adAug 10, 2026, 09:03

Will the Netherlands get another ECB president after Duisenberg? Klaas Knot is on course, but so is a Spaniard

Klaas Knot, the former president of De Nederlandsche Bank, is a strong candidate to become the next president of the European Central Bank. The Dutch Ministry of Finance has confirmed it would support a potential candidacy for Knot.

Politics Economy Business Netherlands

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

From Nedersaksen line to A20 highway: billion-euro deficit forces cabinet to make tough infrastructure choices this week

The Dutch government is set to make challenging decisions this week on infrastructure investment due to a multi-billion euro budget deficit. Officials must weigh the urgent need to repair aging roads and bridges against the viability of new projects like the Nedersaksenlijn and the A20 highway.

It is tough, it is technical, but the solution for box 3 is also hyper-political

The Dutch cabinet is struggling to find a parliamentary majority for its tax plans, specifically regarding the controversial Box 3 issue. The government is currently navigating a difficult negotiation process between conflicting demands from right-wing opposition parties and internal disagreements within the three-party coalition.

Experts doubt effectiveness of new freelance law: 'Much remains a grey area'

The Dutch government plans to implement the Self-Employed Persons Act by 2028 to clarify the distinction between independent contractors and employees. Experts remain skeptical, however, arguing that the proposed assessment tests for work relationships and entrepreneurial status contain persistent gray areas and may place excessive administrative burdens on freelancers.

New setback for housing in Amsterdam-Noord: Parliament supports preservation of Damen shipyard

Plans for a major residential development in Amsterdam-Noord are currently stalled because the Dutch parliament voted to keep the site as a protected industrial zone for the Damen shipyard. While the city government hopes to relocate the shipyard to another area to address local housing shortages, national authorities emphasize the site's importance to maritime security.

EU selects 46 raw materials projects to reduce dependence on China

The European Commission has launched 46 projects across sixteen countries to reduce reliance on China for vital raw materials like lithium and copper. These initiatives, supported by prioritized permits and funding assistance, aim to significantly boost domestic processing and recycling capacity by 2030.