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.

A special Prinsjesdag: 'The cabinet wants to prevent the king from being embarrassed'
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A special Prinsjesdag: 'The cabinet wants to prevent the king from being embarrassed'

This year's Prinsjesdag features a shift in the King's speech to focus on cabinet ambitions rather than fixed policy plans to avoid political embarrassment for the monarch. With a minority cabinet in ...

Need a moment for yourself? Here is where to book a massage in Haarlem city center
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Need a moment for yourself? Here is where to book a massage in Haarlem city center

This guide highlights various massage studios in the center of Haarlem that offer a range of services from traditional Eastern techniques to holistic relaxation therapies. Whether seeking relief from ...

Emergency services sound major alarm after carbon monoxide report in Haarlem apartment block
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Emergency services sound major alarm after carbon monoxide report in Haarlem apartment block

Emergency services are inspecting a forty-eight-unit apartment building in Haarlem after multiple carbon monoxide detectors were triggered early this morning. Firefighters are systematically checking ...

Questions about the Prinsjesdag protocol in The Hague? Ask them here
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Questions about the Prinsjesdag protocol in The Hague? Ask them here

The AD news outlet is inviting the public to participate in a live Q&A session about the traditions and protocol of Prinsjesdag in The Hague. Parliamentary journalists will be available to answer ques...

Continued concerns for farmer Willem from Ransdorp after sewer collapse: "I'm keeping a close eye on my livestock"
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Continued concerns for farmer Willem from Ransdorp after sewer collapse: "I'm keeping a close eye on my livestock"

Following a major sewer collapse that released 36,000 cubic meters of wastewater into the Ransdorp area, local farmers remain uncertain about the safety of their livestock. Residents have expressed fr...

Convictions in murder of Dutch IKON journalists upheld
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Convictions in murder of Dutch IKON journalists upheld

The convictions of three former high-ranking military officials for the 1982 murder of four Dutch journalists in El Salvador have been upheld following the rejection of their appeal. The journalists, ...

Prinsjesdag first: King finally gets to tell a story in the Speech from the Throne
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Prinsjesdag first: King finally gets to tell a story in the Speech from the Throne

King Willem-Alexander will deliver a revised Throne Speech on Prinsjesdag that focuses on a unified vision for the future rather than the traditional list of departmental measures. Prime Minister Rob ...

Two Amsterdammers killed in plane crash in Germany
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Two Amsterdammers killed in plane crash in Germany

Three Dutch citizens, including two residents of Amsterdam, have died following a Cessna 172 crash near the German border. The light aircraft had departed from Hilversum before losing altitude and cra...

Experienced free agent midfielder Yves Bissouma on his way to Ajax
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Experienced free agent midfielder Yves Bissouma on his way to Ajax

Ajax has signed free agent midfielder Yves Bissouma to a contract running through the end of the season. The 30-year-old Malian international, formerly of Tottenham Hotspur and Brighton, was recruited...

Slight improvement in Amsterdam water quality: "But we are not there yet"
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Slight improvement in Amsterdam water quality: "But we are not there yet"

Water quality in and around Amsterdam has shown a slight improvement according to the Amstel, Gooi and Vecht water board, though officials warn that standards are not yet fully met. Authorities are ca...

Dutch Tax Authority seizes Ferry Doedens' house over debts
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Dutch Tax Authority seizes Ferry Doedens' house over debts

The Dutch Tax Authority has placed a lien on Ferry Doedens' home due to unpaid debts, a move compounded by similar actions from his apartment building's homeowners' association. The actor, known for h...

Joachime places flowers by the throne and fears a pricier bouquet: ‘Doesn't everyone love flowers?’
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Joachime places flowers by the throne and fears a pricier bouquet: ‘Doesn't everyone love flowers?’

The Dutch flower industry faces a potential tax increase as leaked plans suggest raising the VAT on cut flowers from 9 to 21 percent. Florist Joachime Hutten expressed disappointment regarding the pro...

Working above the IJ tunnel now, running through it soon: "I need you"
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Working above the IJ tunnel now, running through it soon: "I need you"

NEMO employee Janneke Kluvers is preparing for her first Dam tot Damloop race, which involves running through the IJ tunnel located beneath her office. The event is part of a larger sports roundup tha...

From carriage to briefcase: this is what Prince's Day looks like
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From carriage to briefcase: this is what Prince's Day looks like

Prinsjesdag represents the ceremonial opening of the Dutch political year, featuring a royal procession and the delivery of the Speech from the Throne by King Willem-Alexander. The day concludes with ...

Amsterdam vs Rotterdam in battle for baseball title: "Don't look for a chat with them"
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Amsterdam vs Rotterdam in battle for baseball title: "Don't look for a chat with them"

The baseball rivalry between Amsterdam and Rotterdam continues to mirror the intensity of Dutch football, with Neptunus recently securing a 4-0 sweep against the Amsterdam Pirates in the Holland Serie...

