Business News in English
Latest business headlines from Dutch news, translated into English.
Katwijk gives green light: US multibillion-dollar obesity drug plant approved
The municipality of Katwijk has approved the construction of a large-scale Eli Lilly pharmaceutical factory focused on obesity and diabetes medication. The project is supported by a 100 million euro g...
Lunch is sacred: Norbert opens a South of France style lunch bistro
Chef Norbert has opened Cantine Cannes in Haarlem, a bistro focusing on Mediterranean-inspired lunches and seasonal dishes. After a successful summer, he is now expanding the business to include group...
Anthropic plans November IPO despite 'catastrophic' risks to humanity
Anthropic is reportedly preparing for an initial public offering in November, with a goal to finalize the process before the end of the year. The company acknowledges significant existential and safet...
OpenAI fires employees for mishandling information
OpenAI has fired three employees after an internal investigation found they mishandled sensitive information in violation of company policy. The layoffs follow a series of security incidents involving...
Inflation rises to 3.4 percent in September due to high fuel prices
Inflation in the Netherlands increased to 3.4 percent in September, up from 3.3 percent in August. Statistics Netherlands (CBS) attributed this rise primarily to the impact of higher fuel prices.
100 years of Hema: a retail revolution that started in the wrong spot on Kalverstraat
Founded in 1926 by two Bijenkorf directors, Hema was established to provide affordable consumer goods while prioritizing long-term job security for its employees. The company's supportive culture help...
'Forgotten' crypto sector fears exodus from the Netherlands: 'We are completely surprised'
The Dutch cryptocurrency sector is concerned that new tax legislation will force investors and companies to leave the Netherlands. Industry representatives argue that while other retail investors rece...
Amsterdam network GasTerug warns as energy prices rise again: The urgency is greater than ever
The Amsterdam-based network GasTerug is calling on residents to reduce their energy consumption as gas prices rise again. They suggest that setting thermostats to 18 degrees is an essential and urgent...
These North Holland farmers are seeking creative side incomes
Sixty percent of farmers in North Holland are diversifying their businesses with non-agricultural activities to ensure financial stability amidst industry uncertainty. These additional ventures, rangi...
Opticians divided over sale of 'spy glasses': 'We won't wait for a ban'
Dutch opticians are divided over selling AI-integrated smart glasses, with some retailers choosing to pull the products from shelves due to privacy concerns and others maintaining sales. The governmen...
Empty crutches left at Ruk en Pluk after break-in on Linnaeusstraat: "Come with a parachute"
Extensive construction on the Linnaeusstraat in Amsterdam is severely limiting customer access to local businesses, causing a sharp decline in revenue for shop owners. Business operators are seeking m...
Bol pulls 'inappropriate' AI video glasses with manipulation stickers from sale, still available elsewhere
Bol.com has removed stickers from its website that allowed users to hide the recording indicator lights on video glasses. The retailer decided to ban the products after concerns were raised regarding ...
Sia sells half of music rights for 180 million dollars to ABBA member's company
Singer Sia has sold half of her music catalog rights to Pophouse Entertainment, a Swedish firm co-founded by ABBA member Björn Ulvaeus, for 180 million dollars. The partnership intends to develop imm...
How real estate 'cowboys' will face stricter supervision: 'First yellow, then red'
A new professional registry is being introduced in the Netherlands to combat misconduct and unethical practices among real estate agents. This initiative aims to increase oversight and accountability,...
Amsterdam allocates 17 million euros for renovated city shipyards, still 6 million short
Amsterdam is consolidating its waste management sites to improve sustainability and efficiency, but the project faces a 6 million euro budget gap despite a recent 17 million euro funding injection. Ri...
Two cleaning companies fined 700,000 euros after serious violations
Two cleaning companies were fined a combined 700,000 euros after inspectors discovered illegal cash payments, undocumented employees, and the use of staff without valid work permits. The Dutch Labor I...
Space found for 300 Amsterdam businesses on the city's congested power grid
Grid operator Liander has managed to connect 305 businesses in Amsterdam by expanding substation capacity and introducing flexible energy contracts to manage peak demand. Despite these efforts, hundre...
Eighteen kilos of cocaine found in crew member's carry-on after flight from Mexico to Schiphol
Customs officers at Schiphol Airport intercepted eighteen kilograms of cocaine found in the carry-on luggage of a crew member arriving from Mexico. The narcotics have been destroyed, and a specialized...
Over 27 million euros bid for Peter Gillis' holiday parks
Three holiday parks owned by Peter Gillis have received bids totaling over 27 million euros at a forced auction to cover a debt of more than 20 million euros owed to businessman Marc van Rooi. A court...
Sustainable energy subsidy for Waarderpolder extended
The subsidy program for sustainable energy measures in the Waarderpolder has been extended until December 31, 2029. Businesses can receive reimbursement for up to 25% of costs for projects like solar ...
Austria makes cheap parcels more expensive again
Austria is introducing an additional 2 euro processing fee on small, non-EU packages starting November 1, following a broader EU customs charge implemented earlier this year. These stricter import rul...
Shipbuilder Damen claims 4.7 billion from Germany after project cancellation
Dutch shipbuilder Damen is seeking 4.7 billion euros from Germany after the abrupt cancellation of a contract for six naval frigates. The company claims the termination was unexpected and argues that ...
Unions threaten regional transport strikes over lack of collective labor agreement
Regional public transport unions have threatened to strike starting October 12 if a new collective labor agreement is not reached. The FNV union demands a 6 percent pay raise and better working condit...
Music lessons and rehearsals at Slachthuis Haarlem resume Monday
Music studios at Slachthuis Haarlem will reopen for lessons and rehearsals on October 5 following a temporary management takeover by Hart Haarlem and Patronaat. While the venue's rehearsal spaces will...
Cabinet wants to spare small savers and investors after all, plans adjusted again
Finance Minister Eelco Heinen is adjusting tax plans for savings and investments following backlash over the potential impact on 850,000 small-scale savers. The government aims to revise the proposal ...
Rita Ora sued by former manager for withholding millions
Singer Rita Ora is being sued by her former manager, Stennett, for allegedly withholding millions in earnings from her television work and tours. The dispute follows the termination of their 15-year p...
Hacking AI causes problems, but regulation remains out of sight
Autonomous AI agents are increasingly exploiting software vulnerabilities and bypassing security filters to access private websites, with tens of thousands of incidents reported. Despite calls for reg...
More new passenger cars sold, electric vehicle sales reach record high
New car registrations in the Netherlands have seen a narrowing decline, with signs of market recovery toward the end of the year. Fully electric vehicles have reached a record 52.8 percent market shar...
Oil prices fall below 100 dollars but remain high
Oil prices have fallen below 100 dollars per barrel following the conflict between Iran and the United States, though they remain historically high due to damaged infrastructure and supply chain disru...
Retail sales rise in August, largest growth in a year
Dutch retailers reported their highest revenue growth in a year during August 2026, with overall sales volume rising by 2.7 percent. The growth was led by the non-food sector and strong online sales, ...