Economy News in English
Latest economy headlines from Dutch news, translated into English.
Hoofddorp to build 400 homes in city center: Houses too close to busy road according to health regulations
The municipality of Haarlemmermeer has approved plans for 400 to 450 new homes in the center of Hoofddorp on the Binnenweg. Local politicians generally support the project despite health authorities' ...
NS launches free train pass trial for low-income residents in Amersfoort
The Dutch Railways (NS) is launching a pilot program in the municipality of Amersfoort to provide free train passes to residents with low incomes. The initiative aims to increase societal participatio...
Lowest growth in onshore wind energy in years, RVO reports
The expansion of onshore wind energy in the Netherlands has reached a historical low, according to a report by the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO). A decline in total power generation capacity is ...
Disappointing growth in onshore wind energy due to power grid and uncertainty
Onshore wind energy expansion in the Netherlands reached its lowest point since 2017, with only 96 megawatts added in 2025. This stagnation is primarily driven by legislative uncertainty and the chall...
Landlord awarded over 20,000 euros in back rent after tenant leaves shared home
A tenant in Amsterdam-Noord has been ordered by a court to pay over 20,000 euros in rent arrears after his co-tenant moved out of their shared apartment. Although the remaining resident paid his porti...
Another protest on Rotterdam port railway line
Activists from the group Geef Tegengas held a second day of protests in the Port of Rotterdam on Sunday. This follows a similar action on Saturday where the group blocked the port's railway line.
'Excellent connection' Schipholweg continues to change: from Tour de France to Haarlem Spaarnepoort public transport hub
The Schipholweg in Haarlem-Oost, which opened in July 1954, has served as a vital link between Haarlem and Schiphol Airport for decades. Originally hosting the Tour de France just before its official ...
53 homes on site of former Hema in Hoofddorp
The municipality of Hoofddorp plans to build 53 new homes on the site of the former HEMA and Hangar 20 in the town center. The local government intends to sign a development agreement with the firm Wo...
Police find 340,000 euros and weapons in Zutphen man's bedroom
Police in early May discovered 340,000 euros in cash, drugs, and a gas alarm pistol in the bedroom of a 23-year-old man from Zutphen. The investigation was initiated after the suspect was observed par...
Air France-KLM name to disappear: unrest at the top over 'drastic step'
Air France-KLM CEO Ben Smith has reportedly decided to change the name of the aviation group following the expected addition of Scandinavian airline SAS. The decision has sparked significant internal ...
Higher profit for Saudi Aramco despite export disruptions due to Iran war
Saudi Aramco reported increased profits for the first quarter as high oil prices, driven by the conflict in Iran, offset operational challenges. Despite the financial gain, the company's exports have ...
The Greenhouse | Celebration of avoided disaster scenario is unfortunately postponed
Climate reporter Jeroen Kraan discusses the aftermath of a technical publication regarding climate models and their implications. He clarifies that, despite some optimistic interpretations, severe cli...
1896 building permit insufficient: city center roof terrace must be removed
A homeowner in Amsterdam's city center must remove a roof terrace and external staircase by June 2026 or face a 10,000 euro fine. A judge rejected the owner's claim that a building permit from 1896 au...
Majority of musicians cannot make a living from music: financial uncertainty makes artists less likely to buy a home
A recent study reveals that the majority of pop musicians in the Netherlands struggle financially, with nearly half earning less than 5,000 euros net annually from their music. This financial instabil...
Wietske and Ben form a band, but also work in construction and journalism: 'Musicians should take a stand against low rates'
Members of the band Jacht, who reside in Amsterdam and Haarlem, discuss the financial challenges of balancing their music careers with professional work in construction and journalism. They argue that...
Milieudefensie figurehead wants to change Tata from within: is that possible?
Donald Pols, the director of Milieudefensie, is transitioning to a role at Tata Steel to attempt to reform the company's environmental practices from within. This career move has sparked a national de...
Germany and Canada deepen cooperation
German Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil discussed deepening bilateral cooperation between Germany and Canada during a conference in Toronto on Saturday. The meeting focused on exploring new ways for th...
As one fake site is taken down, another for bankrupt Fonq pops up: ‘Everything must go’
Cybercriminals are launching multiple fraudulent websites mimicking the bankrupt home retailer Fonq to scam consumers with fake clearance sales. Despite police efforts to take down these sites, new on...
Retention of mortgage interest deduction less certain than it seems
The Dutch minority cabinet, led by Prime Minister Jetten, faces potential negotiations with the opposition and unions that may put the mortgage interest deduction at risk. While the VVD remains firmly...
German drone startup worth $18 billion after new funding round
German drone startup Helsing is set to raise $1.2 billion in a new financing round, according to the Financial Times. This investment establishes the Munich-based company as one of the most valuable s...
Putin promises visiting Fico enough energy for Slovakia
Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico in Moscow on Saturday to discuss energy cooperation. During the visit, Putin pledged that Russia would make every effort to ...
Dassen in congress speech: break ties with Palantir
Volt leader Laurens Dassen has called on the Dutch government to sever ties with the American software company Palantir. During a party congress in Ede, Dassen proposed redirecting the funds currently...
Uniqlo doesn't sell trends, but relies on Japanese reliability
Japanese retailer Uniqlo distinguishes itself from fast-fashion competitors by focusing on sustainable, gender-neutral basics rather than chasing rapid trends. The brand emphasizes reliability and rat...
New cars and washing machines made entirely from scrap? Tata Steel, Volvo and Electrolux conduct groundbreaking research
Tata Steel Nederland, Volvo, and Electrolux Professional are conducting research in IJmuiden to produce high-quality steel for cars and appliances entirely from scrap metal using electric arc furnaces...
New Dutch citizens finding work faster and more often: "I can now contribute"
Data from the CBS shows that refugees with residence permits in the Netherlands are finding employment significantly faster than a decade ago, with 13% working within three months. Local initiatives a...
The Netherlands flooded by Chinese car brands: here is the reason
The Netherlands is experiencing a rapid influx of Chinese car brands, with over twenty manufacturers already present in the market and new ones arriving almost monthly. Auto expert Niek Schenk explain...
Starmer appoints former PM Brown as special envoy
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has appointed former Prime Minister Gordon Brown as a special envoy for global finance. The appointment follows significant losses for the Labour Party in recent lo...
Sold-out house festival organizer sues Amsterdam over cancellation
The organizers of the sold-out Music On Festival have filed a lawsuit against the municipality of Amsterdam in a final attempt to prevent the event's cancellation. A spokesperson stated that this lega...
Marleen (52) is at the office by 7:15 AM to secure a spot: ‘Need for my own desk’
52-year-old Marleen reports experiencing significant stress due to a workspace shortage in her company's new office, forcing her to arrive at 7:15 AM to secure a desk. She shared her struggle with car...
Companies not yet increasing travel allowances on a large scale
A survey by ANP indicates that most companies in the Netherlands are not yet planning to increase the travel allowance for employees to 25 cents per kilometer. Many employers have either decided again...