rssMay 15, 2026, 05:00

Laan van Vlaanderen road closure to stay, but not all residents are happy

A controversial rush-hour traffic restriction on Laan van Vlaanderen in Amsterdam will remain in place following a court ruling that questioned why the measure is not active 24 hours a day. While some residents and safety advocates want the restriction expanded to protect school children, others oppose it due to heavy fines and increased traffic on surrounding roads.

Politics Amsterdam Netherlands

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Based on reporting by rss. Translated and condensed by LocalHeadlines.

Pro-Palestinian protester convicted of group insult, but receives no punishment

A pro-Palestinian protester was convicted of defaming Jewish people for making Holocaust-related remarks during an April demonstration. Although the court also found him guilty of insulting police officers, he received no fine or immediate punishment due to the personal consequences he has already faced from media attention.

Private landlords are renting out fewer properties in the city: "A problem for students"

Private rental properties in Amsterdam have decreased by 18 percent in three years as landlords sell their units due to new rent control laws and increased taxation. While this shift favors buyers, it creates a significant housing crisis for students and individuals who cannot afford to purchase property in the city.

Seizure of 'Antifa server' at US request leads to questions and concerns

Dutch authorities have seized a server belonging to the Italian hosting provider Autistici/Inventati at the request of the United States. The U.S. government classifies the company as a terrorist entity, sparking concerns among Dutch digital rights groups and industry associations regarding the precedent for such cross-border legal actions.

No funding for Zuidasdok megaproject in new cabinet plans

The Dutch government has frozen funding for the northern part of the Zuidasdok project to prioritize the maintenance of existing national infrastructure. This decision delays one of the country's largest development projects, sparking concerns in Amsterdam over long-term economic and accessibility impacts.

Protester who downplayed the Holocaust receives suspended community service

A man in Amsterdam received a fully suspended sentence for making antisemitic remarks during a pro-Palestinian protest and insulting police officers. The court ruled his comments regarding the Holocaust were unacceptable, though they accounted for the severe public backlash he faced in their final sentencing decision.