Politics News in English
Latest politics headlines from Dutch news, translated into English.
Netherlands and Belgium want better train connections: 'Of strategic importance'
The Netherlands and Belgium have agreed to strengthen their cooperation to improve cross-border rail connections between the two countries. This initiative is considered of strategic importance to enh...
Eelco Eerenberg to replace Van Berkel as D66 State Secretary for Finance
The D66 party has nominated Utrecht alderman Eelco Eerenberg as the new State Secretary of Finance. He replaces the previously intended candidate, Van Berkel, who recently stepped down from the positi...
Advisory body SER calls for eight weeks of paid leave for informal caregivers
The Dutch advisory body SER is calling for the government to provide eight weeks of paid leave to help informal caregivers balance their jobs with their caregiving responsibilities. This recommendatio...
Keenan had to keep relationship with Jetten secret: It was noticeable that he sneaked out late at night
Nicolás Keenan, an Argentine professional hockey player and fiancé of Dutch politician Rob Jetten, is profiled as the first openly queer player in the Netherlands' top hockey league. The article hig...
Larger European power grid good for prices but creates dependency
Expanding the European power grid would lower electricity prices for the Netherlands but increase its dependency on other member states, according to a study by the CPB. The report notes that without ...
Tech billionaires (and Dick Schoof) discuss the future of AI at Indian summit
Leaders from major technology companies, including OpenAI, Google, and Anthropic, are gathering in India to discuss the future and impact of artificial intelligence. Outgoing Dutch Prime Minister Dick...
New cabinet cuts benefits: how the plans hit the long-term sick
The new Dutch cabinet’s proposed budget cuts will reduce benefits for fully incapacitated employees by up to 270 euros per month. Additional austerity measures could potentially increase these losse...
U2 lashes out at ICE agents and Iranian regime on first album since 2017
U2 has unexpectedly released a new EP titled *Days of Ash*, marking the band's first release since 2017. The record features guest musician Ed Sheeran and addresses social injustices, specifically cri...
Halsema lashes out at British police over claim about shared information on Maccabi fans
Amsterdam Mayor Femke Halsema has criticized the West Midlands Police for falsely claiming that their decision to bar Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from an Aston Villa match was based on intelligence provided...
Council members react to polls: "The campaign has begun!"
A recent poll for the Amsterdam municipal elections shows PvdA and GroenLinks competing for the lead, while the VVD faces a decline and local parties struggle to secure seats. City council members rea...
Security cameras to tackle persistent youth nuisance in Hoofddorp shopping area
The Haarlemmermeer municipality will install surveillance cameras at the Vier Meren shopping center in Hoofddorp next month to combat persistent youth nuisance, including theft, brawls, and a recent s...
Coffee with Erik Bobeldijk (1 World 1 Future): "Not living at the expense of our children and grandchildren"
Erik Bobeldijk, a former SP councilor, has launched the new political party "1 Wereld 1 Toekomst" to contest the upcoming municipal elections in Amsterdam. The party focuses on addressing global issue...
Cyclists and pedestrians happy: new bridge over Leidsevaart in Bloemendaal opens
Alderman Thessa van der Windt officially opened a new bicycle and pedestrian bridge over the Leidsevaart in Vogelenzang on Wednesday, replacing the unsafe Stationsbrug that was removed 18 months ago. ...
Heated Stek Oost debate ends in motion of censure supported only by part of the opposition
Amsterdam city councilors Zita Pels and Rutger Groot Wassink faced an interpellation debate on Wednesday regarding safety concerns at Stek Oost, a housing complex for refugees and young starters. Oppo...
From Sinterklaas arrival to neighborhood parties: 2.5 million euros for events in 2026
The city has allocated over 2.5 million euros in subsidies for events across Amsterdam and Weesp scheduled for 2026. These funds will support a wide range of activities, from large-scale traditions li...
PvdA, GroenLinks and D66 neck-and-neck in poll a month before municipal elections
A recent poll for the Amsterdam municipal elections shows PvdA, GroenLinks, and D66 in a neck-and-neck race, with PvdA currently leading at 17.8% of the projected vote. While the VVD and BIJ1 are expe...
War hero Tuinman was no ordinary state secretary: ‘They found that terrifying here’
Gijs Tuinman is stepping down as the Dutch State Secretary of Defense this Monday, marking the end of a tenure characterized by his transition from a decorated war hero to a political leader. Civil se...
74 municipal reports on demolition and tree felling in Haarlem last week
The municipality of Haarlem processed a total of 74 permit applications last week concerning demolition projects and tree felling. These reports provide details on various upcoming changes and develop...
Who will you vote for in the municipal elections? Fill in your local voting aid here
Citizens in the Netherlands can now use the StemWijzer voting aid to prepare for the upcoming municipal elections on March 18. The tool helps voters determine which political party best aligns with th...
Box 3 tax continues to spark anger, now landlords bear the brunt: ‘It remains a monstrosity’
Real estate investors in the Netherlands are taking legal action against the government over the Box 3 asset tax system, following previous successful challenges by savers in the Supreme Court. The in...
Vote at the Stopera: heated debate over safety at Stek Oost
The Amsterdam City Council is holding a final debate before the upcoming election recess to address safety concerns at the Stek Oost housing complex following several violent and sexual incidents. Cou...
Aldermen to explain Stek Oost today after new information surfaces
Amsterdam Aldermen Pels and Groot Wassink are facing a formal interpellation debate today regarding safety failures and alleged misinformation surrounding the Stek Oost mixed housing complex. The inqu...
Amsterdam seeks vote heroes (and you get paid for it)
The City of Amsterdam is recruiting paid volunteers to help manage polling stations for the upcoming municipal and district elections on March 18, 2026. These workers are essential for overseeing the ...
Nathalie van Berkel (D66) is not the first to face controversy over her education
D66 MP Nathalie van Berkel has resigned from the Dutch House of Representatives and withdrawn as a candidate for State Secretary of Finance following controversy over her educational credentials. Alth...
Jetten completes cabinet team after Van Berkel’s departure
Upcoming Prime Minister Rob Jetten has finalized his cabinet team by appointing Utrecht alderman Eelco Eerenberg as the new State Secretary of Finance. Eerenberg replaces Nathalie van Berkel and is th...
You’d think all Cubans hate Trump, but after 60 years of dictatorship, the oil boycott seems like a unique opportunity
Many Cubans support Donald Trump’s oil boycotts, viewing them as a potential catalyst for change after 60 years of dictatorship. Rather than blaming U.S. sanctions, citizens express deep frustration...
CV errors have consequences for Nathalie van Berkel (D66): she also resigns as MP
Nathalie van Berkel of the D66 party has resigned as a Member of Parliament following revelations of inaccuracies on her CV regarding her educational history. The decision comes just one day after she...
New bike parking rules for Haarlem city center
The city of Haarlem has introduced stricter bicycle parking regulations in its city center to manage congestion in busy areas. Cyclists are now required to park their bikes only in designated racks or...
A coffee with Sabrina Grossman (Amsterdam Alternative Alliance): With a disability, it's extreme sports here
Sabrina Grossman, leader of the Amsterdamse Alternatieve Alliantie (AAA), is campaigning for the Amsterdam municipal elections with a platform focused on "radical unity" and improved city accessibilit...
Helping out at the elections?
Recruitment is underway for volunteers to assist with the upcoming elections on March 18. Organizers are seeking individuals to serve as (deputy) polling station chairpersons and to help with the coun...