Mark Rutte

Covid-19 variant brings new dimension to pandemic in Europe

The discovery of the new variant has prompted EU countries to stiffen their lockdown measures.

Dutch PM Rutte’s cabinet resigns over child welfare fraud scandal

Decision follows last month’s parliamentary inquiry that found officials at the tax service, with government oversight, had driven thousands of families to financial ruin with wrongful accusations of fraud in connection with childcare subsidies.

Dutch government mulls possible resignation over benefits scandal

Prime Minister Mark Rutte's four-party coalition government must decide on Friday whether to resign in the face of the scandal that saw thousands of families wrongly accused of fraud between at least 2013 and 2019, Dutch media reported.

Merkel, Macron seek Schengen area reform after terror attacks

Germany's Merkel and France's Macron say Europe must reform open-border Schengen area in light of recent terrorist attacks, in an online summit of continent's main leaders.

EU leaders bicker over virus recovery deal stalemate

An alliance of "frugals", led by Prime Minister Mark Rutte of the Netherlands and Chancellor Sebastian Kurz of Austria, has been resisting calls for the bulk of funds to be doled out as non-repayable grants.

No deal yet as Dutch block EU virus recovery plan

Europe is in the depths of its deepest recession since World War II and the leaders are seeking common ground on the terms of $857 billion stimulus package that would help lift those hardest hit by the pandemic.

EU virus economic rescue summit begins

Leaders are under pressure to find a compromise over the $2.1 trillion budget proposal, which includes an $825-billion new recovery instrument to help relaunch the European economy after the pandemic.

World leaders wish UK PM Johnson a quick recovery

After British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's admission to an intensive care unit, many world leaders are wishing a quick recovery.

In upset, Dutch Labour party wins European Parliament vote-exit poll

The Dutch result is a first test of the appeal of the Eurosceptic parties contesting elections across the bloc through Sunday. The outcome will reassure established parties fearing a surge among far-right and Eurosceptic challengers.

Brexit deadline extended to October 31

European leaders offered Britain a six-month delay to its Brexit departure, officials said. Britain's PM Theresa May, who had sought a delay only until June 30, has agreed to the offer.

May leaves EU summit still seeking Brexit reassurance

EU leaders have rebuffed May's request to sweeten the divorce agreement and help her win over a hostile UK Parliament, and Juncker complained to reporters about a political climate which was sometimes "nebulous, imprecise."

May tours Europe in bid to save Brexit deal

British Prime Minister Theresa May steps up efforts to sell her European Union divorce deal, as rebel lawmakers in her party say she has to go.