Global Pulse

标签： Europe

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  • From ‘Robot Jetten’ to prime minister: The rise of the Netherlands’ youngest leader

    From ‘Robot Jetten’ to prime minister: The rise of the Netherlands’ youngest leader

    THE HAGUE, Netherlands — In a landmark moment for Dutch politics, Rob Jetten has been sworn in as Prime Minister of the Netherlands, becoming both the youngest leader in the nation’s history and the first openly gay individual to hold the office. The 38-year-old politician took his oath on Monday to lead a minority three-party coalition government, breaking the previous age record set by Christian Democrat Ruud Lubbers, who assumed office at age 43 in 1982.

    Jetten’s ascent to the pinnacle of Dutch politics represents the culmination of a nearly decade-long parliamentary career that began in 2017 when he first won a seat for the centrist, pro-European D66 party, which he now leads. Initially known for his overly rehearsed responses that earned him the nickname ‘Robot’ Jetten, the new prime minister has since developed a more relaxed public persona that has resonated with voters. His popularity received a significant boost after he reached the finals of the prime-time television quiz ‘The Smartest Person.’

    The historic nature of Jetten’s appointment is particularly noteworthy given the Netherlands’ pioneering role in LGBTQ+ rights, having become the first country to legalize same-sex marriage in 2001. Jetten regularly shares aspects of his personal life on social media, including photos with his partner Nicolás Keenan, an Argentine field hockey star who won bronze at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Following his election victory in late October, Jetten posted a heartfelt message combining Dutch and Spanish, thanking Keenan for his ‘unconditional support.’

    However, Jetten faces significant governing challenges as he leads a coalition holding only 66 seats in the 150-seat House of Representatives without a majority in the upper house either. His political career has been marked by environmental advocacy, earning him the nickname ‘climate pusher’ during his time as climate spokesman. As a Cabinet minister under former Prime Minister Mark Rutte, now NATO chief, Jetten championed comprehensive climate legislation involving 120 measures costing 28 billion euros aimed at reducing Dutch carbon emissions by 60% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels.

    Born in the southeastern town of Uden, Jetten studied business administration and worked at government-owned railway infrastructure company ProRail before entering politics. His background also includes athletic pursuits—he once served as a pace setter for future Olympic long-distance champion Sifan Hassan, demonstrating the diverse experiences he brings to his new role as the Netherlands’ youngest-ever prime minister.

  • EU diplomats scramble to overcome Hungary’s threat to derail new sanctions on Russia

    EU diplomats scramble to overcome Hungary’s threat to derail new sanctions on Russia

    BRUSSELS — European Union efforts to impose a twentieth sanctions package against Russia have encountered significant obstruction from Hungary, creating a major rift within the bloc on the eve of the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

    EU Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas confirmed Monday that the comprehensive sanctions package targeting Russia’s shadow fleet and energy revenues would likely not advance during the foreign ministers’ meeting in Brussels. The development follows Hungary’s weekend threat to block both the sanctions and a critical €90 billion loan package for Ukraine until Russian oil deliveries to Hungary resume.

    The diplomatic standoff stems from the January 27 interruption of Russian oil shipments to Hungary and Slovakia via the Druzhba pipeline, which Ukrainian officials attribute to Russian drone attacks damaging the infrastructure. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has made unsubstantiated claims that Ukraine is deliberately withholding oil shipments and attempting to destabilize his government.

    In a social media post, Orbán characterized the situation as a “Ukrainian oil blockade” orchestrated by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, warning that “by attacking Hungary, he can only lose.” The comments come as Orbán faces a crucial election in less than two months, during which he has launched an aggressive anti-Ukraine campaign accusing the leading opposition party of conspiring with EU and Ukrainian officials.

    The Hungarian position has drawn sharp criticism from other EU members. Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski suggested Orbán’s actions represent a domestic political maneuver, stating it was “shocking” to see hostility toward “the victim of aggression” exploited for electoral gains.

