Politics News in English

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...

Iran links nuclear inspections to US negotiations

Iran's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has stated that IAEA access to the country's nuclear facilities is contingent on the outcome of negotiations with the United States. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Es...

Jetten hopes EU pressure on Sierra Leone leads to Bolle Jos extradition

Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten welcomed a new EU agreement to collectively pressure countries that facilitate drug trafficking or refuse to extradite criminals. The initiative specifically targets th...

Next week COVID hearings with two former education ministers

Former Dutch education ministers Ingrid van Engelshoven and Arie Slob will be questioned by a parliamentary inquiry committee next week. The hearings will focus on how government coronavirus measures ...

From budgets to dormers: Amsterdam is the first municipality with a center where residents can view decision-making

Why Rob Jetten needs to lose some color

The Dutch cabinet is focused on resolving the country's nitrogen crisis, a task assigned to Jaimi van Essen, the youngest minister in the government. The 34-year-old D66 politician is challenged with ...

Lebanon: dozens dead and injured since midnight

At least 47 people have been killed and 97 others injured in Lebanon following Israeli attacks since midnight, according to the Lebanese Ministry of Health. Officials stated the death toll rose from e...

Groningen increasingly considered for nuclear power plants against its will

The Dutch cabinet is considering Terneuzen and Eemshaven as potential locations for new nuclear power plants, despite strong opposition from the Groningen region. A final decision on the project is ex...

Nuclear power plants are coming, but what is a political promise worth?

The Dutch government has identified Zeeland and Groningen as the final two potential locations for new nuclear power plants. The inclusion of Groningen is controversial due to previous political promi...

KLM mechanics undergo training at Ministry of Defence

Seven KLM mechanics are participating in a pilot training program with the Dutch Ministry of Defense this September. The initiative aims to explore mutual support for helicopter maintenance, providing...

Jetten: EU hopes for more stable Iran without being naive

Following an EU summit, Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten stated that European leaders hope for a more stable Iran while remaining realistic about the regime's continued grip on power. Jetten emphasized...

Transparency Center helps Amsterdammers access information

Amsterdam has launched a new transparency center to help residents more easily access information about city decisions, plans, and regulations. The initiative aims to provide better public access to o...

Cabinet cuts infrastructure, ‘HSL and rail safety needed’

State Secretary Annet Bertram emphasized the necessity of repairs to the high-speed rail link between Amsterdam and Rotterdam and the adoption of a new European rail safety system. While the cabinet f...

Politics on the Amstel: PRO blunders with jobs carousel and why is Lahlah now Lahlah?

The podcast 'Politiek aan de Amstel' examines recent political developments in Amsterdam's city council as it nears the summer recess. Journalists discuss topics such as homelessness, controversial st...

Israel and Hezbollah agree on ceasefire

Israel and Hezbollah have agreed to a ceasefire, according to a senior U.S. official. The truce officially went into effect on Friday at 4:00 PM local time.

Solar panel sales at record low, but minister sees no reason for action

Climate Minister Stientje van Veldhoven has declined to provide additional funding to stimulate the solar panel market despite sales reaching a record low. She suggested that citizens should evaluate ...

Wienen reveals Haarlem refugee housing locations, PRO prefers secrecy: ‘They are already traumatized’

Haarlem Mayor Jos Wienen has announced that the specific hotel location for thirty status holders coming from Ter Apel will be made public. PRO council member Palwasha Hamzad opposed this disclosure, ...

Van Weel wants to criminalize support for terrorist organizations

Dutch Justice Minister David van Weel has proposed legislation to criminalize the public support and glorification of terrorist organizations. The proposal targets the online sharing of terrorist acts...

Netherlands assigns Reaper drones to NATO to replace US

The Netherlands is making its MQ-9 Reaper drones available to NATO to replace American assets that are no longer being held in reserve for European defense. Defense Minister Dilan Yeşilgöz stated th...

Haarlem prioritizes healthcare and education workers for rental housing

The city of Haarlem is extending and expanding a program that prioritizes healthcare, education, and childcare workers for rental housing. This decision follows a successful pilot project aimed at hel...

Port warns Amsterdam not to only look at itself: ‘We must be nice to The Hague, or they won't be nice to us’

Starmer calls for Labour unity after rival's election win

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has called for unity within the Labour Party following a local election victory by his rival, Andy Burnham. The win by Burnham satisfies a key condition for potenti...

From formateur to the new finance alderman: this is Hendrik Jan Biemond

Hendrik Jan Biemond has been appointed as Amsterdam's new Alderman for Finance, Art and Culture, and Animal Welfare. A former city council member and coalition formateur, Biemond intends to focus on e...

Dutch frigate also heading to Strait of Hormuz after minehunter

The Dutch air defense and command frigate Zr.Ms. De Ruyter is repositioning from Southeast Asia toward the Strait of Hormuz to potentially assist in keeping the shipping route open. Defense Minister D...

Haarlem has a new city executive

Haarlem's city council officially appointed and swore in six new aldermen on June 18, 2026, to form the city's new executive board. Representing PRO Haarlem, D66, and CDA, the members will implement t...

Lane for free 'beach bus', one fewer lane for cars on the road to Zandvoort

Starting this weekend through August 30, a trial will reserve one lane of the N200 Zeeweg exclusively for a free "beach bus" to Zandvoort and Bloemendaal on weekends. Car traffic will be restricted to...

Italian minister cancels US trip after Trump's comments on Meloni

Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani cancelled a planned visit to the United States following what he described as insulting remarks by President Donald Trump. Trump reportedly claimed he only agre...

Inspector: hospital may have experienced code black during pandemic

Former Inspector-General Marina Eckenhausen testified during a parliamentary inquiry that some hospitals may have experienced conditions equivalent to "code black" during the COVID-19 pandemic. She cl...