Netherlands News in English
Netherlands news in English — Dutch national headlines covering politics, housing, immigration, the economy, transport and daily life, translated and updated throughout the day for the international community.
Provincial officials traveling to US to discuss Formula 1 cycling traffic, cost: 29,000 euros
A delegation of five provincial officials is traveling to California for a study trip focused on public transportation and cycling logistics for Formula 1. The visit, which costs 29,000 euros, aims to...
Right-wing opposition moves to repeal asylum distribution law
A group of right-wing opposition parties led by JA21 has introduced a bill to repeal the Distribution Act, which governs the fair distribution of asylum seekers across the country. The initiative is u...
This Amsterdammer blew up himself and his ship to avoid capture by the Belgians
During the Belgian Revolution, Amsterdam naval officer Jan van Speijk blew up his ship and himself to prevent the vessel from falling into the hands of Belgian rebels. His act of self-sacrifice remain...
Dementia costs society tens of billions according to research
A study conducted by health economist Robbert Huijsman for Alzheimer Nederland estimates that the societal costs of dementia in the Netherlands reached 31.8 billion euros last year. This analysis incl...
Number of bankruptcies decreased by 12 percent in April
The number of company bankruptcies in the Netherlands decreased by 12 percent in April compared to the same month last year. A total of 293 businesses went bankrupt, representing a decline of 39 cases...
Have your passport or ID card delivered to your home for free before the summer holidays
Residents can have their new passports or ID cards delivered to their home or workplace for free throughout June and early July. This service aims to provide convenience and eliminate the need for in-...
More passengers via Eindhoven Airport despite Middle East unrest and rising fuel costs
Eindhoven Airport recorded its busiest first quarter ever, seeing a significant increase in passenger numbers despite higher kerosene prices and Middle East unrest. While Schiphol faces setbacks, the ...
Sales of petrol and diesel cars fall in the Netherlands
Sales of new gasoline-powered cars in the Netherlands halved last month compared to the same period last year. This data was released by the European automobile manufacturers' association, ACEA.
Ster expects record advertising revenue during World Cup despite unfavorable kick-off times and Trump effect
Ster, the advertising arm of the Dutch Public Broadcasting (NPO), expects record-breaking revenue during the upcoming football World Cup in North America. Despite challenges such as unfavorable kick-o...
Boating on the canals: 7 canal cruises in Haarlem
Haarlem offers several canal cruise options for those looking to explore the city's historic center from the water. Visitors can enjoy guided tours that provide insights into Haarlem's history while r...
Car ends up in ditch in Overveen
On Tuesday evening, a car ended up in a ditch along the Duinlustweg in Overveen. The occupants managed to escape the vehicle without injuries but were left soaked from the incident.
Commercial waste in East ends up in household bins far too often
Authorities in the Amsterdam-Oost district are implementing stricter enforcement against business owners who dispose of commercial waste in household containers, leading to littered shopping streets. ...
Pickleball takes over Haarlem, popular with disabled athletes: ‘It’s accessible’
Pickleball is gaining popularity in Haarlem and across the Netherlands as an accessible alternative to tennis and padel. Bernadette Snijders Blok, chairperson of Pickleball Holland, notes that the spo...
Joy or heartbreak: which regional clubs still face a play-off battle?
Several football clubs are entering promotion and relegation play-offs as the regular season comes to an end. While many players have already begun their summer break, these regional teams must contin...
Overveen water treatment plant to reopen in a few years as water conservation trend stalls
PWN is set to reactivate its historic drinking water purification site in Overveen within a few years to address stagnating water conservation trends. The facility, which originally opened in 1898 to ...
Fewer permits for temporary housing despite housing shortage
In 2025, Dutch municipalities issued approximately 3,000 permits for temporary housing, which is a 50% decrease compared to the previous year. According to statistics bureau CBS, this decline comes de...
Drug 3-MMC is almost never what it seems, Trimbos Institute finds
The Trimbos Institute reports that drugs sold as 3-MMC in the Netherlands rarely contain the actual substance. Data from the Drugs Information and Monitoring System reveals that only 3 percent of samp...
Number of homes worth at least a million increases significantly
The number of homes in the Netherlands valued at one million euros or more reached 273,000 in 2025. This marks a significant increase of nearly 50,000 homes compared to the previous year.
A €150,000 prefab home for first-time buyers? ‘At Landal you see the most beautiful cottages’
Knowledge organization Platform31 is advocating for factory-built homes as an affordable and rapid solution for starters in the housing market. The group suggests that allowing individuals to purchase...
Hundreds of residents desperate as heating systems fail for years in Haarlem and Amstelveen
Hundreds of residents in Haarlem and Amstelveen have faced persistent failures with their gas-free heat and cold storage (WKO) systems for years, leaving many without heating or cooling. The issues hi...
Expansion of national youth powers for special enforcement officers as of June 1
Starting June 1, 2026, special enforcement officers (BOAs) in the Netherlands will be authorized to reprimand minors or refer them to the Halt foundation for criminal offenses. This nationwide expansi...
Residents submit last-minute alternative plan for Kleine Houtweg: 'Cyclists must be able to cycle safely and independently'
Residents of the Kleine Houtweg in Haarlem have submitted an alternative street design plan to the municipality, calling for the inclusion of a separate bicycle path. The group argues that the current...
Forgot to reserve a loaner car? No problem at Garage Majoor
Garage Majoor offers loaner cars to customers bringing their vehicles in for repairs, even if they have forgotten to make a prior reservation. The service aims to provide a positive experience for cli...
Trade associations ignore Castricum's request to ask members to stop using weed killer
The branch organizations LTO Noord and KAVB have refused a request from the municipality of Castricum to ask their members to stop using the herbicide glyphosate. The local government made the request...
Will it be another hot summer and why (not)? And four more questions about the heat
The Netherlands recently experienced record-breaking temperatures, with May 26 being the hottest ever recorded at 31.2 degrees Celsius. While temperatures are expected to cool temporarily, meteorologi...
Was there really intimidation of council members over the asylum center? Santpoort resident wants to see proof
A resident of Santpoort-Zuid is demanding evidence to support claims that local officials were intimidated and threatened regarding a proposed asylum seeker center in early 2024. The resident question...
One in nine homes in Haarlem worth more than a million: more than in comparable areas
One in nine owner-occupied homes in Haarlem is now valued at over one million euros, according to data from valuation agency Calcasa. Out of the city's 43,000 houses, 4,800 have reached this price thr...
KLM flight to Amsterdam refuels in French Guiana due to fuel shortage
KLM flight KL714, traveling from Paramaribo to Amsterdam, was forced to divert to French Guiana to refuel shortly after departure on Tuesday. The unscheduled stop occurred due to a fuel shortage befor...
Over 100 asylum seekers moved from Ter Apel to Groningen
More than a hundred asylum seekers were relocated from the registration center in Ter Apel to the Hanzeplaza convention center in Groningen due to a lack of space. The Red Cross managed the transport ...
Prime Minister Jetten does not rule out cooperation with Markuszower
Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten criticized politician Gidi Markuszower for his comments regarding Palestinian refugees, stating they place him outside constructive political forces. However, despite p...