The Netherlands has one of the highest minimum wages in Europe, trailing only Luxembourg and Ireland. Recent data from the Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS) shows a slight decrease in the number of workers aged 15 and older earning the minimum wage in 2025 compared to the previous year.
The Haarlem city council has approved the sale of its share of the Verweyhal national monument to the Raiola heirs to facilitate a full restoration of the historic building. The renovation, set to begin this year, will transform the site at the Grote Markt into a space featuring a shop and a public green roof terrace.
The Haarlem municipality processed 58 permit applications last week concerning construction, tree felling, and traffic issues. Of these applications, 56 were specific to Haarlem while two related to the village of Spaarndam.
Paul van Marissing is stepping down from Grafisch Atelier Haarlem after years of preserving traditional printing techniques. Despite the decline of industrial printing, he successfully promoted the unique beauty of handmade prints, leading to a renewed interest in the craft.
Jehovah's Witnesses have updated their policy to allow members to store and use their own blood for planned medical procedures, a shift from their previous total ban on blood transfusions. The change follows historical instances of members dying after refusing blood and raises questions about the practical benefits for the community in the Netherlands. While the new rule provides an alternative for scheduled surgeries, it may not address emergency situations where blood has not been pre-stored.
Adidas reported a significant increase in revenue during the first quarter of the year, driven by strong demand for sportswear. The German manufacturer highlighted particularly high sales in its football, running, and training categories as it looks forward to the upcoming World Cup.