News: Households will improve on average 0.7 percent next year, benefit recipients 0.9 percent and pensioners 0.6 percent. The cabinet is focusing on an open economy and thrift, while making work more attractive and taking migration seriously.
Extreme rain and potential floods are expected in Central and Eastern Europe this weekend, with the most rain expected to fall in Czech Republic, Austria, Slovakia, and Poland. Precautions are being taken, such as placing barriers and sandbags in Prague, and other countries are preparing for possible power outages and landslides.
'The Schoof Cabinet has finally presented the coalition program after four months of negotiations. The asylum and immigration policy will be stricter and cuts in education will be made, among other things. The cabinet will also build more and there will be tax relief for companies.'
Iran has summoned the Dutch ambassador to Tehran over allegations that it has supplied ballistic missiles to Russia. The ambassadors of Germany, France and the UK have also been summoned in response to the Iranian government's alleged rapprochement with Europe.
BBB leader Van der Plas blames previous governments for damaging agricultural policies and warns that forced downsizing of livestock is unacceptable, threatening to quit if it happens.
ECB cuts interest rates despite criticism, while European economy is already getting cooler. Inflation figures indicate rate cut has impact on economy, but uncertainties make ECB President Lagarde cautious.