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Western Europe Faces Fresh Snow and Ice as Storm Goretti Disrupts Travel

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Western Europe prepared for another bout of severe winter weather on Wednesday as storm Goretti, the first named storm of the year, swept in from the Atlantic. Heavy snow fell across parts of France, including the Paris region, while cold weather and ice warnings covered large areas of France and Britain. Authorities warned that conditions were likely to worsen in the coming days, particularly in southern Britain.

The storm triggered widespread transport disruptions, with flight cancellations, train delays and blocked roads reported across several countries. Dutch airline KLM cancelled around 600 flights at Amsterdam’s Schiphol airport, marking a sixth consecutive day of disruption, citing heavy snowfall and shortages of aircraft de-icing fluid. In France, bus services in Paris were suspended, and aviation authorities ordered airlines to significantly cut flights at the main Paris airports.

Governments urged caution as conditions affected daily life and supply chains. French officials banned trucks and school buses from roads in many northern regions, while Dutch authorities advised people to work from home if possible. Retailers warned of potential supply disruptions, especially for fresh produce, as snowfall heavier than usual for the region continued to strain transport networks.

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Nestle Recalls Infant Formula in 25 Countries Over Toxin Risk

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Nestle announced a major recall of some batches of its infant nutrition products, including SMA, BEBA, and NAN formulas, across Europe, Turkey, and Argentina due to potential contamination with cereulide, a toxin produced by certain strains of Bacillus cereus. The recall, which began on a smaller scale in December, comes after testing revealed an issue with an ingredient supplied by a leading vendor. No illnesses have been reported in connection with the recalled products.

The Swiss food giant is activating alternative suppliers for the affected ingredient, ramping up production at multiple factories, and accelerating the distribution of unaffected products to maintain supply. Cereulide cannot be destroyed by boiling water or typical formula preparation, and can cause rapid-onset food poisoning symptoms such as vomiting and stomach cramps, according to the UK Food Standards Agency.

Austria’s health ministry stated that the recall involves over 800 products from more than 10 factories, marking the largest recall in Nestle’s history. The company’s investigation traced the contaminated ingredient back to a factory in the Netherlands, though it was used across multiple production sites internationally. Nestle is working to minimize supply disruption while ensuring safety.

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Wingtech Invites Nexperia Custodians for Talks Amid Ongoing Governance Dispute

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Wingtech Technology, the Chinese parent company of Dutch chipmaker Nexperia, has invited the court-appointed custodians of Nexperia to discuss control of the company—seen as a potential first step toward easing months of internal tensions. The rift between Nexperia’s European management and its Chinese parent deepened after the Dutch government intervened in September, leading to a court ruling that removed Wingtech founder Zhang Xuezheng as CEO over concerns he intended to shift production to China.

Although both sides have signaled interest in dialogue, they disagree on the agenda. Nexperia says it wants talks focused on restoring normal supply chain operations, which have been hit by wafer shipment stoppages, unpaid invoices and growing chip shortages that have affected global automakers. Wingtech, however, insists discussions must first address the restoration of its ownership rights and lawful control over the company.

Court-appointed custodian Arnold Croiset van Uchelen confirmed receiving Wingtech’s invitation but declined to share details of any upcoming meeting. Meanwhile, Nexperia’s Chinese packaging arm has declared itself independent and is seeking Chinese-made wafers, while the European unit has halted shipments to China. With dwindling chip inventories, the auto industry fears fresh shortages may emerge as early as January.

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Eurovision Faces Major Rift as Israel Cleared to Compete, Prompting Multiple Withdrawals

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The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) decided not to hold a vote on Israel’s participation in the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest, confirming the country’s entry and triggering an immediate backlash. Broadcasters from Spain, the Netherlands, Ireland and Slovenia announced their withdrawal from the contest, citing the mounting death toll in Gaza and accusing Israel of violating Eurovision’s neutrality rules. Israel dismissed these objections as part of a global campaign against it.

The EBU instead approved new rules intended to curb government influence and prevent undue promotion of performers, after concerns that Israel boosted its 2025 entrant. While Israeli officials celebrated the decision as a stand against cultural boycotts, critics—including Ireland’s RTE and Spain’s RTVE—said the move exposed Eurovision as deeply shaped by geopolitical interests. Additional countries like Iceland are now weighing their participation, underscoring the widening divide.