    German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul expressed astonishment at Hungary’s stance, urging reconsideration and emphasizing the need to “show strength” and “support Ukraine sustainably.” Latvian and Estonian officials similarly emphasized the urgency of both sanctions and financial support for Ukraine.

    The blocked €90 billion loan package represents crucial funding for Ukraine’s military and economic needs over the next two years, with Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna stressing that “Ukraine needs this money heavily.”

    Unlike most European nations that have significantly reduced or eliminated Russian energy imports since the 2022 invasion, Hungary and Slovakia maintain substantial Russian oil and gas supplies under a temporary EU exemption.

  • A look at the how Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has unfolded, by the numbers

    A look at the how Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has unfolded, by the numbers

    As the Ukraine conflict marks its grim fourth anniversary this Tuesday, Europe’s largest military confrontation since World War II continues with no resolution in sight. The devastating war has fundamentally reshaped continental security architecture while inflicting unprecedented suffering on combatants and civilians alike.

    Peace negotiations brokered by the U.S. administration have encountered significant obstacles, particularly regarding the status of Russian-occupied Ukrainian territories and postwar security guarantees for Kyiv. These diplomatic efforts have yielded minimal progress amid entrenched positions from both Moscow and Kyiv.

    The human toll remains staggering: recent analysis from the Center for Strategic and International Studies estimates approximately 1.8 million military casualties (killed, wounded, or missing) across both armies. Russian forces have reportedly suffered between 1.1-1.2 million casualties, including up to 325,000 fatalities—the highest death toll for any major power in a single conflict since World War II. Ukrainian military casualties are estimated at 500,000-600,000, with President Zelenskyy acknowledging 55,000 troop deaths earlier this month.

    Civilian suffering has been equally devastating. The UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission documents nearly 15,000 confirmed civilian deaths (acknowledging this as a conservative estimate) with over 40,600 injuries. Tragically, at least 763 children have perished in the conflict, with 2025 representing the deadliest year for civilians since the invasion began.

    The territorial situation remains largely stagnant despite massive military investment. Russia currently occupies 19.4% of Ukrainian territory, having gained merely 0.79% over the past year according to the Institute for the Study of War. This minimal territorial shift highlights the grinding war of attrition that has characterized recent fighting.

    International support dynamics have shifted significantly, with foreign military aid to Ukraine declining by 13% last year compared to the 2022-2024 average. This reduction coincides with the Trump administration halting weapons shipments to Kyiv, though European nations have increased their military assistance by 67% during the same period.

    The humanitarian crisis continues to deepen, with 5.9 million Ukrainians having fled the country—5.3 million finding refuge in European nations—while another 3.7 million remain internally displaced. Additionally, the World Health Organization has recorded 2,851 Russian attacks affecting medical care provision, including 2,347 direct strikes on healthcare facilities.

  • A new era for Dutch politics with Rob Jetten set to be sworn in as prime minister

    A new era for Dutch politics with Rob Jetten set to be sworn in as prime minister

    THE HAGUE, Netherlands — In a ceremony at the Huis ten Bosch Palace on Monday, King Willem-Alexander formally inaugurated the Netherlands’ newest coalition government under Prime Minister Rob Jetten, who at 38 becomes the country’s youngest-ever leader. The administration faces immediate governing challenges as it commands only a minority position in parliament.

    The three-party coalition comprises Jetten’s centrist D66 party alongside two center-right partners: the Christian Democrats and the People’s Party for Freedom and Democracy. Collectively, they control just 66 seats in the 150-member lower house, requiring extensive negotiation with opposition factions for every legislative proposal.

    This fragile majority faces its first test from the newly merged Green Left-Labor Party bloc, which has already voiced strong opposition to the government’s proposed healthcare and welfare reductions. Opposition leader Jesse Klaver declared on social media platform X that the plans would burden ordinary citizens with hundreds of euros in additional costs while exempting the wealthiest from proportional contributions.

