The world’s first farm dedicated to producing lab-grown or cultured meat is being established in the village of Schipluijden, located in South Holland, the Netherlands. The project, led by cheese producer Kaaren van Leeuwen, will install its first production module this week on a former dairy farm. Cultured meat, first conceptualized by researcher Willem van Eelen and realized in 2013 by Maastricht University’s Mark Post with Google funding, uses stem cells from animal muscle tissue to grow meat without slaughter. The initiative aims to reduce animal suffering and environmental impact associated with intensive livestock farming. The pilot project will produce cultured beef directly on-site, and by spring 2026, an experience center will open to allow visitors to observe the entire process. The production involves cultivating animal cells in a bioreactor under controlled conditions with nutrients like amino acids, sugars, vitamins, and growth hormones, replicating the natural environment inside an animal’s body.

ASML CEO Christophe Fouquet stated that the recent tensions between China and the Netherlands over the Nexperia issue have not impacted the company’s business. In an interview with a Dutch television channel, he said there would be no short-term negative effects and that the most difficult phase of the crisis had passed. The Dutch government recently took control of chipmaker Nexperia due to concerns about technology transfer, leading to a standoff between its European operations and Chinese factories. This disruption has affected chip supplies crucial for automotive electronics, putting pressure on global car manufacturers. Experts warn that a prolonged shortage could hinder production across the automotive industry. Fouquet emphasized the importance of early dialogue in sensitive matters to prevent escalation. A Dutch delegation is expected to visit China next week to help normalize the situation through diplomatic discussions.

Dutch Foreign Minister Kaspar Feldkamp has resigned after failing to secure consensus on imposing tough sanctions against Israel for its military aggression in Gaza and expansion of illegal settlements in the West Bank.

Feldkamp said he faced strong resistance within the cabinet and could not achieve meaningful measures. However, he did ban visits by Israeli ministers Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir and canceled three export permits for naval ship components.

Warning that the situation in Gaza is rapidly deteriorating, he expressed concerns that exported weapons could be misused. Following his resignation, all ministers and state ministers from his party also stepped down in solidarity.

The opposition in the Dutch parliament had long been pressing for strict sanctions. Feldkamp’s proposal to suspend the EU–Israel trade agreement was blocked by Germany, leading to calls for unilateral Dutch action.

The Netherlands is deploying 300 troops along with a Patriot air defense missile system to Poland to protect NATO territory, secure supplies to Ukraine, and deter Russian aggression, Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans said. The move follows a suspected Russian drone incident in eastern Poland near the Ukrainian border. Germany has also deployed Eurofighter jets to Poland and Romania ahead of joint Russian-Belarusian military exercises. No casualties were reported from the drone incident.

Dutch Foreign Minister Kasper Veldkamp announced that Israel’s National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich will no longer be welcome in the Netherlands due to accusations of inciting violence and supporting ethnic cleansing.

Veldkamp stated that their actions endanger any prospects for peace and violate fundamental principles of international law.

In response, the far-right minister Ben-Gvir declared, “Even if I am banned from the entire continent of Europe, I will continue to serve my country.”

Additionally, the Dutch Foreign Minister revealed that since October 7, 2023, the Dutch government has revoked 11 export licenses related to Israeli military equipment and dual-use goods. However, two licenses connected to components of the Iron Dome missile defense system have been approved.

Furthermore, the Israeli ambassador to the Netherlands will be summoned for urgent discussions.

The Netherlands has included Israel in its 2025 State Threat Report, identifying it as a foreign threat to national security. Following Iran, Russia, and Turkey, Israel was flagged for restricting freedom of expression to influence political decisions, posing risks to democratic values and increasing chances of foreign interference. The report also warns of potential economic pressure, espionage, and military threats from Israel, highlighting concerns over its impact on the country’s security landscape.