haarlemsdagbladApr 20, 2026, 13:00

How the largest ship ever built in the Netherlands—mammoth tanker Melania—sustained damage in the North Sea Canal in 1968

In 1968, the Melania, then the largest ship ever built in the Netherlands, sustained damage while navigating the North Sea Canal. The article provides historical context on the strategic importance of maritime routes, citing how Danish blockades once threatened Dutch grain supplies.

Politics Economy Technology Culture Netherlands

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

Cabinet plan to protect children online: 'They are facing unacceptable risks'

The Dutch government has unveiled a new strategy to protect children online, focusing on curbing harmful social media design, evaluating an EU-wide age limit for platforms, and banning mobile phones in all schools. The initiative also prioritizes combatting online radicalization among youth and ensuring that future digital safety measures involve input from both parents and children.

Possible discrimination at UWV is no incident: 'I was afraid of this'

Recent reports suggest that the Dutch employee insurance agency, UWV, may be unfairly targeting individuals with non-Dutch backgrounds for stricter fraud penalties. While the agency has launched an external investigation into its enforcement methods, experts argue that deep-seated institutional discrimination requires more comprehensive internal reform than currently proposed.

EU selects 46 raw materials projects to reduce dependence on China

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Public Prosecution Service was poorly protected against cyberattacks for years

An investigation has concluded that the Dutch Public Prosecution Service failed to adequately protect its ICT systems for years, leaving them vulnerable to cyberattacks. A security flaw in Citrix software allowed hackers to infiltrate the network last July, resulting in the delay of thousands of court cases and highlighting long-standing neglected warnings about outdated technology.

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.