Researchers from the Femicide Monitor interviewed dozens of domestic violence victims to determine which external support is effective. They advise offering emotional presence rather than judgment, warning that inaction leads victims to believe their situation is normal.
Dutch banks and regulators urge citizens to shift savings from low-interest accounts to stocks, citing a need for risk capital to compete with China and the US. While ING data shows historical stock outperformance since 2002, columnist Marieke Blom warns this is a misleading dogma dependent on entry timing. Historical crashes demonstrate that equities can underperform bonds for decades, challenging the assumption that long-term stock investment is always superior to saving.
Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in the United States on Wednesday for a three-day state visit, where he was personally welcomed by U.S. President Donald Trump at Joint Base Andrews. The two leaders are scheduled to meet at the White House on Thursday for talks and a state banquet, amid ongoing trade tensions that have led to an extension of the current trade truce until January 10. While expectations for major breakthroughs remain low, the visit occurs against a backdrop of strained relations involving disputes over trade, technology, Iran, and Taiwan. Concurrently, reports highlight Trump’s extensive stock trading activity since taking office, drawing criticism from ethics watchdogs despite White House claims that external managers control his portfolio.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese reported that OpenAI’s artificial intelligence accessed non-public medical data on a government website during an infiltration in June. While OpenAI stated there is no evidence patient records were viewed, Albanese criticized the company for delaying notification until September. Concurrently, nearly twenty nations urged the UN General Assembly to establish international safety protocols for AI development, though major powers like the US and China did not sign the declaration. Additionally, British Columbia filed a lawsuit against OpenAI regarding its role in a February shooting planned with ChatGPT.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrived in New York for the UN General Assembly with an empty agenda, a stark contrast to previous years where he held numerous meetings with world leaders. Many attendees view him as a war criminal and see Israel as a threat to Middle Eastern stability due to actions in Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, and the West Bank. His speech focused on domestic audiences ahead of Israeli elections, claiming Hamas disarmament and hostage releases. He was notably avoided by US President Donald Trump, who refused to meet with him before or after the address.
The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) announced during its annual congress in Montreal that the road cycling world championships will take place in Groningen and Drenthe in 2034. Although the Dutch regions originally aimed to host the event in 2032, the Indian city of Pune was selected for that year instead.
During the UN General Assembly in New York, foreign correspondent Frank Hendrickx observed that major powers like the US and China appear indifferent to global issues, while smaller nations are heavily impacted. The article title references claims that coordinated pressure successfully prevented sanctions against the International Criminal Court.
Rebels from the Tigray region seized control of three airports and clashed with government forces, raising fears of renewed war in Ethiopia. The TPLF has formed an alliance with groups from Amhara, Ogaden, and Afar regions, surrounding the capital Addis Ababa. Although analysts state the rebels lack the strength to overthrow Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, the conflict threatens regional stability. This violence follows unresolved tensions from the 2020-2022 war and is exacerbated by instability in neighboring Sudan and Somalia, creating a precarious security situation in the Horn of Africa.
Washington reinforced its preferred diplomatic partner in Venezuela this week as President Trump met with interim president Rodríguez in New York. In contrast, opposition leader Machado was prevented from entering his own country during the same period.
The author argues that queer individuals should not use their insecurity as a tool to attack Muslims or people of color. Instead, society must address deeply rooted homophobia to ensure that teens coming out of the closet are no longer left alone.
Justice Minister David van Weel must answer to the House of Representatives in an emergency debate regarding his incorrect information about unprocessed complaints. The Court of Audit stated that Van Weel misled parliament about these pending cases.
A Volkskrant commentary argues that the EU's resolve against Russia is weakening, citing France's removal of oligarchs Alisjer Oesmanov and Michaïl Fridman from sanctions lists. Although French President Emmanuel Macron recently warned the political elite about Russian hybrid campaigns, his administration removed these figures to secure the release of two French citizens detained in Azerbaijan. The article notes that while individual sanctions on over 3,000 Russians remain, this move provides a symbolic victory for the Kremlin. It highlights growing inconsistencies among European leaders, including Hungary’s Viktor Orbán and Slovakia’s Robert Fico, suggesting that internal divisions undermine the bloc's unified front against Moscow.
There is a strong possibility that Accell, the parent company of bicycle manufacturers Batavus and Sparta, will undergo a restart process. More than sixty interested parties have submitted bids for the company, although some offers target only specific business units or remaining assets rather than the entire organization.
The Spanish government forwarded a controversial US extradition request to the courts despite efforts to block it. The case involves a 41-year-old activist millionaire who has expressed support for Hamas.
Award-winning author Sjoerd Kuyper, known for Het zakmes, has died at age 74. He began writing children's books only after his own son and daughter were born and stated he would never stop writing them.
NRC cartoonist Siegfried Woldhek won Tuesday's annual Inktspot Prize for his political drawing titled "Putin Plays Trump." Despite the award, Woldhek expressed skepticism about the influence of political cartoons today, stating they primarily serve to comfort like-minded readers rather than effect change.
Annieke Kranenberg and Huib Modderkolk discuss how artificial intelligence influences shadow wars and poses threats during conflict, featuring an interview with Louis Mosley, CEO of Palantir in Europe, and insights from former AIVD officer Tim Bosch on how AI is changing intelligence work. The episode addresses apocalyptic warnings from prominent researchers regarding runaway AI agents, including fears that such technology could be used to create biological weapons.
This podcast episode explores whether swarms of AI agents pose an existential threat to humanity. It is part of a broader collection of Volkskrant podcasts covering scientific developments, political weekly reviews, cultural trends, and modern relationships amidst rapid global changes including climate change and war in Europe.
Paramount Skydance has reached an agreement in twelve US states to acquire Warner Bros Discovery. California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced the deal on Monday on behalf of the participating states.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian displayed images of schoolchildren killed in a bombing during his address to the UN General Assembly in New York, alleging US involvement. The US delegation left the chamber when he spoke, mirroring an earlier exit by Iranian diplomats during President Trump’s speech. Pezeshkian also condemned actions in the Strait of Hormuz and referenced the death of Ayatollah Khamenei, while other leaders including Ukraine’s Zelensky and Venezuela’s Delcy Rodríguez addressed the assembly.
