Economy News in English
Latest economy headlines from Dutch news, translated into English.
Taiwan a step closer to restarting nuclear power plant
Taiwan is considering the potential restart of its Maanshan nuclear power plant by 2028 following legislative changes that allow for license extensions. The decision comes as the country faces increas...
Will prefab homes solve the housing shortage? 'It is certainly cheaper'
To address the severe housing shortage, the Dutch government plans to increase the production of prefabricated homes by 2030. While experts highlight the cost-effectiveness and speed of these builds, ...
Foundation behind disciplinary law for banks shuts down over dissatisfaction with bank attitude
The foundation overseeing disciplinary law for banks in the Netherlands is dissolving its partnership with the Dutch Banking Association due to ongoing disputes over regulatory standards. The organiza...
Schiphol seeks construction and maintenance partners for renovation
Schiphol Airport has initiated five new tenders to find construction and maintenance partners for its largest infrastructure renovation project to date. The effort, which replaces contracts expiring i...
Ethiopia, Djibouti and Nigerian billionaire to build new oil pipeline
Ethiopia, Djibouti, and a Nigerian investor are collaborating on a 120-kilometer oil pipeline project linking the port of Damerjog to a distribution center in Dewele. The project aims to significantly...
Gas prices hit record high due to Middle East tensions
Gasoline and diesel prices have reached record highs due to supply chain disruptions caused by the ongoing conflict between Iran and the United States. The blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and damage ...
Average recommended petrol price rises to new record
The average recommended price for gasoline in the Netherlands has climbed to a record high of 2.727 euros per liter. This increase is driven by geopolitical instability in the Middle East and concerns...
Hackers shutting down our power? Not far-fetched at all, according to professor: It is relatively simple
Professor Anja Shortland warns that hackers, particularly those operating from countries like Russia, pose a significant threat to the national power grid. She cautions that it is relatively easy for ...
Shipping in Strait of Hormuz comes to a near standstill
The Strait of Hormuz has been blocked for months due to ongoing conflict, causing a massive disruption to global oil and gas supplies and pushing fuel prices to record highs. While Iran and the United...
Cabinet wants to mandate winter gas storage for suppliers
The Dutch government intends to shift the responsibility for winter gas storage from public authorities to commercial gas suppliers by 2028. Additionally, the cabinet plans to advocate for the removal...
Netherlands pays for expensive gas storage, cabinet wants to share costs more fairly
The Dutch government is aiming to reform gas storage cost distribution to ensure that domestic consumers do not disproportionately pay for reserves that benefit other European nations. Officials plan ...
Tourist spending in the Netherlands rises to nearly 118 billion euros, driven mainly by foreign visitors
Tourist spending in the Netherlands reached nearly 118 billion euros in 2025, reflecting a 3 percent increase after adjusting for inflation. The growth was largely fueled by foreign visitors, who cont...
Tourists spend nearly 6 billion euros more than a year ago
Tourism spending in the Netherlands grew by nearly 6 billion euros in 2025, with the sector's total added value rising to 42.3 billion euros. Although domestic travelers represent the majority of spen...
Explainer | Extremely high gas prices? This is what European countries are doing about it
European countries are grappling with high fuel costs, with the Netherlands particularly impacted compared to its neighbors. Governments are now considering various intervention strategies to help cit...
Reader survey shows: strong support for farmers and home seekers, little for politics
A survey indicates that approximately two-thirds of the Dutch population lacks confidence in the government's handling of the nitrogen crisis. While politicians face widespread distrust, farmers and h...
Flexible usage and occasional power outages must become the new normal
The Netherlands is experiencing severe electrical grid congestion, leading to calls for more flexible energy consumption habits to prevent system overload. Experts suggest that households and business...
DigiD app now also available for people without a smartphone
The Dutch government has released a new desktop version of the DigiD app that allows users to access services without a smartphone. This update eliminates the need for QR codes and offers compatibilit...
Higher gas prices don't easily push commuters to cycling: 'A matter of habit'
Data reveals a significant rise in electric vehicle sales across Europe, though this trend is driven by multiple factors rather than just fuel prices. Experts note that despite higher gasoline costs, ...
Amsterdam added over 1,300 social housing units but falls short of targets
Amsterdam increased its social housing stock by 1,322 permanent units over the past year but failed to meet its targets for new construction starts and temporary housing development. Alderman Zita Pel...
Round Droste chocolates are returning to Dutch shelves
The Dutch chocolate brand Droste is returning to store shelves after being acquired by the Polish company Wawel following a period of financial distress. The chocolates will be relaunched under the na...
Dutch parliament concerned about energy bills, but gas tax cannot be lowered
Dutch lawmakers are concerned about rising energy costs leaving many households in poverty but face a major obstacle in providing relief. A potential reduction in gas taxes is blocked by a previous ag...
More social housing and sustainability on track
The municipality is working to increase the supply of affordable, high-quality, and sustainable social housing. Current updates indicate that progress on these housing initiatives remains on track.
Experts warn of sharp diesel price hike if Trump proceeds with export ban
The Trump administration is considering a diesel export ban to combat high domestic prices ahead of the U.S. midterm elections. Experts warn that this policy would intensify global fuel shortages, fur...
Gucci to manufacture sneakers in China instead of Italy for the first time
Gucci has decided to produce certain sneaker models in China instead of Italy to leverage specific manufacturing expertise. This move has drawn criticism from analysts who fear it may undermine the lu...
Companies can no longer simply claim a product is 'green' or 'sustainable'
New Dutch legislation implementing an EU directive will strictly regulate corporate sustainability claims and labels to prevent consumer deception. Starting September 27, companies must ensure environ...
People with small debts must be reached sooner to prevent worse outcomes
The Dutch government is investing 20 million euros to improve early intervention for households with minor debts by prioritizing personal contact over written notices. While the initiative aims to rea...
Record number of healthcare vacancies: labor market shortage remains severe
The Netherlands is facing a severe labor market crisis driven by record vacancies in healthcare and construction, exacerbated by an aging population and high absenteeism. Experts argue that overcoming...
NVWA: squishy dumplings, which were pulled from shelves en masse, are not dangerous for children after all
The Dutch Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) has determined that squishy dumpling toys are safe for children despite concerns over a strong chemical odor. Lab testing revealed that the ...
Diesel price in Europe rises to record 2.23 euros per liter
Diesel prices have hit record levels across Europe, with the Netherlands seeing costs rise to 2.82 euros per liter. This surge is driven by increased oil prices stemming from geopolitical conflicts in...
One-way traffic on the IJssel from Friday due to low water levels
Low water levels have necessitated the implementation of one-way traffic on the IJssel river between Zutphen and Westervoort. Ships arriving from Germany must now take a 300-kilometer detour through A...