Netherlands News in English
Latest netherlands headlines from Dutch news, translated into English.
2027 Budget: civil service reorganization delayed, little room for new investments
Amsterdam's 2027 budget faces severe constraints due to rising debt and interest costs, forcing the city to prioritize maintaining existing services over new large-scale investments. A planned civil s...
Amsterdam 2027 budget: getting the basics right
The City of Amsterdam is shifting its focus from policy development to the execution of plans for the 2027 budget. The funds saved through this administrative shift will be directly invested back into...
Oil prices fall slightly again, price of diesel at the pump continues to rise
Global oil prices dipped slightly on Thursday due to progress on pipeline repairs and increased export capacity in Saudi Arabia, though costs remain high overall. Despite the crude price drop, diesel ...
Trump threatens to halt trade with EU over relationship with Canada
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has proposed making Canada an associate member of the EU to deepen ties in trade and defense. Donald Trump has threatened to retaliate with severe im...
Unemployment remains virtually unchanged at 4 percent in August
Unemployment in the Netherlands held steady at 4 percent in August, continuing a slow upward trend that began in early 2023. While the number of active unemployment benefits rose slightly, the broader...
Statue in Kolenkit neighborhood aims to break down stereotypes about Muslim women
A new statue in Amsterdam's Kolenkit neighborhood depicts a Muslim woman breaking free from marble to challenge societal stereotypes. Created by local women, the artwork is part of the Vrouwen van Wes...
More and more people are not working, while the group of workers is not growing
The number of non-working people in the Netherlands is rising due to an aging population and stagnant workforce growth, placing increased financial pressure on the welfare state. While the labor marke...
His ministers already know his 'trick': how Rob Jetten operates as prime minister
This article examines the governing style of Prime Minister Rob Jetten, whom colleagues describe as a pragmatic 'fixer' with a strong grasp of ministerial dossiers. While praised for his conflict-reso...
Schiphol begins cleaning 200,000 tons of contaminated soil in PFAS 'car wash'
Schiphol Airport has launched an on-site soil cleaning facility to treat 200,000 tons of earth contaminated with PFAS from historical firefighting foam. The installation washes the soil to extract pol...
Path to budget support remains vague: 'Shopping with us? Forget it!'
Opposition parties in the Netherlands are demanding that the governing coalition clarify its legislative strategy following Prinsjesdag. While the coalition suggests seeking majorities on a per-budget...
Women's emancipation is declining, the Netherlands is lagging behind European countries
The Netherlands has slipped in global gender equality rankings due to slow progress in closing the gender gap compared to other European nations. Key factors contributing to this decline include the u...
Malou Gorter and Hendrik Jan Bökkers nominated again for Televizier-Ring
Malou Gorter and Hendrik Jan Bökkers have been nominated for the Televizier-Ring, alongside talent nominees Daan Alferink, Frank van Leeuwen, and Bram Krikke. The winners will be revealed during the ...
Ajax takes a gamble on new signing Yves Bissouma: perfect profile but comes with baggage
Ajax has signed midfielder Yves Bissouma after the transfer deadline to add versatility to their squad. While he fits the team's desired profile, concerns remain regarding his attitude and potential d...
Laptop on lap, in a hallway: plans for Budget Day have been overhauled before
The Dutch government is planning significant revisions to the budget proposal presented on Prinsjesdag. Similar adjustments were made in 2023, though the overall success of those past changes remains ...
People who fail to pay health insurance premiums will no longer face higher bills
The Dutch government plans to abolish the 10 percent surcharge currently imposed on health insurance premiums for individuals who fall behind on payments. Both the CAK and health insurers agree that t...
KLM Open returns to De Kennemer in Zandvoort after twelve years
The KLM Open golf tournament will return to the historic Kennemer Golf and Country Club in Zandvoort in June 2027. After previously hosting the event twenty times, the venue is praised by organizers f...
Stefan de Walle steps down as Sinterklaas in Sinterklaasjournaal after fifteen years
Actor Stefan de Walle is stepping down from his role as Sinterklaas in the popular Dutch program Het Sinterklaasjournaal after fifteen years. A successor will be revealed during the program on Novembe...
Operation Fur: Council backs alderman in fight against slumlords, but criticizes results
Amsterdam alderman Zita Pels has committed to auditing 20,000 homes to tackle housing exploitation, though council members are skeptical about the plan's feasibility due to budget cuts and past enforc...
Operation Fur: Council backs alderman in fight against slumlords, but criticizes results
Amsterdam Alderman Zita Pels has launched an ambitious initiative to inspect 20,000 rental properties, aiming to curb high costs and slumlord behavior. While the city council supports the goal, member...
Man in yellow top sought for shooting in Lijnden
Police are seeking a suspect following a robbery and shooting that occurred in Lijnden on July 28. Authorities released footage of the man, described as being around 25 years old, who fled the scene i...
'Secret' draft budget revealed: different Box 3 plan, baby bonus, and cheaper flowers after all
A leaked draft budget from Finance Minister Eelco Heinen revealed plans to secure opposition support through tax concessions, a baby bonus, and lower VAT for flowers. The proposal was ultimately rejec...
'Dating app for books' a big success: 50,000 swipes in first weekend
Hebban has launched a dating-app-style feature for book recommendations that generated 50,000 swipes in its first weekend. This initiative is part of a wider effort by the CPNB to improve declining li...
US interest rates almost certain to rise, and we will feel it immediately in the Netherlands
The U.S. Federal Reserve faces pressure regarding a potential interest rate hike, with concerns over political backlash and financial market stability. Any decision made by the central bank is expecte...
How a railway strike led to the Hunger Winter
On September 17, 1944, approximately 30,000 Dutch railway employees went on strike and went into hiding to resist the German occupation. This action triggered a chain reaction that eventually led to t...
New books with 'revelations' about Princess Diana stolen in the Netherlands
Four copies of a new book about Princess Diana authored by her brother, Charles Spencer, were stolen from a truck in the Netherlands during a driver's rest stop. Publishers have implemented strict mea...
Suspension for nitrous oxide and victim of violent robbery: Ajax signing Bissouma has a turbulent past
Ajax has signed experienced midfielder Yves Bissouma, who arrives with a record of 202 Premier League appearances. His transfer follows a turbulent career marked by disciplinary suspensions, legal iss...
Special unit called to incident in Rivierenbuurt, shots possibly heard
Police and the Special Intervention Service (DSI) were deployed to the Trompenburgstraat in Amsterdam's Rivierenbuurt following reports of loud noises and possible gunfire. While witnesses suggested t...
Living more comfortably by making monumental homes sustainable
Residents in Haarlem have successfully transformed their 1922 monumental home into a sustainable, gas-free residence using biobased insulation and a ground-source heat pump. The six-month renovation p...
Unveiling of 5 murals in Oost and Delftwijk
Five new murals featuring themes suggested by residents are being installed across the Haarlem districts of Oost and Delftwijk. Funded by the city council and supported by Elan Wonen, the artworks wil...
Nijkerk company loses case: ban on Israeli products remains
A Dutch court has upheld a ban on the import and sale of goods produced in illegal Israeli settlements, rejecting a challenge from the Nijkerk-based Israel Products Center. The court determined that t...