Wednesday 30 September

City officials in Amsterdam are scrambling to save a pilot program using dexamphetamine to treat crack addiction after the Health and Youth Care Inspectorate halted the trial. Mayor Femke Halsema and Councilor Alexander Scholtes argue the medication is a vital tool, and are now lobbying the Ministry of Health to reverse the decision. Read more →

The Dutch House of Representatives has dealt a blow to cabinet plans to reform the 'box 3' wealth tax, which would have hit 850,000 savers and investors. Lawmakers are demanding a redesign of the policy, leaving the government to scramble for funding to bridge a 500 million euro budget shortfall. Read more →

In an effort to curb rising hostility towards frontline staff, the Public Prosecution Service in the Netherlands is mandating harsher penalties for violence against emergency responders. Justice Minister David van Weel plans to replace community service with mandatory prison sentences to better protect public servants. Read more →

Authorities in Alkmaar have imposed a ban on Israeli football fans ahead of a local match, citing safety risks and recent civil unrest in Amsterdam. The decision follows intelligence from the capital, which suggested that mounting societal tensions made it impossible to adequately secure the visiting supporters. Read more →

The Consumentenbond and Stichting Car Claim have launched a lawsuit against Stellantis regarding illegal software installed in camper vans sold in the Netherlands. The groups allege that tens of thousands of vehicles sold between 2009 and 2022 contain defeat devices and are seeking compensation for affected owners. Read more →