rssAug 17, 2026, 12:07

Nieuwendijk entrepreneurs must apply for permit following 'signals of criminal activity in shops'

The Amsterdam municipality is introducing a mandatory permit system for businesses on the Nieuwendijk to combat suspected criminal activities such as money laundering and drug trafficking. This requirement, which applies to both new and existing shops, aims to distinguish legitimate entrepreneurs from those operating illicit businesses in the city center.

Politics Economy Business Amsterdam

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

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.

Regional bus drivers to strike all day Wednesday, impacting city public transport too

Regional bus drivers plan a one-day strike next Wednesday following stalled collective agreement negotiations, impacting several bus lines operating within Amsterdam. The unions are demanding higher wages and better working conditions, with further weekly strikes expected until a deal is reached.

End to intake freeze at Levvel, youths with severe issues can once again be admitted in Amsterdam

Care organization Levvel has ended its intake freeze for Amsterdam youth following successful negotiations to secure more beds for those in need of severe residential care. While access has been restored, the municipality is demanding better coordination among providers and has initiated an independent financial audit of Levvel to ensure future stability.

Politicians in Southeast oppose higher tourist tax: "This is annexed territory"

Local politicians in Amsterdam Zuidoost have unsuccessfully requested an exemption from the city's planned increase in tourist tax, arguing that their district does not face the same tourism-related issues as the city center. While some parties feared economic damage and noted the district's geographical isolation, the motion failed to secure a majority in the committee.

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.