings targets amid rising costs, UK young adults need over £740,000 for financial independence, and European pension systems are under reform pressure. These trends reflect broader economic and demographic shifts impacting future retirees.
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The European Court of Justice dismissed Austria's challenge against including gas and nuclear energy in the EU's green taxonomy. The ruling affirms the legality of the classification, which aims to guide sustainable investments toward climate neutrality by 2050, despite ongoing criticism over environmental risks and greenwashing concerns.
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The Netherlands is advancing plans to ban two far-right Israeli ministers, Itamar Ben Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, from entering the country. The move follows their calls for violence and ethnic cleansing in Gaza. The government is also drafting an import ban on goods from Israeli settlements amid ongoing tensions.
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World Rugby has unveiled a new global women’s rugby competition, the WXV Global Series, running from 2026 to 2028. It features 18 teams, including top-ranked nations and Hong Kong, with a new format replacing the previous WXV tournament. The series aims to boost international fixtures and support the sport’s growth.
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Several European broadcasters threaten to boycott Eurovision 2026 if Israel participates, citing concerns over Gaza conflict and press freedom. The European Broadcasting Union has given countries until December to decide on participation amid protests and political pressure.
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Russia's bid to regain a seat on the ICAO Council failed after a vote short of support. Moscow argued sanctions violate aviation rules and sought relief, but Western countries condemned Russia's actions in Ukraine and the MH17 incident. Russia has appealed the ICAO decision to the ICJ.
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Thousands protested in The Hague over immigration policies, clashing with police. Rioters set a police car on fire, attacked political offices, and blocked highways. The unrest comes ahead of the October 29 general election, with far-right leader Wilders condemning the violence.
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The Dutch government will return over 28,000 fossils from the Dubois Collection, including Java Man, to Indonesia. The fossils, excavated in the late 19th century, are regarded as crucial evidence of Homo erectus. The decision follows extensive research confirming the fossils were likely taken without local consent during colonial times. The transfer aims to address historical injustices and support scientific research.
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The Dutch Supreme Court has overturned a court order that temporarily halted the export of F-35 fighter jet parts to Israel. The court ruled that the government, not the courts, must decide on foreign policy issues, giving the government six weeks to reassess export licenses amid ongoing Gaza conflict. The ruling emphasizes the primacy of government authority over judicial intervention in foreign policy decisions.
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A Hague court is hearing a landmark climate case backed by Greenpeace, where residents of Bonaire, including a farmer, are demanding the Dutch government take stronger action against climate change. The case follows international rulings emphasizing governments' obligations to protect citizens from rising sea levels and heat impacts. Hearings continue today.
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The Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences was announced in Stockholm, honoring research on why some countries prosper more than others. Last year’s laureates studied the link between open societies and wealth. The prize is awarded alongside other Nobel categories on December 10.
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Recent updates to the Henley Passport Index show notable declines for the US, UK, Pakistan, and India, while China and several Asian countries have improved their rankings. The US has fallen out of the top 10 for the first time in 20 years, reflecting changing global mobility and diplomatic shifts.
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Dutch politician Geert Wilders, leading in polls ahead of October 29 elections, has disclosed he has been targeted by a group planning attacks. Wilders, who has lived under protection for 21 years, is campaigning on a platform that includes strict migration policies and border controls.
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The EU is seeking China to relax export controls on rare earths and magnets amid escalating trade tensions. China has responded with export restrictions on Nexperia, a Dutch chipmaker with Chinese ownership, citing national security concerns. Diplomatic efforts are underway to resolve the dispute and stabilize supply chains.
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European leaders are advancing efforts to reduce reliance on China and the US, focusing on raw materials and supply chains amid geopolitical tensions. The Netherlands' election results show a shift away from populism, but EU faces challenges in uniting member states on economic and security issues. Today's summit highlights these tensions.
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A global semiconductor shortage, worsened by geopolitical tensions and export bans, threatens vehicle production across Europe and Japan. Major automakers warn of imminent factory shutdowns as supply chains are disrupted, with key chips from China and the Netherlands affected.
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Liberia's government announced a significant increase in medicine procurement, with $10 million allocated for 2024-2025. The initiative aims to reduce drug shortages, improve accountability, and strengthen healthcare access nationwide, supported by government leadership and community involvement.
