Drought Watch (Netherlands): The Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management says drought is worsening as river flows and groundwater levels keep dropping, with warm, dry weather expected to persist. Impacts are already showing: more disruption to inland shipping from lower water depths, rising salinization in the Rhine-Meuse estuary and western areas, more blue-green algae outbreaks, and higher fish deaths. The ministry also notes the Eefde Lock was closed to shipping last week due to drought and heat, while drinking water supply still has no bottlenecks—though households and businesses are urged to use water responsibly. Climate Policy (EU): The EU is proposing changes to the Emissions Trading System that would slow parts of the emissions cut from 2031 onward, including extending free allowances tied to climate investment plans. Energy & Industry (Shell): Shell starts a new $3bn share buyback programme and reports strong Q2 results amid ongoing global market disruption. Biodiversity & Nature (Wildfires law): A report compares how EU countries punish forest-fire offenders, highlighting the Netherlands among those with the most severe penalties. Science (Netherlands): Groningen astronomer Amina Helmi is profiled for her work in galactic archaeology, using stars as “cosmic fossils” to reconstruct the Milky Way’s turbulent past.