    The political landscape leading to this minority government emerged from October’s snap election, triggered when Geert Wilders’ Party for Freedom withdrew from the previous coalition in June. Jetten’s D66 narrowly secured victory through postal ballots after tying with Wilders’ party in seat count.

    Internationally, Prime Minister Jetten aims to reestablish the Netherlands’ influential role within the European Union, which many observers believe diminished under the previous administration. Despite past criticisms of U.S. President Donald Trump, Jetten emphasizes maintaining strong transatlantic relations while prioritizing European cooperation. His government has committed to continuing military support for Ukraine against Russian aggression.

    Key ministerial appointments include Christian Democrat Tom Berendsen as Foreign Minister, expected to leverage his European Parliament experience to revitalize Dutch diplomacy. Eelco Heinen retains his position as Finance Minister, providing continuity in economic stewardship. Dilan Yeşilgöz-Zegerius transitions from Justice to Defense Minister, tasked with military strengthening, while Bart van den Brink will lead immigration policy with focus on asylum processing reforms.

  • French artist JR’s installation will transform Paris’ oldest bridge into a giant cave

    French artist JR’s installation will transform Paris’ oldest bridge into a giant cave

    PARIS — Renowned French artist JR, often compared to the elusive Banksy, is preparing to execute his most ambitious urban intervention yet—transforming Paris’s historic Pont Neuf into a massive immersive art experience this June. The 17th-century bridge will temporarily become a walk-through cavern installation, creating a striking juxtaposition of mineral formations against classical Parisian architecture.

    The project, titled ‘Pont Neuf Cavern,’ will run from June 6-28, stretching 120 meters in length and reaching over 17 meters in height. The installation will completely envelop the bridge’s stone arches with a prehistoric rock-like illusion, incorporating multi-sensory elements including specialized sound design by former Daft Punk member Thomas Bangalter and augmented reality technology developed by Snap’s Paris studio.

    This monumental work serves as both homage and innovation, referencing the iconic 1985 wrapping of Pont Neuf by artistic duo Christo and Jeanne-Claude while establishing a distinctly contemporary approach to public art. JR acknowledges the significance of following these pioneers, stating he’s proceeding ‘in a very different style, in my own way.’

    The experience offers dual perspectives: externally, the bridge will appear as a massive geological formation disrupting the urban landscape; internally, visitors will navigate a completely darkened tunnel designed to create temporal disorientation and total immersion. The artist describes it as potentially ‘the largest immersive installation ever made,’ accessible 24/7 throughout its three-week exhibition.

    JR’s team has conducted extensive engineering and safety studies, including tests at Paris’s Orly airport hangar, to ensure structural integrity and emergency preparedness. Visitor numbers will be regulated in consultation with authorities, with continuous monitoring throughout the installation period.

    Beyond its physical presence, the work engages with philosophical themes, explicitly referencing Plato’s allegory of the cave as commentary on contemporary digital realities. ‘What are our caves today? Our phones,’ JR notes, drawing parallels between the cave’s shadow reality and algorithmic social media environments.

    The installation coincides with Paris Fashion Week and World Music Day, with the bridge closing to traffic during this period, creating a unique cultural convergence in the heart of the French capital.

  • The 102-year-old kitman who left his mark on the World Cup

    The 102-year-old kitman who left his mark on the World Cup

    At 102 years young, Charlie O’Leary stands as a living monument to Irish football history. The Dubliner, who recently celebrated his birthday in February, possesses a legacy that intertwines with the very fabric of the sport across both the Republic and Northern Ireland. His remarkable journey from local innovator to international football figure is now being immortalized in “The Charlie O’Leary Story – From Johnny Cullen’s Hill to the Olympic Stadium Rome,” set to premiere at the Dublin International Film Festival.

    O’Leary’s most enduring contribution remains the revolutionary “street leagues” he established in Dublin’s East Wall neighborhood in 1945. Recognizing the lack of organized football opportunities for teenagers, O’Leary proposed utilizing the parish church’s juvenile sodality as a foundation for competitive play. The leagues organized teams based on residential streets, creating an immediate sense of community pride and belonging.

