nuApr 13, 2026, 09:29

Electric trucks gain ground due to diesel crisis and environmental regulations

Although electric trucks currently represent only 1.5% of the total fleet in the Netherlands, their adoption is expected to increase rapidly due to record-high diesel prices and falling vehicle costs. Many business owners are transitioning to electric alternatives as environmental regulations tighten and the technology becomes more financially viable.

Politics Economy Business Technology Netherlands

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

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.

VNO-NCW chief warns unions and cabinet: 'We are heading down the Belgian path this way'

VNO-NCW chairman Coen van Oostrom has warned the Dutch government and labor unions that the current economic model is unsustainable and risks leading the country toward a decline similar to Belgium. He calls for urgent structural reforms, including a more efficient social security system and proactive measures to retrain workers for the future of artificial intelligence.

Cabinet plans to require homeowners to install hybrid heat pumps starting in 2029

Beginning in 2029, homeowners in the Netherlands must install hybrid heat pumps instead of gas-fired boilers when replacing their heating systems. The government plans to exempt apartments and monuments, while a decision on future subsidies for these costly installations is expected by 2027.

Albert Heijn online grocery delivery unavailable until at least Tuesday, customer data appears safe for now

Albert Heijn has suspended all online grocery deliveries until at least Tuesday due to a cyber incident that also took down its websites and apps. While the supermarket reports no evidence of data theft, authorities are urging the company to file an official police report to support the ongoing investigation.

No funding for Zuidasdok megaproject in new cabinet plans

The Dutch government has frozen funding for the northern part of the Zuidasdok project to prioritize the maintenance of existing national infrastructure. This decision delays one of the country's largest development projects, sparking concerns in Amsterdam over long-term economic and accessibility impacts.