Politics News in English
Latest politics headlines from Dutch news, translated into English.
Removing insulation beads makes room for bats: ‘A pleasant climate is always created between the walls’
Alderman Judith Schram participated in bricking up a wall at a residence in Castricum to create a new nursery habitat for bats. The initiative involves removing insulation materials to provide a suita...
Deaths reported in Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon
At least five people have been killed in southern Lebanon following Israeli strikes involving drones, fighter jets, and artillery. According to the Lebanese state news agency NNA, the attacks specific...
Coalition has good ideas but panel members doubt city will become quieter and cleaner
A survey of 1,700 Amsterdam residents shows mixed reactions to the new PRO Amsterdam and D66 coalition agreement, which cancels controversial plans for an erotic center and a tourist weed ban. While t...
Municipalities build asylum seeker centers in protected landscapes: only as a last resort
Several municipalities in North Holland are seeking or have received permission to build temporary asylum seeker centers on protected provincial land due to a lack of space within urban borders. The p...
Why does a Haarlem city councilor earn more than twice as much as those in Velsen or Bloemendaal?
As new municipal councils begin their terms in the Netherlands, questions have arisen regarding the time commitment and financial compensation for local officials. The article investigates the signifi...
Beverwijk takes extra security measures during city festival
The municipality of Beverwijk is implementing extra security measures for its upcoming City Festival to prevent further incidents. This decision follows an evaluation of previous editions, which were ...
Saskya (59) returns to Amsterdam after 30 years in the US: 'I lived in a dictatorship there'
Amsterdam struggles to find drug consumption rooms despite urgent need
A Damrak without Bijenkorf traffic jams but with wide sidewalks: ‘We can do without those cars’
Why Amsterdam welcomed migrants, the unemployed and the homeless with open arms in the 19th century
Zelensky: Belarus must remove drone signal boosters
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has given Belarus one week to remove signal boosters near the border that he claims are used to assist Russian drone attacks. Zelensky warned that Ukraine will t...
Trump shows Qatari 747 to join Air Force One fleet
US President Donald Trump inspected a modified Boeing 747 at an airbase in Maryland that was gifted by Qatar. The aircraft is slated to become part of the presidential Air Force One fleet.
Dutch historian discovers first portrait of the States-General from 1608
Dutch cultural historian Joris Oddens has discovered the first portrait of the States-General, which dates back to 1608. The artwork is significant as it commemorates the first recognition of the Neth...
Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences faces further cuts: 600 jobs at risk
Poland strips Zelenskyy of award over diplomatic row
Polish President Karol Nawrocki has stripped his Ukrainian counterpart, Volodymyr Zelensky, of the Order of the White Eagle, Poland's highest civilian honor. The decision follows a diplomatic dispute ...
Abdullah helps the homeless with water and sunscreen on the hottest days of the year
Field workers in Amsterdam are distributing water and sunscreen to homeless people as part of the city's summer heat protocol triggered by high temperatures. The initiative includes extending hours at...
Anti-torture committee: Care in immigration detention centers insufficient
The Council of Europe's anti-torture committee (CPT) has reported that care for foreigners in Dutch detention centers is partially insufficient. Following an October visit to facilities in Rotterdam, ...
More than 100,000 people bought summer train passes
Approximately 105,000 people have purchased a discounted summer train subscription in the Netherlands. State Secretary Annet Bertram announced the figures during an interview on the NPO Radio 1 progra...
Washington Post: Israel a threat to ceasefire according to US report
A U.S. intelligence report indicates that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu may jeopardize a truce between the United States and Iran due to internal pressure to continue military operations. ...
Times: PM Starmer to decide on resignation this weekend
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is expected to decide this weekend whether to resign from his position. This follows reports from The Times that several ministers called for his departure on Frida...
Bloemendaal coalition agreement prioritizes governance culture: 'Just Do It!' can be interpreted in two ways
The new coalition in Bloemendaal has unveiled its policy agenda, highlighting seven key priorities for the upcoming term. The agreement focuses on improving the local administrative culture, reducing ...
Groningen opposes nuclear power plants and looks to Parliament
The province of Groningen and the municipality of Het Hogeland are formally opposing the potential construction of nuclear power plants in Eemshaven. Local officials have called on the Dutch House of ...
Otter spotted in Heemskerk? Alderman Piet Otter hopes wildlife cameras will provide confirmation: ‘This would be the best farewell gift’
A construction worker reported sighting an otter in Heemskerk, potentially fulfilling a long-term goal of outgoing alderman Piet Burgering, who is nicknamed 'Piet Otter.' Wildlife cameras are being de...
Groningen stunned by government’s ‘surprise tactics’ over nuclear plant sites: ‘Highly disrespectful’
The Dutch cabinet is facing criticism from local officials in Groningen for its sudden decision to include Eemshaven as a potential site for new nuclear power plants. Alderman Eltjo Dijkhuis of Het Ho...
Groningen angry at cabinet over indecent ambush tactics
The Dutch cabinet is facing sharp criticism from local authorities in Groningen for its sudden move to allow the construction of nuclear power plants in Eemshaven. Alderman Eltjo Dijkhuis of Het Hogel...
Seven years on and still locked
The Netherlands has faced a seven-year legal stalemate regarding nitrogen emissions, which has caused significant uncertainty for the farming and industrial sectors. This crisis has also restricted ne...
Strait of Hormuz reopens, but shipping backlog not easily cleared
Following a declaration of intent between the US and Iran, the Strait of Hormuz has begun to reopen gradually for shipping. Experts warn that it could take several months to resolve the resulting mari...
14,000 new homes in four years, a new bridge over the Ringvaart, and neighborhood wardens: these are the plans for Haarlemmermeer
The new governing coalition of Haarlemmermeer has presented an agreement to build 14,000 new homes and improve infrastructure over the next four years. Key priorities include enhancing neighborhood sa...
Costa: EU will not be a mediator between Ukraine and Russia
European Council President António Costa clarified that the EU will not serve as a mediator in talks between Ukraine and Russia. The statement comes after Costa faced criticism regarding reported att...
Von der Leyen wants clarity on EU budget in October
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that the EU's multi-annual budget funding must be clarified by the next summit in October. Her announcement followed a meeting of EU leaders i...