haarlemsdagbladJun 15, 2026, 12:27

Minister confirms: Buitenhuizer Bridge to remain out of service throughout 2026. 'We must stay within financial reality'

Dutch Infrastructure Minister Vincent Karremans confirmed that the Buitenhuizerbrug will remain out of service throughout 2026 due to budget constraints. In a letter to the Haarlem Yacht Club, the minister stated that Rijkswaterstaat must prioritize operations within its current financial reality.

Politics Economy Haarlem Netherlands

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

Haarlem takes financial risk with new Spaarne Gasthuis construction

Haarlem is assuming significant financial risk by providing a 100 million euro guarantee and committing to purchase the current hospital site for 25 million euros to keep the Spaarne Gasthuis in the city. The initiative ensures 24-hour emergency care remains in Haarlem, though the city has deferred requirements for building staff housing.

Haarlem city treasury grew last year: nearly 380 million euros in cash

The municipality of Haarlem saw its financial reserves grow to nearly 380 million euros by the end of 2025, reaching its highest level since 2016. This growth is driven by higher-than-expected revenues and the challenge of spending allocated budgets, reflecting a national trend among Dutch municipalities.

More than 76,000 rental homes have already disappeared from the market – landlords complain about affordable rent legislation

Since the introduction of the Affordable Rent Act in 2024, over 76,000 rental homes have been sold off by landlords across the Netherlands, tightening housing supply. Rental prices are simultaneously rising faster than inflation, with Amsterdam, Amstelveen, and Haarlem remaining among the most expensive areas for tenants.

Labor exploitation is rising, tackling it remains difficult: 'Justice system must lower the bar'

Reports of labor exploitation in the Netherlands increased to 401 in 2025, with significant spikes in the hospitality and agricultural sectors. Experts warn that few cases lead to prosecution due to high legal thresholds, calling for systemic reforms to better protect vulnerable workers from abusive staffing agencies.

Municipality of Haarlem must house 214 status holders before end of year

Haarlem must secure housing for 214 status holders by the end of 2024 to meet its government-assigned quota. So far, the municipality has housed 160 individuals this year, leaving a significant gap that must be addressed before the deadline.