Latest Mark Rutte News
'Hoodwinked' before Christmas, EU nations seek to slow virus
THE HAGUE (AP) — Nations across Europe took new measures Friday in an attempt to keep a COVID-19 spike from spiraling out of control, hoping that action now will safeguard the joys of Christmas next month. A spike in cases fueled by the contagious delta variant forced...
EU wants calm amid virus protests; rioters called 'idiots'
THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — In the face of demonstrations across much of Europe protesting tough COVID-19 measures over the past days, authorities on Monday pleaded for patience, calm and a willingness to get a vaccine shot in the arm as infections spike upward again. ...
Protest erupts in Dutch city on 1st night of new lockdown
UTRECHT, Netherlands (AP) — Protests broke out in a northern Dutch city Saturday night as a new coronavirus lockdown imposed amid soaring infections forced bars and restaurants to close at 8 p.m. Dutch broadcaster NOS reported that hundreds of young people gathered in a...
Anti-racism activists stage demo against Dutch 'Black Pete'
BREDA, Netherlands (AP) — About 100 anti-racism protesters chanted “Kick Out Black Pete” Saturday at an event where children could meet the Dutch version of Santa Claus and his controversial sidekick. The Black Pete character, often played by adults wearing...
Dutch govt orders 3-week partial lockdown amid virus surge
THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — Caretaker Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte announced a three-week partial lockdown Friday amid surging COVID-19 cases in the Netherlands, saying his government wants to “deliver a hard blow to the virus.” The lockdown that begins...
Not out of the woods: COVID cases rising in Western Europe
THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — Santa won't be getting his traditional welcome in the Dutch city of Utrecht this year. The ceremonial head of Carnival celebrations in Germany's Cologne had to bow out because he tested positive for COVID-19. And Austria is planning a lockdown on unvaccinated...
Dutch see record daily number of new COVID-19 infections
THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — The Dutch public health institute on Thursday announced the highest daily tally of new COVID-19 cases since the pandemic began, as the government reportedly considered a limited lockdown to put the brakes on spiking infections. The...
The Latest: EU: Climate talks must achieve key Paris goal
GLASGOW, Scotland (AP) — The Latest on the COP26 climate talks in Glasgow. GLASGOW, Scotland — The European Union’s climate chief said Monday that U.N. talks in Glasgow must focus on ensuring the headline goal of the Paris Agreement can be met. ...
Dutch, Canadian leaders hope for climate progress at G-20
THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — Canada and the Netherlands are counting on the weekend Group of 20 summit in Rome to make significant progress toward clinching an acceptable deal at the United Nations climate meeting starting immediately afterward. After a bilateral...
Talk talk: Dutch coalition negotiations set new record
THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — Talks to hammer out a new ruling Dutch coalition broke the record Friday for the longest post-election government formation negotiations — 226 days and counting. The previous Dutch record was held by the last government, which was made up...