India can sell more steel to Europe, but CO2 tax remains
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India can sell more steel to Europe, but CO2 tax remains

India has secured a trade deal allowing a fixed quota of its steel to enter the European Union under favorable terms. However, all steel exports, regardless of this quota, remain subject to EU carbon ...

What if the rainstorm of the century hits Haarlem? 'Nearly 4,900 homes in vulnerable areas'
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What if the rainstorm of the century hits Haarlem? 'Nearly 4,900 homes in vulnerable areas'

Approximately 4,900 homes in Haarlem could face significant water accumulation if an extreme storm event, estimated to occur once every century, strikes the area. Research highlights that neighborhood...

Run for your life: everything about the 2026 Dam tot Damloop in Amsterdam
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Run for your life: everything about the 2026 Dam tot Damloop in Amsterdam

The 40th annual Dam tot Damloop sports weekend will be held on September 19 and 20, 2026, featuring running, cycling, and walking events between Amsterdam and Zaandam. The milestone celebration includ...

Former Artis director Maarten Frankenhuis (84) has died
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Former Artis director Maarten Frankenhuis (84) has died

Maarten Frankenhuis, the former director of Artis zoo in Amsterdam, has died at age 84. During his leadership from 1990 to 2003, he was recognized for advancing animal welfare, education, and innovati...

Climate goals remain out of reach: 'Momentum lost in the transition to sustainable energy'
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Climate goals remain out of reach: 'Momentum lost in the transition to sustainable energy'

The Netherlands is currently off track to meet its 2030 climate goals, with the PBL projecting a significant shortfall in greenhouse gas reduction. Experts warn that without an aggressive new policy p...

PBL climate advisor: burning Malaysian rainforest unnecessary for climate goals
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PBL climate advisor: burning Malaysian rainforest unnecessary for climate goals

The Netherlands' climate agency, PBL, has stated that burning wood pellets from rainforests is unnecessary for reaching climate neutrality. Meanwhile, the country is struggling to meet its ambitious e...

Swimmers brave the cold at Dutch Open Water Championships: "Nice temperature for me"
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Swimmers brave the cold at Dutch Open Water Championships: "Nice temperature for me"

Around 600 athletes participated in the Dutch Open Water Championships held at Amsterdam's Gaasperplas this past weekend. Bram Loots and Jade van der Schrier claimed victories in both the 10-kilometer...

Paikar is Dutch entry for Best International Feature Film Oscar
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Paikar is Dutch entry for Best International Feature Film Oscar

The documentary Paikar has been chosen as the Netherlands' official entry for the Best International Feature Film Oscar. The film follows a Dutch-Afghan man's attempts to reconnect with his father and...

Petrol in Germany is more expensive than ever
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Petrol in Germany is more expensive than ever

Fuel prices in Germany have hit record highs following a recent spike in crude oil costs caused by supply chain disruptions in Saudi Arabia. Despite these increases, fuel remains significantly more ex...

Former council member Tara Singh-Varma (78) has passed away
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Former council member Tara Singh-Varma (78) has passed away

Tara Singh-Varma, the first woman with a migration background to serve in the Dutch House of Representatives, has died at age 78. She was a prominent politician in Amsterdam who participated in the Bi...

FNV demands 5.5 percent wage increase and warns cabinet again about WIA and unemployment benefits
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FNV demands 5.5 percent wage increase and warns cabinet again about WIA and unemployment benefits

Dutch trade unions FNV and CNV are demanding wage increases of up to 5.5 percent, citing inflation and corporate profitability as key drivers. Additionally, the FNV is pressuring the cabinet to scrap ...

FNV wants 5.5 percent wage increase plus 80 euros next year
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FNV wants 5.5 percent wage increase plus 80 euros next year

The FNV trade union is demanding a 5.5 percent wage increase plus an additional 80 euros per month for the upcoming collective labor agreement period in the Netherlands. The union also plans to push f...

Schiphol shrinkage a step closer, but protection for local residents needs to be clearer
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Schiphol shrinkage a step closer, but protection for local residents needs to be clearer

The Dutch government has proposed capping annual flight movements at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol at 478,000 to reduce noise pollution for local residents by 2029. While the Council of State supports th...

NPO gets more time to decide on participation in 2027 Eurovision Song Contest
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NPO gets more time to decide on participation in 2027 Eurovision Song Contest

The NPO has been granted an extension by the European Broadcasting Union to determine the Netherlands' participation in the 2027 Eurovision Song Contest. This follows broadcaster AVROTROS relinquishin...

New strike announced: week-long walkout by cleaners at Schiphol, stations and other locations
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New strike announced: week-long walkout by cleaners at Schiphol, stations and other locations

Cleaners represented by the FNV union are launching a five-day strike across the Netherlands, impacting Schiphol Airport, train stations, and various educational institutions. The action follows the r...