Politics News in English
Latest politics headlines from Dutch news, translated into English.
Merz on EU long-term budget: No new European debt
German politician Friedrich Merz stated at an EU summit in Brussels that there should be no new European debt included in the 2028-2034 multi-year budget. Merz made these comments as EU leaders gather...
ICL shuts down plant for three weeks to address odor nuisance
The ICL fertilizer plant in Amsterdam will shut down for three weeks in August to install equipment aimed at reducing persistent odor and high hydrochloric acid emissions. The move follows years of co...
Ukraine working with German industry on defense against fast missiles
Ukraine and the German arms industry have signed an agreement to develop defense systems against high-speed Russian ballistic missiles. President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized the urgency of the proje...
Pope Leo to visit Peru in November, where he lived for years
Pope Leo XIV will travel to Peru in November, returning to the country where he lived and worked as a bishop for many years. Having spent most of his adult life there, he has held Peruvian nationality...
Floor Roduner (PRO) officially departs as Haarlem alderman: 'We will surely see him back in The Hague'
Floor Roduner has officially stepped down as an alderman in Haarlem after eight and a half years of service. During his farewell to the city council on Wednesday evening, Roduner reflected on his work...
Reliability of mail delivery again below legal standard according to ACM
The reliability of mail delivery in the Netherlands fell significantly below legal standards in 2025, according to a report by the ACM. Additionally, PostNL removed nearly 800 mailboxes across the cou...
Fines for companies that abuse animals up 40 percent
The Dutch government is increasing fines for companies found guilty of animal abuse by 40 percent starting next year. Secretary of State Silvio Erkens announced that penalties for slaughterhouse viola...
Minimum age for social media in the Netherlands possible, but implementation proves difficult
The Netherlands is considering implementing a minimum age of fifteen for social media usage, which is legally possible. However, the practical implementation faces significant challenges, particularly...
South Holland: No nuclear plants in Rotterdam would be wise
The province of Zuid-Holland anticipates that Rotterdam's Maasvlakte has been ruled out as a potential site for two new nuclear power plants. Grid operator TenneT reportedly identified Eemshaven in Gr...
Dangerous summary proceedings loom for Tata Steel: ‘They are driving into a concrete wall at 100 km/h’
Local residents are taking the Dutch state to court in a summary judgment to challenge a billion-euro subsidy planned for the polluting steel company Tata Steel. The legal action aims to block the fin...
Yeşilgöz: Security not yet compromised by US troop cuts
Dutch Defense Minister Dilan Yeşilgöz stated that the reduction of US reinforcements for European defense does not immediately decrease regional safety. Speaking after meetings with NATO counterpart...
First oil tankers pass through Strait of Hormuz after US-Iran deal
Following a diplomatic agreement between the United States and Iran, the first oil and gas tankers have begun navigating the Strait of Hormuz again. These Saudi ships are transporting approximately si...
UK government seeks clarification over alleged Married At First Sight abuse
British Culture Minister Lisa Nandy is seeking clarification from Channel 4 regarding allegations of rape and sexual assault involving contestants on the reality show Married At First Sight. The minis...
Over a thousand killed in Gaza by Israel since ceasefire
The Palestinian Ministry of Health reports that over 1,000 people have been killed by Israeli fire since the ceasefire last October. Most recently, at least three people were killed in a new attack.
Exemption for forest clearing in Natura 2000 areas scrapped
Dutch Agriculture and Nature Minister Jaimi van Essen has proposed removing a policy exception that allowed for easier forest clearing in protected Natura 2000 areas. Under the new proposal, any trees...
Significant impact on residents evacuated after Osdorp explosion: "It will take a while"
Following a massive explosion in the Osdorp neighborhood of Amsterdam, approximately 400 evacuated residents met with Mayor Halsema and emergency services to address ongoing safety concerns. The blast...
NATO chief Rutte calls Finnish nuclear weapons law a ‘historic choice’
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte has described Finland's decision to lift its total ban on nuclear weapons as a "historic choice." Rutte made these remarks during a meeting of NATO defense ministers ...
Halsema announces new investigation into Hart voor de K-buurt, but foundation is unaware
Amsterdam Mayor Femke Halsema has announced a new external investigation into the neighborhood platform Hart voor de K-buurt following reports of concerning signals from city officials. The organizati...
Halsema announces new investigation into Hart voor de K-buurt, but foundation knows nothing
Amsterdam Mayor Femke Halsema has announced a new external investigation into the neighborhood platform 'Hart voor de K-buurt' following internal complaints from city officials. The foundation, which ...
Ecological mowing begins in Uitgeest to give plants and animals more space to grow
The municipality of Uitgeest has begun ecological mowing to provide more space for plants and animals to develop. By reducing the frequency of mowing, the local government aims to support and enhance ...
Free bus to the beach
Starting June 20, 2026, a pilot program will offer a free weekend bus service called the "Strandbus" connecting Haarlem and Haarlemmermeer to the beaches of Bloemendaal aan Zee and Zandvoort. This ini...
Housing priority for healthcare, education, and childcare
Haarlem has reopened and expanded its priority housing scheme for healthcare, education, and childcare professionals to combat regional staff shortages caused by high housing costs. The city, in partn...
Help shape the future of the station area
The city of Haarlem will host the 'Week van het Stationsgebied' from June 29 to July 3, 2026, to gather public input on the redevelopment of its station area. The project includes plans for a new bus ...
Dutch parliament wants direct train between Eindhoven and Brussels
The Dutch House of Representatives has passed a motion calling for a direct train connection between Eindhoven and Brussels. Additionally, a majority of members support the introduction of a second ho...
Nuclear power plants only seem possible in Eemshaven, Groningen province strongly opposed
Grid operator TenneT has advised the Dutch cabinet that Eemshaven in the province of Groningen is the only technically feasible location for the construction of two new nuclear power plants. The provi...
Ministry of Finance in the dark over identity of hacker
The Dutch Ministry of Finance remains unable to identify the hacker who breached its systems on March 19. Minister Eelco Heinen stated that it is likely impossible to reconstruct exactly what data was...
Ministry of Finance in the dark over hacker's identity and loot
The Dutch Ministry of Finance reported that the identity of the hackers behind a digital breach on March 19 remains unknown. While data was likely stolen during the incident, Minister Eelco Heinen sta...
Two years juvenile detention and mandatory treatment: Maximum sentence for boy who shot Rivaldo (17) dead
A minor has been sentenced to two years of juvenile detention and mandatory psychiatric treatment (TBS) for the fatal shooting of 17-year-old Rivaldo in Amsterdam-Zuidoost. The court handed down the m...
More passengers at Schiphol in May despite Gulf region unrest
Schiphol Airport saw an overall increase in passenger numbers in May compared to the previous year, despite a significant drop in travel to and from the Middle East. Airlines are currently avoiding se...
Zandvoort prepares for huge crowds: "All plans are in place"
Zandvoort is preparing for large crowds and potential antisocial behavior during upcoming warm weather and the Historic Grand Prix. Following previous disturbances, authorities have safety plans and t...