haarlemsdagbladMar 13, 2026, 17:02

Bertram: municipalities may set local rules for steel slag

State Secretary Annet Bertram has clarified that Dutch municipalities are permitted to establish their own local regulations regarding the use of steel slag. This decision follows confusion among local authorities about national restrictions on the toxic steel production byproduct, which is currently subject to a temporary ban and permit requirement.

Politics Economy Health Netherlands

Read original ↗

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

Anti-smoking foundation loses final ruling on 'cheating cigarettes'

The Dutch Trade and Industry Appeals Tribunal has ruled against the anti-smoking organization Rookpreventie Jeugd regarding their request to change cigarette testing methods. The court determined that tobacco manufacturers are legally bound to use the established measurement standard, effectively dismissing claims about so-called cheat cigarettes. The foundation expressed disappointment, noting that the ruling avoids addressing the health risks associated with how filters affect smoke intake.

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.

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.

22,000 homes at risk due to cabinet funding shortfall: ‘We must also solve the housing crisis’

A lack of government funding for public transport infrastructure threatens the construction of 22,000 new homes across the Netherlands. Stakeholders warn that these housing projects are at risk because they rely on new transit connections to remain viable.

The Greenhouse | I prefer to jump on the facts rather than the barricade

A climate journalist explores the tension between objective reporting and the pressure to advocate for systemic change to combat the climate crisis. The author concludes that journalists should remain factual rather than activist to effectively reach a wide and diverse audience.