Economy News in English
Latest economy headlines from Dutch news, translated into English.
Record prices at the pump, but no shortages yet like in France
While nearly 20% of French gas stations are experiencing fuel shortages due to high demand at low-priced TotalEnergies locations, the Netherlands is currently not facing any supply issues. The Dutch i...
Cabinet grilled in Senate: will the plug be pulled on the state pension plan today?
D66 Senate floor leader Paul van Meenen expressed readiness to immediately scrap the planned increase in the state pension age during a debate on the government's policy statement. This signal from th...
From betting ten euros on AZ to losing 500 euros in Kazakhstan. North Holland sees rising number of gambling addicts: 'I’m no longer surprised by a debt of 50,000 euros'
Addiction clinics in North Holland are reporting a significant increase in the number of gambling addicts, often involving individuals with stable careers and homes. Psychologist Niels Bregman notes t...
Inspection: Only a quarter of festivals use reusable cups
A report by the Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate (ILT) reveals that fewer than 25% of festivals are using reusable cups and packaging despite a ban on disposable plastics. The agency chara...
American investor makes billion-dollar bid for record label behind Taylor Swift
American billionaire Bill Ackman's investment firm, Pershing Square Holdings, has launched a multi-billion dollar takeover bid for Universal Music Group. The record label represents major global artis...
Linda went for a few plants and came home with 2,347 euros worth of stuff
38-year-old Linda, who struggles with emotional overspending, recently spent €2,347 at a garden center despite seeking financial guidance. She justified the large purchase as a reward for herself af...
Why thousands of Dutch people are buying electric cars now: ‘I’ve finally been swayed’
The Netherlands is seeing a significant surge in electric vehicle sales, with second-hand EV purchases rising nearly 50% in March compared to February. This trend is largely driven by consumers seekin...
Attack reported on Saudi petrochemical facility
An attack on the petrochemical industry in the Saudi Arabian city of Jubail caused fires at SABIC factories during the night. Local sources reported hearing loud explosions as the facilities of the Sa...
ING not yet halting Russian operations: sale falls through
Dutch bank ING has cancelled the sale of its Russian business operations, which was originally intended to facilitate its exit from the country. Despite previously announcing it would stop taking on n...
ATM blast at Amsteldijk hotel, bomb squad on site
An ATM bombing occurred at a hotel on the Amsteldijk in Amsterdam South around 5:00 AM. The Explosive Ordnance Disposal Service (EOD) and forensic investigators are currently examining the scene, whic...
Camping even more popular due to global unrest: High season already heavily booked
Camping is becoming increasingly popular in the Netherlands, leading to a rise in caravan sales and campsites being fully booked well in advance of the high season. Industry experts attribute this tre...
How a US customs declaration leads to frustration and confusion for Maria
Maria is facing frustration after being required to pay nearly 15 euros in import duties for a pair of socks sent as a gift from a friend in the United States. The high cost of these fees has turned a...
Crucial greening or subsidy trap? Debate over support for Tata Steel erupts
The Dutch House of Representatives is debating a proposed 2 billion euro subsidy aimed at helping Tata Steel transition to sustainable production methods. The potential funding has sparked significant...
Growing group on welfare needs more help to be able to work
A growing number of welfare recipients in the Netherlands face significant barriers to employment, such as debt and mental health issues, requiring more intensive support. Although the labor market ne...
Construction workers benefit from labor shortages: Wages rising faster than elsewhere
Collective labor agreement wages in the Netherlands rose by an average of 4.5% over the past year, resulting in a 2% real wage increase after accounting for inflation. According to the Central Bureau ...
The Tata debate on billions in subsidies is coming: here are the sticking points
The Dutch House of Representatives is scheduled to hold a six-and-a-half-hour debate this Tuesday regarding billions of euros in proposed subsidies for Tata Steel Netherlands. The discussion will focu...
Crowdfunding for TommyTomato to continue feeding 30,000 children, company flooded with positive reactions
A crowdfunding campaign has been launched to save the Haarlem-based school lunch delivery service TommyTomato from bankruptcy. The initiative aims to raise 35,000 euros to ensure the company can conti...
IKNL: Cancer in young adults has long-term consequences
Nearly 70,000 people in the Netherlands who were diagnosed with cancer as young adults over the past two decades continue to face long-term physical and social consequences. According to the Netherlan...
Energy company ONE-Dyas ramps up gas production from North Sea field with second well
Dutch energy company ONE-Dyas has increased gas production in the North Sea by activating a second production well at the N05-A platform. Located north of Schiermonnikoog, this addition allows the com...
Port of IJmuiden greener thanks to joint initiative
The 'Green in the harbor' project in IJmuiden is starting to show positive results a year after its launch. This joint initiative aims to make the port area more sustainable and environmentally friend...
Hillegom makes swimming accessible for children from low-income families with free slide passes
The municipality of Hillegom is offering free summer swimming passes to children from low-income families to ensure they can access the De Vosse outdoor pool. The facility, which reopens in two weeks,...
Giethoorn feels impact of war: Asian tourists stay away, businesses hope for Europeans
Giethoorn is experiencing a decrease in tourists from Asia and the Middle East this Easter weekend due to the impact of the war. Local business owners are hoping that an increase in European visitors ...
Israel claims attack on Iranian South Pars installations
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz announced a significant military strike on Iran's South Pars gas and petrochemical facilities near Asaluyeh. The attack targeted what is described as Iran's most v...
Gas expensive, flight tickets expensive, holiday homes expensive... where to go on vacation?
Dutch recreation entrepreneurs and travel organizations are facing significant uncertainty due to rising fuel costs and increased taxes on vacation homes. Geopolitical instability in the Middle East a...
Tickets for Southeast Asia's largest budget airline significantly more expensive due to Iran war
AirAsia X, Southeast Asia's largest budget airline, is raising ticket prices by 40% and eliminating unprofitable routes to mitigate the financial impact of the conflict in the Middle East. The Malaysi...
Do you like sending and receiving cards and letters? Would you pay extra for fast delivery? Let us know
Starting next summer, postal delivery in the Netherlands will take longer to arrive. The article seeks reader feedback on their mail habits and whether they are willing to pay extra for faster service...
Cheaper electric cars in demand due to high oil prices
Sales of second-hand electric cars in Noord-Holland have tripled in a year as high oil prices drive consumers toward more affordable transportation. Dealerships report a significant increase in demand...
Cycling, coasting or driving electric: there are many ways to reduce fuel consumption
Following a call for reader suggestions, this article compiles various methods for reducing fuel consumption, such as cycling, coasting, and switching to electric vehicles. It highlights unique and pr...
Source: Iran won't reopen Strait of Hormuz yet despite ceasefire
Iran has stated it will not reopen the Strait of Hormuz to shipping traffic as part of a temporary ceasefire agreement. A high-ranking Iranian official told Reuters that Tehran believes the United Sta...
Skippers stop filling tanks as prices skyrocket: ‘Otherwise I’d have to take out another mortgage’
Fuel prices for inland shipping in the Netherlands have doubled in just a few weeks, significantly increasing operating costs for skippers. Many in the sector are struggling to cope with the surge, fe...