Politics News in English
Latest politics headlines from Dutch news, translated into English.
Over 400 arrests at XR A12 blockade, not 200
Police arrested between 400 and 450 Extinction Rebellion activists during a road blockade on the A12 highway. This final count is significantly higher than the initial estimate of 200 arrests.
Iranian delegation leaves Pakistan
An Iranian delegation has departed Pakistan following a day of high-level meetings with Pakistani leadership. During the consultations, the delegation reportedly provided a list of conditions for endi...
Closer cooperation between IJmuiden and Beverwijk port services
The municipality of Beverwijk and Zeehaven IJmuiden have reached an agreement for closer cooperation in port services. Under this temporary arrangement, the IJmuiden port service will manage the De Pi...
Romania protests to Russia after drone incident
Romania has summoned the Russian ambassador after a drone carrying potential explosives crashed in a populated area during attacks on Ukraine. The incident represents a violation of the EU member stat...
Now 'an inhuman place', soon a vibrant transport hub for Haarlem and the region
The city of Haarlem is constructing a new public transport hub, Haarlem Spaarnepoort, to improve regional connectivity for the southern Schalkwijk district. In addition to the transport hub, the proje...
Over 10,000 Velsen tenants to pay tens of euros more per month from July 1; 'Incomprehensible', says Tenants' Council chair
Starting July 1, more than 10,000 tenants in Velsen will face monthly rent increases of tens of euros. The Woningbedrijf Velsen Tenants' Council strongly opposes the hike, citing significant overdue m...
Karremans lacks understanding for XR protest on A12
Minister Vincent Karremans of Infrastructure and Water Management expressed his disapproval of climate activists from Extinction Rebellion who occupied a portion of the A12 highway near Utrecht on Sat...
Attacks in Mali, army says it is in control
Terrorist groups launched multiple attacks across Mali, targeting military barracks in cities including Bamako, Gao, and Kidal. While the Malian army claims to have regained control of the situation, ...
Cabinet extends contract with DigiD company despite parliamentary opposition
The Dutch cabinet will extend its contract with Solvinity, the provider responsible for operating the DigiD digital identity system, starting early next month. State Secretary Eric van der Burg confir...
Ukraine wants peace talks with Russia in Azerbaijan
During a visit to Azerbaijan, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed readiness to hold peace talks with Russia in the country if Moscow agrees. The statement followed a meeting between Zelen...
XR climate protesters walk onto A12 at De Meern
A large group of Extinction Rebellion climate protesters successfully walked onto the A12 highway near De Meern on Saturday. Despite attempts by the police to block the demonstration, they were unable...
XR climate protesters try to enter A12 near De Meern
Climate protesters from Extinction Rebellion attempted to block the A12 highway near De Meern on Saturday. Police have successfully prevented the demonstrators from entering the road so far.
UN rapporteur: Countries must accelerate phase-out of oil and gas now
UN rapporteur Elisa Morgera states that global tensions are complicating climate policy while highlighting the risks and high costs of fossil fuel dependency. She urges nations to accelerate their tra...
Iranian ministry: US wants to exit war without losing face
The Iranian Ministry of Defense stated that the U.S. government is seeking a face-saving exit from the current conflict. Iranian officials are currently in Islamabad for talks, where U.S. envoys are a...
Sharp rise in sick leave due to mental health issues costs billions: 'Nowhere else in the world does the employer pay two years of salary'
The Netherlands is experiencing a significant rise in employees unable to work due to mental health issues, with nearly 900,000 people currently classified as disabled. This trend results in billions ...
Zelensky reports deaths after night of heavy attacks on Ukraine
President Volodymyr Zelensky reported that at least four people were killed and thirty others injured following a night of heavy Russian attacks across Ukraine. The strikes primarily targeted civilian...
German minister: Minehunter already heading to Strait of Hormuz
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius announced that a minesweeper and a supply ship will be sent to the Mediterranean Sea to prepare for a potential mission in the Strait of Hormuz. The specific ti...
Supreme Court gives no explanation for more than half of rejections
In 2025, the Dutch Supreme Court failed to provide substantive reasoning in 571 out of 976 cases where it ruled against appellants. Legal experts are increasingly critical of this long-standing practi...
Haarlem man jailed for role in Malieveld riots and ordered to compensate police officers
A 27-year-old man from Haarlem has been sentenced to one year in prison, with six months suspended, for his involvement in the Malieveld riots last September. In addition to jail time, the court order...
VVD fits well in new Heemskerk executive, but Jan Geert Bakker ruined his own chances
The new governing coalition in Heemskerk is expected to lean right, yet the VVD party will be excluded despite its ideological alignment. Explorer Karen Heerschop's findings suggest that past actions ...
Beverwijk has a dubious reputation, and a fatal robbery doesn’t help: How unsafe is the city really?
A fatal robbery at a gold office in Beverwijk has sparked a debate regarding the city's safety and reputation. Although such lethal incidents are rare, the event has shocked residents and prompted a r...
It is time to break free from American tech companies, says this Amsterdam company
Summit on phasing out fossil fuels begins in Colombia
Colombia and the Netherlands have launched the first international conference on phasing out fossil fuels in Santa Marta, Colombia. The six-day event features 56 participating countries that together ...
Deaths in Gaza in Israeli strikes, including police officers
At least twelve people, including six police officers, were killed in Israeli attacks in Gaza on Friday according to local authorities. The strikes are part of the ongoing conflict in the region.
Trump wants to expand the federal death penalty
The U.S. Department of Justice aims to expand the federal death penalty and authorize execution methods including firing squads, electrocution, and gas suffocation. This initiative aligns with Preside...
Halsema closes Slotervaart youth center for six months after multiple explosions
Amsterdam Mayor Femke Halsema has ordered the closure of a youth center in Slotervaart for six months following two explosions in April. The decision aims to restore public safety and allow for a poli...
Youth center in Nieuw-West ordered to close for six months after two explosions in a week
Hundreds protest in IJsselstein against emergency asylum shelter
On Friday evening, hundreds of people gathered in IJsselstein to protest against the establishment of a temporary emergency shelter for asylum seekers. The demonstration was triggered by plans to use ...
Trump sends negotiators to talks with Iran, media say
President Donald Trump is sending envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to Pakistan for negotiations with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. Pakistan is mediating the conflict, and while Vice P...
Israel: Hezbollah fighters killed in strike on southern Lebanon
The Israeli military reported killing six Hezbollah fighters during continued operations in southern Lebanon. These actions come despite a three-week extension of the ceasefire agreement between Israe...