Politics News in English

The Hague tunnel to remain closed for months, city fines builder Strukton

The Hubertustunnel in The Hague will remain closed for an additional two months because contractor Strukton failed to complete construction work on time. Consequently, the municipality of The Hague is...

CDA also critical of quick reversal of UNRWA funding cuts

The Dutch coalition party CDA has voiced criticism regarding Minister Sjoerd Sjoerdsma's plan to reverse budget cuts for UNRWA, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees. The minister intends to restore ...

GL-PvdA wants temporary off-peak travel for 9 euros per month

The GroenLinks-PvdA party has proposed a temporary "climate ticket" allowing off-peak travel across the Netherlands for nine euros per month between May and September. MP Habtamu de Hoop introduced th...

Terrorism investigation into explosive at Bank of America in Paris

French anti-terrorism prosecutors have launched an investigation into a suspected terrorist conspiracy following an attempted attack in Paris. An explosive device was discovered over the weekend at a ...

From voluntary departures to reluctant exits: Hillegom bids farewell to six council members

On Tuesday evening, the municipality of Hillegom held a farewell ceremony for six outgoing council members. The event featured speeches, flowers, and a special tribute poem written by the village poet...

Opposition outraged by D66 minister Sjoerdsma’s ‘incomprehensible’ deal and ‘ruse’

Dutch opposition parties have expressed anger over a plan by Minister Sjoerd Sjoerdsma to provide millions in aid to the Palestinian organization UNRWA. This move follows a previous agreement to cance...

Divorced Japanese parents can share child custody for the first time

Japan has introduced a new law allowing divorced parents to share joint custody of their children for the first time. Previously, Japan was one of the few countries where custody was exclusively grant...

Trump ‘seriously considering’ leaving NATO

U.S. President Donald Trump told The Telegraph that he is strongly considering withdrawing the United States from NATO. He cited a lack of support from other member nations regarding the conflict with...

71 municipal notices regarding demolition and hospitality in Haarlem last week

The municipality of Haarlem processed 71 permit applications last week, with 70 of them specifically related to projects within the city. These reports include updates on demolition and hospitality de...

Atmosphere at the Stopera: new council installed, debate on scout's report

The new city council of Amsterdam is being installed today at the Stopera, where members will be sworn in for a four-year term. Following the ceremony, a debate will take place regarding a proposal fo...

Beverwijk bids farewell to fifteen council members, royal decorations for Bayram Gezer and Co den Hartog

Fifteen council members in Beverwijk are stepping down to make room for new representatives for the upcoming four-year term. Long-time veterans Bayram Gezer and Co den Hartog were recognized with roya...

Utrecht province fines bus operators for public transport problems

The province of Utrecht is fining bus operators Transdev and Keolis for persistent service issues, including high cancellation rates and a shortage of vehicles. Transdev faces a penalty of at least 1....

Public administration professor on informateur Don Bijl's resignation in Beverwijk: ‘This is very childish’

The information phase of government formation in Beverwijk collapsed after informateur Don Bijl resigned following a dispute with the local Forum for Democracy (FvD) faction over the number of meeting...

Royal honors for veterans Van der Heijden and Ates at farewell ceremony for Heemstede councilors

Former Heemstede council members Thera van der Heijden and Remco Ates were appointed Members of the Order of Orange-Nassau during a farewell ceremony on Tuesday evening. Mayor Falgun Binnendijk honore...

It was a pleasure to spar with Hein Struben (1942-2026)

Hein Struben, a D66 council member in the municipality of Bloemendaal, has passed away at the age of 83. He served on the council for the last two years and was a resident of Overveen.

Hairdressers given tools to recognize domestic violence

The Dutch government is providing hairdressers with tools to help them identify signs of domestic violence and unsafe relationships among their clients. Mariëtte Hamer, the government commissioner fo...

Royal honors for departing Velsen council members. Mayor Dales on Leo Kwant: ‘You are the best alderman we never had’

During the final council meeting in Velsen, nine outgoing council members received royal decorations from Mayor Frank Dales. A total of 14 out of 33 council members are stepping down, marked by a cere...

Not a matter of climate nagging: shut down gas stations as soon as possible

The ongoing conflicts involving the United States, Israel, Iran, Russia, and Ukraine have triggered a rise in fuel prices, highlighting the urgent need to reduce global dependency on oil and gas. This...

Green steel scientists: Tata is not so poorly positioned

Scientists writing in the economic journal ESB argue that Tata Steel is well-positioned for a future in the Netherlands, countering arguments against government subsidies for the plant. The researcher...

Scathing report: youth work in Haarlem is failing. ‘There is a gap to bridge’

A joint report by the municipality of Haarlem and the organization Buurts reveals that youth work in the city is failing to establish a structural foundation. The investigation found that youth worker...

Concern over just 29 parking spaces for 65 new homes in Heemskerk. Not everyone agrees: 'As far as I'm concerned, there should always be greenery'

A housing development plan for 65 new homes on Huibert Pootstraat in Heemskerk has sparked debate over the provision of only 29 parking spaces. While some residents express concern about the limited p...

Large fire at Kuwait airport following Iranian drone attack

An Iranian drone attack targeted fuel tanks at Kuwait International Airport, causing a large-scale fire. Kuwait's state news agency, KUNA, reported that no casualties resulted from the incident.

Vance releases book about his Catholic faith

U.S. Vice President JD Vance has announced the release of a new book titled "Communion: Finding My Way Back to Faith," which explores his personal journey with the Catholic faith. The book is schedule...

Trump claims he would end Iran war within two or three weeks

US President Donald Trump stated during a White House press conference that he expects the United States to finish its conflict with Iran very soon. He claimed the situation would be resolved within t...

Droppings from one polecat delay construction of Oostenburg cycle route to city center

Three couples marry 25 years after marriage equality witnessed by PM Jetten: ‘I saw those images as a 14-year-old’

Trump likely to attend Supreme Court in person Wednesday

Former U.S. President Donald Trump announced he will likely attend the Supreme Court in person this Wednesday. The visit is intended for a case concerning birthright citizenship.

Just like 25 years ago, the mayor married three same-sex couples last night

Mayor Femke Halsema officiated the marriages of three same-sex couples at Amsterdam's Stopera to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the world's first legal same-sex weddings. The ceremony included sp...

Pro-Iranian fighter arrested for kidnapping US journalist

A pro-Iranian fighter has been arrested following the kidnapping of American journalist Shelly Kittleson in Baghdad, Iraq. The U.S. State Department confirmed the arrest of the individual involved in ...

Foreign journalist kidnapped in Iraq

A foreign journalist has been kidnapped in Baghdad, Iraq, by unidentified individuals. The Iraqi Ministry of Interior reported that one suspect has been arrested in connection with the abduction. Auth...