Last year, data centers in the Netherlands consumed nearly 5,100 gigawatt hours of electricity, equivalent to the power usage of almost 2 million homes. This represents a near doubling of consumption in five years, with data centers now using almost 5% of the country’s total electricity. The largest centers, numbering approximately 45, have seen their combined consumption almost quadruple in a decade. However, the data does not include consumption from companies and institutions that store their own data, meaning the total electricity usage could be even higher.
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The outgoing Dutch government has approved an extra €700 million in aid for Ukraine for next year. This funding comes from unspent funds within other ministries, including the Defence Equipment Budget Fund and the Foreign Ministry. While the Netherlands already provides substantial annual aid, including €3.5 billion, the new allocation addresses a proposal to bolster the 2026 budget after €2 billion from next year’s budget was spent this year. Despite initial reluctance from Prime Minister Dick Schoof, the cabinet yielded to parliamentary pressure and also warned of challenges finding additional funds in the budget next year, underscoring the complexities of continued support.
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The Netherlands has committed to purchasing $290 million in U.S. arms for Ukraine through the Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List (PURL) initiative, including drones, missiles, and air defense equipment. This marks the second time the Netherlands has funded arms for Ukraine under the PURL program, following an initial commitment in August. Furthermore, the Dutch Defense Minister signed an agreement with Ukraine for joint drone production. This support comes as Kyiv faces intensifying Russian air strikes, necessitating enhanced air defenses and continued allied assistance.
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The Public Prosecution Service is seeking prison sentences of up to 25 years for three suspects in the murder of 18-year-old Ryan Al Najjar, including her father, Khaled Al N., and her two brothers. Prosecutors allege that Khaled, currently a fugitive in Syria, orchestrated the killing due to Ryan’s perceived violation of family expectations regarding her Western lifestyle. Ryan’s body was discovered bound and drowned, with Khaled’s DNA present, and evidence suggests the brothers actively participated, though they blame their father. Despite limited cooperation with Syria, the court is expected to deliver its verdict on January 5th.
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The Netherlands cancels concert by pianist Leonova, who performed for Russian military families in Moscow, and this situation has definitely sparked a lot of discussion. It seems like the core issue here revolves around the ethical implications of an artist, Elizaveta Leonskaya, performing for Russian military families in the context of the ongoing war in Ukraine. The decision by the Netherlands to cancel the concert suggests a strong stance against supporting any activity that could be seen as endorsing or legitimizing the actions of the Russian military.
This brings up a fundamental question: where do we draw the line between art and politics, between personal expression and complicity?… Continue reading
The Netherlands has begun deploying 300 soldiers and two Patriot air-defense systems to Poland to safeguard a NATO logistics hub supporting Ukraine, with full readiness expected by December 1st. The mission, set to last until June 1, 2026, involves the latest Patriot configuration equipped with advanced radar and software, capable of intercepting various threats, and also includes a NASAMS launcher and a drone security unit. This deployment follows recent Russian strikes near the border, highlighting rising regional tensions. Dutch officials emphasize that the mission serves both operational and symbolic purposes, demonstrating the Netherlands’ commitment to NATO’s eastern flank.
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Exit polls indicated a significant shift in the 2025 Dutch General Election, with the centrist D66 party projected to win, tripling their parliamentary representation and potentially leading to Rob Jetten becoming the next prime minister. While the far-right PVV appeared to lose ground, their losses seemingly benefited other nationalist factions. GroenLinks-PvdA faced disappointment, projected to lose seats despite expectations of becoming the largest party, while the CDA saw a resurgence. A high percentage of undecided voters and last-minute use of online voting guides reflected the volatile political climate and a sense of historical importance among the electorate.
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The Netherlands has joined Ireland and other nations in threatening to withdraw from the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest if Israel is allowed to compete, citing the ongoing loss of life in Gaza as the primary reason. Dutch broadcaster AvroTros specifically mentioned the death of journalists in Gaza as a key factor in their decision. The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) acknowledges the concerns of its members regarding the conflict and is currently consulting on how to manage participation amid geopolitical tensions. Ireland has also expressed similar concerns, citing the “unconscionable” loss of life in Gaza as a reason for potentially withdrawing from the contest.
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Dutch parliamentarians have voted in favor of a bill that will criminalize practices aimed at “curing” homosexuality. The legislation, supported by a majority in the Tweede Kamer, clarifies that only systematic or intrusive attempts to change someone’s sexual orientation will be considered criminal offenses, addressing concerns from conservative parties. The bill’s proponents, including D66 and VVD, emphasized the importance of protecting vulnerable individuals from harmful practices that jeopardize their health and safety, while also promoting freedom, equality, and human dignity. The COC, an LGBTI+ rights organization, hailed the decision as a major victory and hopes the ban will lead to the end of treating homosexuality as a disease.
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The Dutch parliament has recently voted to criminalize conversion therapy, which involves abusive practices aimed at changing someone’s gender identity or sexuality. This legislation passed after modifications to the initial draft, focusing on “systematic” and “intrusive” attempts to change someone’s identity, rather than general conversations. While LGBTQ+ groups celebrated this as a victory for freedom and equality, some parties expressed reservations due to concerns over the law’s scope. This action contrasts with the situation in the UK, where, despite repeated promises and public outcry, a ban on conversion therapy inclusive of trans people has yet to be enacted.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood