rssSep 19, 2026, 05:00

Data vault must be investigated according to childcare benefits victim and entrepreneur Gülşah Aknipar

Victims of the Dutch childcare benefits scandal, including Amsterdam-based business owner Gülşah Akpinar, have filed a criminal complaint to force an investigation into a digital database containing millions of documents. They suspect that tax authorities intentionally withheld information during the scandal and are calling on the Rijksrecherche and the Public Prosecution Service to conduct an independent review.

Politics Economy Business Amsterdam Netherlands

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Busy Amsterdam and quiet Weesp face same high tourist tax? "We want a tailored approach"

Amsterdam is raising its tourist tax to 20 percent by 2031 to address overcrowding in the city center. Residents of Weesp, which is part of the Amsterdam municipality, are advocating for tailored tax rates, arguing that their quiet rural area is not comparable to the busy city center.

Is the city's tourism policy driving away the wrong visitors? Coalition refuses to change course

Amsterdam is facing concerns that its tourism policy, including the world's highest tourist tax, is deterring business travelers and convention organizers instead of just targeting nuisance tourists. Despite warnings from the hospitality sector and the RAI convention center about declining occupancy and potential contract cancellations, the city's coalition government maintains it has no plans to change course.

2027 budget: civil service reorganization delayed, little room for new investments

The Amsterdam city government has presented its 2027 budget, which reveals limited room for new investments due to rising interest costs and existing financial commitments. The city plans to focus on maintaining essential services and reducing the municipal workforce by 2,500 full-time positions, though the reorganization timeline has already been delayed.

Prinsjesdag 2026: what the Budget Memorandum means for Amsterdam

The 2026 Dutch budget, or 'Miljoenennota', presents both opportunities and uncertainties for Amsterdam, particularly regarding infrastructure projects like the Zuidasdok and long-term municipal funding. While the city's executive board welcomes investments in housing and economy, they have expressed a need for greater ambition in areas such as climate, public transport, and youth care.

City's economic growth no longer guaranteed: business clubs warn

Business leaders in Amsterdam are raising concerns that the city's economic growth is under pressure due to local government policies. They warn that increased costs, regulatory burdens, and a lack of focus on entrepreneurship are harming the business and investment climate, leading to a decline in lucrative business travelers.