Dutch Asylum Minister Bart van den Brink is calling on municipalities to open more emergency shelters for asylum seekers following the upcoming local elections. The reception organization COA warns of a shortage of thousands of spaces this spring as existing centers are overcrowded. Van den Brink is focusing his efforts on incoming municipal councils to resolve the urgent capacity crisis.
Rabobank has launched a new blue-themed banking app specifically designed to attract younger users through gamification and personalized features. The initiative aims to compete with neobanks and increase engagement among consumers under thirty.
Albert Heijn is significantly changing its loyalty stamp program, requiring customers to spend twice as much money to earn a single stamp. Consequently, it will take twice as long for customers to fill their savings books compared to the previous system.
A 41-year-old woman is standing trial for allegedly recruiting her minor son to plant an explosive at a residence in Haarlem, an attack that was thwarted by authorities in February. The suspect, who was under probation for a previous violent crime, denies the charges as prosecutors argue she provided detailed instructions and materials for the failed attempt.
The municipality of Haarlem has released a draft 'Programma Bomen' aimed at protecting, managing, and expanding the city's tree population to improve local living conditions. Residents are invited to review the policy and provide feedback until September 27, 2026.
Dutch presenter Jan Roos has received death threats following criticism over sexually suggestive comments he made toward two underage girls in a video. Roos has dismissed the backlash as a witch hunt and characterized his remarks as a foolish joke.