    The initiative rapidly expanded throughout Dublin during the 1950s before spreading across the island to cities including Belfast. What began as a local solution evolved into a breeding ground for legendary talent. The leagues produced an extraordinary roster of players who would achieve international acclaim, including Manchester United’s European Cup winner Tony Dunn, Arsenal and Juventus star Liam Brady, and Leeds United icon Johnny Giles.

    Northern Ireland similarly benefited from O’Leary’s vision, with three members of their historic 1958 World Cup squad—Harry Gregg, Bertie Peacock, and Jimmy McIlroy—having developed their skills in the street leagues. Later participants included Manchester United’s Sammy McIlroy and current Northern Ireland assistant manager Jimmy Nicholl.

    O’Leary’s influence extended beyond community organizing to direct involvement with the Republic of Ireland national team. Serving as kitman for 16 years during Irish football’s golden era, he witnessed iconic victories including the historic defeat of England at Euro 1988 and the stunning triumph over Italy at the 1994 World Cup.

    Film producer Fergus Dowd emphasizes the cultural significance of O’Leary’s creation: “These kids had a jersey on, they were representing their road and their mothers and fathers were watching. It was a massive community event that grew organically from Charlie’s vision.”

    Reflecting on his extraordinary life in football, which included refereeing behind the Iron Curtain during the Cold War, O’Leary identifies meeting Pope John Paul II during the 1990 World Cup as his most cherished memory. “I was frozen, I couldn’t speak,” he recalls. “That to me was the biggest thrill I ever got in my life.”

    The documentary not only chronicles O’Leary’s personal journey but preserves the story of an innovative community program that transformed Irish football and provided opportunities for generations of young athletes who might otherwise have been overlooked by traditional systems.

  • Four years into its full-scale war in Ukraine, Russia is feeling the effects

    Four years into its full-scale war in Ukraine, Russia is feeling the effects

    The picturesque town of Yelets, located 350km south of Moscow, presents a stark contrast between its traditional charm and the grim realities of Russia’s prolonged military engagement in Ukraine. Beneath the golden domes of Orthodox churches and scenes of ice fishermen on the frozen river, the community grapples with the war’s profound consequences.

    Throughout the town, military recruitment posters offer substantial financial incentives, including one-time payments equivalent to £15,000 for those willing to enlist. These promotional materials feature determined soldiers with Kalashnikovs and slogans proclaiming “We’re there where we need to be.”

    The human cost of the conflict is visibly memorialized in a giant mural covering a nine-story apartment block, depicting five local soldiers killed in combat with the inscription “Glory to the heroes of Russia!” While official casualty figures remain undisclosed by Russian authorities, the proliferation of such memorials across towns and villages indicates significant battlefield losses.

    Local resident Irina, a bus station ticket collector, exemplifies the economic strain affecting ordinary Russians. “Utility bills are suffocating us. Prices are crushing us. It’s very hard to get by,” she explains while acknowledging multiple personal connections to war casualties. Despite financial hardships, she contributes to aid packages for frontline soldiers but expresses confusion about the war’s objectives compared to historical conflicts.

    The security landscape has transformed dramatically since the invasion began in February 2022. With Ukraine’s drone attacks reaching the Lipetsk region, emergency shelters now dot public spaces—a concrete manifestation of conflict that previously didn’t exist. Residents report regular nighttime sirens, prompting makeshift safety measures like moving to windowless corridors.

    Commercial establishments have incorporated war symbolism, with one pancake café displaying the Latin letters V and Z—recognized symbols of the “special military operation”—alongside the provocative slogan “Grab a pancake, then the whole world.”

    Economic pressures continue mounting as Russia’s budget deficit grows. The recent VAT increase from 20% to 22%, officially earmarked for “defence and security” spending, has further strained small businesses. Anastasiya Bykova, a local bakery owner, describes the challenging calculus of rising operational costs: “Imagine we all have to shut down… We try to make our town look good. But if we close, what’s left? Just a dark grey patch.”

