What's happening in Europe?
Netherlands
The NRC front page features a mix of domestic and international news, with a focus on environmental issues, social concerns, and geopolitical events. Domestically, stories cover the investigation into the 'sustainable' biomass of energy giant RWE and the plight of the homeless in Amsterdam…
Energy producer RWE is burning wood in Dutch power plants that is sourced from Malaysian forests, despite its unsustainable origin. The watchdog still classified it as 'sustainable', leading to an investigation by the police and the Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority.
The number of homeless people in the Netherlands is growing, particularly visible in Amsterdam-Zuidoost, where encampments have emerged resembling those in poorer countries. Many residents are Roma, often living in family or village structures.
Beyond the Strait of Hormuz, a battle is also unfolding for another critical maritime passage in the Middle East: the Bab al-Mandeb. The Houthis are targeting Saudi Arabia in this conflict, which is primarily driven by economic and power interests.
Dutch exports to the United States have decreased by 25% compared to the previous year, amounting to a 4.3 billion euro drop in the first half of the year, with total exports reaching 13 billion euros.
US President Donald Trump has pledged to give all American adults $5,000 (approximately €4,300) if Republicans maintain their majority in Congress following the November elections.
Global heat records continue to be broken, with the month of August experiencing unprecedented temperatures since measurements began.
Dutch tennis player Botic van de Zandschulp was defeated by Germany's Alexander Zverev in the quarter-finals of the US Open.
Feyenoord attacked frequently in the Camp Nou, but FC Barcelona capitalized ruthlessly on any defensive gaps, securing a dominant 5-1 victory through brilliant goals and skill.
A significant breakthrough in mathematics has been achieved as OpenAI successfully solved a complex problem within an 88-hour timeframe.