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The Netherlands' recent election resulted in a near-tie between D66 and Wilders' PVV, each winning 26 seats. No clear majority emerged, delaying coalition talks. D66's leader Rob Jetten is favored to become the next prime minister, while Wilders' party declined significantly from 2023. Coalition negotiations are expected to take months.
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As of November 2025, China has agreed to resume exports of automotive chips from Nexperia to Europe for one year, following a diplomatic deal involving the US, China, and the Netherlands. The dispute began when the Dutch government seized control of Nexperia over security concerns, prompting China to halt exports and threaten European car production. The resolution provides temporary relief but highlights ongoing geopolitical tensions and supply chain vulnerabilities.
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A 3,500-year-old stone head from Egypt, believed stolen during the Arab Spring, was recovered in Maastricht in 2022. Dutch authorities confirmed its illicit origin and plan to return it to Egypt by year's end, following an anonymous tip and investigation.
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Sweden is negotiating a long-term air defense cooperation with Ukraine, including potential fighter jet exports, amid ongoing conflict. NATO is deploying advanced drone detection systems in Eastern Europe to deter Russian incursions. Meanwhile, Romania has transferred F-16 jets to bolster regional training and security efforts.
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A Dutch court dismissed a lawsuit by NGOs seeking a ban on arms exports to Israel, citing government discretion and existing measures. The court acknowledged the risk of genocide in Gaza but ruled the Dutch government already does enough to discourage exports, emphasizing the importance of foreign policy decisions.
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European tensions over Chinese-controlled Nexperia have escalated, disrupting auto supply chains and exposing Europe's dependency on Chinese technology amid US-China trade conflicts. Diplomatic efforts are underway to resolve the crisis, but risks of ongoing instability remain. (Tue, 18 Nov 2025 12:45:09 +0000)
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Egypt's Grand Egyptian Museum opened this week, housing over 50,000 artifacts including King Tut's collection. The museum aims to boost tourism and national pride, while Egypt intensifies calls for the return of the Nefertiti bust from Germany, citing legal and ethical disputes. The debate highlights ongoing restitution tensions.
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The Netherlands has suspended its plan to take control of Chinese-owned Nexperia after diplomatic talks with China. The move aimed to prevent supply chain disruptions in the global chip industry, which is affected by geopolitical tensions. The decision follows recent negotiations and China's lifting of export bans.
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Iraq secured a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup after winning their Asian playoff. The tournament will expand to 48 teams, with qualifiers from six continents. The draw is scheduled for December 5 in Washington, D.C., with the final tournament beginning in June 2026 across the US, Canada, and Mexico.
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The European Broadcasting Union has introduced new voting rules for Eurovision to address concerns over political influence and promotion campaigns, especially related to Israel's participation following recent conflicts. Changes include limiting votes per person and tightening promotion regulations, amid threats of boycotts from some countries.
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Several European broadcasters, including Spain, Ireland, and the Netherlands, announced they will boycott Eurovision 2026 if Israel participates, citing concerns over Gaza's humanitarian crisis and political interference. The EBU plans rule changes to address voting manipulation, but a vote on Israel's inclusion is imminent.
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Recent drone sightings near military sites in Europe, including the Netherlands and Germany, have prompted military responses amid concerns over hybrid warfare. Incidents involve unidentified drones over airbases, leading to investigations and security measures. The events highlight vulnerabilities despite increased defense spending.
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A referendum in Slovenia has rejected a law legalising assisted dying, with about 53% voting against. The law, approved in July, would have allowed terminally ill patients to end their lives under specific conditions. The suspension of the law will last at least one year, following a campaign backed by the Catholic Church and conservative groups.
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The International Criminal Court (ICC) is under significant pressure as US sanctions target staff, including judges and prosecutors, amid ongoing investigations into US and Israeli officials. The court's independence is reaffirmed, but operational challenges and internal investigations threaten its future. The 24th Assembly of States Parties is ongoing today.
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Several European countries, including Spain, Ireland, the Netherlands, and Slovenia, have announced they will not participate in Eurovision 2026 in Vienna due to disagreements over Israel's participation amid the Gaza conflict. The European Broadcasting Union faces a divided stance, with some nations threatening to boycott if Israel is allowed to compete. The decision hinges on ongoing debates about political interference and contest neutrality.