    Even among supporters like pensioner Ivan Pavlovich, who declares the operation “excellent,” economic realities temper enthusiasm. “Pensions go up, but then prices go up even more. So, what do I gain? Nothing,” he acknowledges while maintaining support for the military effort.

    As the conflict enters its fifth year, optimism remains scarce among residents who primarily focus on endurance and hope for better times ahead, with many simply hunkering down against continuing economic and social pressures.

  • EU diplomats to meet Board of Peace director over Gaza’s future

    EU diplomats to meet Board of Peace director over Gaza’s future

    European Union foreign ministers convened in Brussels on Monday for crucial discussions with Nikolay Mladenov, Director of the U.S.-backed Board of Peace, highlighting deep divisions within the bloc regarding cooperation with President Donald Trump’s initiative for Gaza’s stabilization and reconstruction. The meeting with Mladenov—a former Bulgarian politician and UN diplomat appointed by Trump—comes amid escalating tensions over the EU’s appropriate role in Middle East peacemaking.

    The gathering, attended by EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas and ministers from across the 27-nation union, also addressed ongoing concerns about the war in Ukraine and potential new sanctions against Russia. The EU’s substantial geopolitical and economic interests in the Mediterranean region position it as a critical stakeholder, with the bloc currently maintaining oversight operations at the Rafah border crossing and serving as the primary donor to the Palestinian Authority.

    Internal divisions have emerged sharply across European capitals regarding collaboration with the Trump-led board. While EU members Hungary and Bulgaria hold full membership, and candidate countries Turkey, Kosovo, and Albania participate fully, twelve additional EU nations dispatched observers to the Washington inaugural meeting: Austria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Finland, Germany, Greece, Italy, Netherlands, Poland, Romania, and Slovakia.

    Notable absences included French President Emmanuel Macron, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and Pope Leo XIV, who declined invitations. However, von der Leyen’s decision to send European Commissioner for the Mediterranean Dubravka Šuica as an observer without consulting the European Council sparked institutional controversy. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot publicly criticized this move as a violation of EU regulations, stating on social media platform X that the Commission ‘must scrupulously respect European law and institutional balance in all circumstances.’

    In response, von der Leyen’s spokesperson Paula Pinho defended the Commission’s prerogative to accept invitations independently, emphasizing that while the executive branch isn’t formally joining the board, it seeks to influence Gaza’s reconstruction and peacekeeping efforts beyond its financial contributions.

    The Trump administration’s expansive vision for the Board of Peace encompasses everything from transforming Gaza into a futuristic metropolis to challenging the UN Security Council’s traditional conflict-resolution role. However, these ambitions face practical constraints given the limited progress achieved thus far in implementing the ceasefire’s fundamental objectives.

  • ICC to hold hearing on charges against former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte

    ICC to hold hearing on charges against former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte

    THE HAGUE, Netherlands — International Criminal Court prosecutors commenced proceedings Monday to substantiate charges against former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, marking a pivotal moment in one of the court’s most significant cases. The prosecution alleges Duterte orchestrated systematic killings during his anti-drug campaigns, first as mayor of Davao City and later as national leader.

    The evidentiary hearing represents a critical juncture in the years-long investigation into extrajudicial killings that human rights organizations estimate claimed between 6,000 and 30,000 lives during Duterte’s presidency. While not a full trial, the proceedings allow prosecutors to demonstrate sufficient evidence for judges to determine within 60 days whether formal charges should proceed to trial.

    Victims’ families expressed emotional relief at the development. Llore Pasco, whose two sons disappeared in May 2017 and were later found bullet-ridden, stated: ‘We have waited for this for so long, for years we have waited, but we did not relent.’

    Duterte, who waived his right to attend the Hague proceedings, described the charges as an ‘outrageous lie’ in a letter to judges. The octogenarian cited his advanced age and frailty as reasons for non-attendance, claiming he would forget the proceedings ‘within minutes.’

