Police arrest climate activists blocking highway in The Hague

Climate activists from Extinction Rebellion blocked a major highway in The Hague, despite a police ban. Hundreds of demonstrators reached the A12 highway, disrupting traffic. Some protesters were detained, and water cannons were used to disperse the crowd. This protest highlights ongoing tensions over the Dutch government's plans to reintroduce fossil fuel subsidies, which had been previously abolished. Activists argue that these subsidies, estimated between €39.7 and €46.4 billion annually, contribute to environmental harm. The A12 highway has seen similar protests in recent years, as activists demand faster action on climate issues. They express frustration over government support for polluting industries amid increasing climate-related disasters.