Amid the fallout, Germany welcomed Israel’s inclusion, saying it aligned with Eurovision’s founding values of unity after World War II. Contest director Martin Green acknowledged the turbulence but said the event remains committed to neutrality and international cooperation. With the contest set for Vienna in May, Eurovision faces one of the most significant crises in its history.

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Netherlands, China Seek Resolution Over Seized Chipmaker Nexperia Amid Export Block

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The Netherlands’ Economy Minister Vincent Karremans said on Tuesday that he had held talks with Chinese Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao regarding Nexperia BV, the Dutch chipmaker the government seized control of last month. The seizure, which heightened tensions between the two nations, prompted China to block exports of Nexperia’s products, sparking concern among European automakers that rely heavily on its chips.

Karremans noted that both sides discussed “further steps toward reaching a solution” that would serve the interests of the company as well as both the Chinese and European economies. The move marks a potential step toward easing the diplomatic standoff that has disrupted semiconductor supply chains across Europe.

Meanwhile, Nexperia’s China-based operations have begun asserting autonomy in the wake of the dispute, informing employees they can reject “external instructions.” Nexperia remains a subsidiary of Shanghai-listed Wingtech Technology Co. Ltd. (600745.SS), which manufactures and packages most of the company’s chips in China.

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Russia Increases Hybrid Threats Against Netherlands, Warns Dutch Intelligence

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Russia is escalating its hybrid attacks aimed at undermining the Netherlands and its European allies, according to the latest annual report from the Dutch military intelligence agency (MIVD). MIVD Director Peter Reesink revealed that Russian hackers recently attempted cyber sabotage on a Dutch public service—marking the first known incident of its kind. Although the attempt was thwarted, the agency noted this as a significant escalation in Russia’s cyber activities targeting Europe.

The MIVD report further highlighted a Russian cyber operation against critical infrastructure in the Netherlands, potentially as groundwork for future sabotage. The intelligence agency also reiterated concerns about Russian espionage efforts in the North Sea, where infrastructure such as internet cables and energy supplies are being mapped for possible disruption. Western nations, including Britain, have recently echoed similar concerns, accusing Moscow of reckless acts of sabotage, though Russia has denied any involvement.

In addition to Russian threats, the report also flagged China’s continued espionage activities, particularly in the Dutch semiconductor sector. The MIVD warned of China’s increasing alignment with Russia’s war efforts and its pursuit of Western technological knowledge. Reesink called on European nations to accelerate military preparedness, noting that Russia’s rapid military buildup poses a growing risk that Europe must be ready to deter.

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Ukraine receives first F-16 jets, officials say

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The first batch of much-anticipated F-16 jets has arrived in Ukraine, according to Lithuania’s foreign minister and a U.S. official on Wednesday. This delivery is expected to aid Ukraine in restoring its weakened air force. The F-16s, manufactured by Lockheed Martin, have long been sought by Ukraine due to their significant firepower and widespread availability. Equipped with a 20mm cannon, these fighter jets can carry a variety of bombs, rockets, and missiles. Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis remarked on X (formerly Twitter) that “F-16s in Ukraine. Another impossible thing turned out to be totally possible.” A U.S. official, who wished to remain anonymous, confirmed that the delivery has been completed.

Denmark has pledged a total of 19 jets, while the Netherlands has committed to delivering 24 aircraft. Both nations have played a key role in forming an international coalition to supply Ukraine with F-16s. Norway has also announced it will donate six F-16 fighter jets. Ukrainian pilots and ground personnel have undergone training with the help of Western allies for several months.

As Ukraine has fought against Russia’s full-scale invasion that began in February 2022, it has relied on a limited fleet of Soviet-era aircraft. Ukrainian officials consider the addition of F-16s a crucial enhancement for their Air Force. However, analysts and officials indicate that while the F-16s will strengthen Ukraine’s capabilities, they are unlikely to be a decisive factor in the ongoing conflict.

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Convicted Rapist Van de Velde Faces Booing at Olympic Debut

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Convicted child rapist Steven van de Velde made his Olympic beach volleyball debut in Paris, receiving mixed reactions from the crowd, including audible boos. Sentenced to four years in prison in 2016 for raping a 12-year-old British girl, Van de Velde and his partner Matthew Immers, currently ranked 10th in the world, lost 2-1 to Italy’s Alex Ranghieri and Adrian Carambula, ranked 25th, at the Eiffel Tower Stadium.