    The case has ignited political tensions in the Philippines, with Duterte’s supporters criticizing current President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s administration for cooperating with the court. Vice President Sara Duterte, the former leader’s daughter and recent presidential aspirant for 2028, has emerged as a prominent detractor of the proceedings.

    Human rights advocates note Duterte attempted to evade accountability by withdrawing the Philippines from the ICC’s Rome Statute in 2018 after prosecutors announced their investigation. However, judges rejected jurisdictional challenges, asserting countries cannot abuse withdrawal procedures to shield individuals from justice for crimes already under consideration. An appeal of this decision remains pending.

    For families like Sheerah Escudero, whose 18-year-old brother was found wrapped in packaging tape in 2017, the case represents not just accountability for past crimes but prevention of future violence. ‘We know that the same policy of killings will continue,’ Escudero warned, highlighting concerns about political dynasties perpetuating violent policies.

  • From bakeries to beauty shops, Russian businesses are feeling the pain from a new wartime tax policy

    From bakeries to beauty shops, Russian businesses are feeling the pain from a new wartime tax policy

    As Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine enters its fourth year, mounting economic pressures are forcing the Kremlin to shift financial burdens onto consumers and small enterprises. Recent tax reforms have significantly increased the fiscal strain on Russia’s small business sector, triggering widespread concern and closures across the country.

    The situation gained national attention when Denis Maksimov, owner of Mashenka bakery in suburban Moscow, appealed directly to President Vladimir Putin during his annual call-in show last December. Standing before his bakery named after his eldest daughter, Maksimov articulated the struggles facing small businesses under new tax regulations that have drastically lowered revenue thresholds for value-added tax (VAT) requirements.

    While acknowledging the country’s difficult circumstances, Maksimov expressed grave concerns about the sustainability of many enterprises. The reforms have reduced the VAT payment threshold from 60 million rubles ($783,000) in annual revenue to 20 million rubles ($261,000) this year, with plans to further decrease it to 10 million rubles ($130,500) by 2028. Businesses previously using the patent taxation system—which involved fixed annual payments—now face at least a 6% tax on revenues plus 5% VAT if they exceed the new thresholds.

    Although Maksimov’s televised plea brought temporary increased sales and presidential attention to his bakery, it failed to reverse the policy. While Putin raised the case at a government meeting and Economy Minister Maxim Reshetnikov proposed temporary relief measures, concrete implementation remains uncertain.

    The economic fallout extends far beyond Moscow. Social media videos show vacant commercial spaces along St. Petersburg’s main Nevsky Prospekt, where numerous shops have ceased operations. Darya Demchenko, who owns a chain of beauty salons in Russia’s second-largest city, describes unprecedented anxiety among business owners. She has already closed one salon and sold another to remain operational amid soaring costs and declining demand.

    An online campaign dubbed “We Are Mashenka,” initiated by the Association of Beauty Industry Enterprises, has highlighted similar cases nationwide. Unlike Maksimov, most entrepreneurs lack access to high-level intervention. Industry reports indicate approximately 10% of beauty businesses in St. Petersburg closed in December and January alone, with predictions of further collapses after April tax deadlines.

    According to Chris Weafer, CEO of Macro-Advisory Ltd., this represents a deliberate strategy by the Finance Ministry to create stable revenue sources as oil revenues dwindle and military spending levels off. While small and medium enterprises constitute just over 20% of Russia’s economy, expanding VAT application to these businesses will generate significant budget funds.

    The cumulative pressure—including restrictions on social media platforms that eliminated cheap advertising avenues, supplier price hikes exceeding the 2% VAT increase, and requirement for specialized accounting staff—has created perfect storm conditions for small businesses. Many entrepreneurs who survived previous challenges, including COVID-19 pandemic and sanctions following the annexation of Crimea, now face what they describe as an existential threat without government support.

    As more businesses become subject to increased taxes in 2027 and 2028 under the progressive implementation schedule, the sector most crucial for economic expansion and innovation continues to suffer, potentially hampering Russia’s post-war recovery prospects.