As they entered the arena, the pair received a combination of cheers and boos, and when Van de Velde was announced individually, the crowd again expressed a mix of applause and disapproval. The Dutch duo is scheduled to play again on July 31 against Chile’s Marco and Esteban Grimalt.

An online petition demanding Van de Velde’s ban from the Olympics garnered 90,000 signatures before his first match, and various women’s and safeguarding groups have criticized his inclusion in the Dutch team. Many fans voiced their opposition, with some arguing that his presence contradicts the spirit of the Olympics, while others suggested that a different athlete should have been chosen.

However, some supporters, including a Dutch fan, argued that Van de Velde deserves a chance to compete since he has served his sentence. Immers defended his partner, stating that they had worked hard to qualify for the Olympics and wanted to enjoy the experience.

Van de Velde is not staying in the Olympic village and will not participate in post-match media. Extra security was provided for him during his arrival in Paris. He has expressed regret over his past actions, referring to them as the biggest mistake of his life.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has clarified that the responsibility for athlete selection lies with individual national committees. Van de Velde returned to play in 2017 after completing a specialist treatment program and meeting guidelines set by the Dutch Volleyball Federation (NeVoBo). The Dutch Olympic Committee (NOC) stated that he has fulfilled all necessary assessments and shown no risk of reoffending. They also noted that Van de Velde has been transparent about his past and has sought professional counseling.

Mark Adams, an IOC spokesperson, acknowledged the discomfort surrounding Van de Velde’s inclusion but emphasized that the decision was made by the NOC. Analysis from BBC Sports News correspondent Laura Scott highlighted the significant controversy surrounding Van de Velde’s selection, noting that while some fans were unaware of his past, most international fans expressed strong opposition to his participation, whereas Dutch fans tended to be more supportive or hesitant to discuss the topic.

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Dutch Crown Princess Amalia lived in Spain after threats – reports

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Princess Amalia, the heir to the Dutch throne, reportedly spent over a year in Spain due to serious security threats against her. Dutch media sources, citing information from the public broadcaster NOS, revealed that she opted to study in Madrid for enhanced safety and greater freedom of movement. This decision came after threats emerged in autumn 2022, prompting her relocation from her student accommodation in Amsterdam back to her home.

During this period of heightened security concerns, both Princess Amalia and Prime Minister Mark Rutte faced increased protective measures due to kidnapping threats originating from organized crime in the Netherlands. Queen Máxima expressed her daughter’s inability to enjoy a typical student life during this time, emphasizing the limitations imposed on her activities, including her confinement to their residence.

Despite the challenges, Princess Amalia resumed her studies upon returning to Amsterdam. Fluent in Spanish, a language she acquired through her mother’s Argentinean heritage, she found Madrid to be a comfortable environment for her studies. Reports suggest that she may have already relocated to Madrid by February 2023, as she was seen there alongside her mother and friends.

Princess Amalia’s longing for normalcy was palpable during a state visit to the Caribbean in February 2023, where she expressed missing the ordinary experiences of a student. Despite her time abroad, she was reported to have returned to Amsterdam as early as February to continue her studies in Politics, Psychology, Law, and Economics. These revelations about her stay in Spain come ahead of a state visit to the Netherlands by Spanish King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia, where Princess Amalia is expected to make her first appearance in a domestic royal visit.

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Man holds several hostages inside Dutch nightclub

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In the early hours of the morning in Ede, Netherlands, a concerning situation unfolded at Café Petticoat. A man entered the establishment, reportedly threatening to detonate explosives strapped to himself. In response, armed police swiftly evacuated the surrounding area. However, authorities emphasized that there was no immediate indication of a terrorist motive behind the incident.

Despite evacuation efforts, the situation remained unresolved. Initially, three individuals were released from the nightclub, but the standoff continued. Mayor René Verhulst stressed the importance of respecting the privacy and tranquility of the freed hostages. He urged the public to refrain from sharing any videos or images from the scene.

As a precautionary measure, approximately 150 nearby residences were evacuated, and access to the town center was restricted. Specialized police units, including those trained to handle explosives, were deployed to the scene to manage the ongoing situation. Additionally, train services to and from Ede were canceled as a safety precaution.

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