Politics News in English
Latest politics headlines from Dutch news, translated into English.
East bridge must be wide enough for scooter riders and emergency services
The proposed Oostbrug in Amsterdam is intended to accommodate a wide variety of users, including cyclists, scooter riders, and emergency services, while ensuring safety and accessibility. Despite risi...
European Parliament approves trade deal with Mexico: some import tariffs removed
The European Parliament has approved a trade agreement with Mexico aimed at reducing import tariffs. This deal follows the European Union's importation of 34 billion euros worth of goods from Mexico i...
Travel expenses for practical internships to be reimbursed next school year
The Municipality of Amsterdam will continue to reimburse travel expenses for final-year students in practical and special secondary education for the upcoming school year. Alderman Sofyan Mbarki state...
What is a proper new location for the controversial Anton de Kom statue? ‘Removing it is token politics, we already see enough of that in the Netherlands’
Residents express concerns to municipality about impact of Oostbrug on neighborhood: 'Bridge okay, harbor no'
Inheritance tax must increase, professor argues: ‘It is the fairest tax we have’
Professor Bernard Schols argues that inheritance tax should be increased, describing it as the most equitable form of taxation. Public opinion in the Netherlands is shifting in favor of higher taxes o...
53 reports of demolition and tree felling in Haarlem last week
The municipality of Haarlem processed 53 permit applications related to demolition and tree felling last week. Residents are encouraged to review the provided list to see how these activities affect t...
Trump wants no more trade with Spain: 'Terrible partner'
U.S. President Donald Trump has ordered Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to cease all trade with Spain, labeling the country a terrible partner. The Spanish government has responded to the announcemen...
Children aged 11 and under to travel for free on public transport across the Netherlands from 2027
Starting in 2027, children aged four to eleven will be able to travel for free on public transport throughout the Netherlands. This policy requires children to be accompanied by a paying passenger, su...
Rutte helped COVID critic Maurice de Hond gain access to RIVM
Opinion pollster Maurice de Hond and Member of Parliament Mona Keijzer are appearing before a parliamentary committee to discuss the Dutch government's COVID-19 policies. Both individuals have been vo...
Boarding school where Paris Hilton was allegedly abused loses license
The boarding school in Utah where Paris Hilton alleged she suffered sexual abuse as a teenager has lost its operating license. This development follows a multi-year advocacy campaign led by Hilton to ...
China hopes for fair and equitable trade relationship with the Netherlands
Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao met with Dutch Minister Sjoerd Sjoerdsma in Beijing to discuss trade relations. China expressed the hope that the Netherlands will establish a fair, equitable, an...
Oil prices rise further after new US attacks on Iran
Oil prices have increased following new United States airstrikes against Iran. Additionally, the U.S. has revoked a license that previously allowed Iran to temporarily export oil.
Prince Harry on losing UK tabloid case: 'I did not get justice'
Prince Harry has stated that he and other plaintiffs did not receive justice following the court's ruling in his legal case against a British tabloid publisher. The Prince expressed his dissatisfactio...
Yuppenskelter or Biro? Name and rules for microcars remain too unclear
Research by the Vervoerregio Amsterdam reveals that 45 percent of mini-car drivers are unfamiliar with traffic regulations, leading to safety concerns. The organization and local officials are calling...
Maurice de Hond calls corona hearings 'terrible' but will attend, Mona Keijzer also to be questioned today
Maurice de Hond and Mona Keijzer are scheduled to testify before the parliamentary inquiry committee regarding the Dutch government's handling of the coronavirus pandemic. While the inquiry highlights...
Cabinet may force companies to produce for defense if necessary
The Dutch government is introducing a new law that allows them to compel specific companies to produce essential goods for the military during emergency situations. Under this legislation, the cabinet...
Opinion: Unity theme at WorldPride feels insincere without addressing failing policies for queer refugees
Opinion: Make Nieuw-West an independent municipality where citizens feel heard
US reimposes sanctions on Iranian oil following attacks on oil tankers
On Tuesday, the US Treasury Department revoked a license that had temporarily allowed Iran to export oil. This decision follows reported attacks on several oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz.
Hungary tackles Orbán's 'propaganda broadcaster': no more news, only films
Hungarian state media has temporarily suspended news broadcasts on television and radio. The government, led by Prime Minister Péter Magyar, intends to reform the channels after accusing them of func...
Plenty of Turkish weapons in Europe, but true cooperation with EU remains far off
The European defense industry needs strengthening, and Turkey has offered its support to Brussels in this effort. However, the European Union has not yet fully utilized this opportunity, potentially h...
European Parliament introduces stricter social security rules
The European Parliament has adopted new regulations aimed at combating social security fraud and improving cross-border cooperation among EU member states. These measures also focus on ensuring that w...
New forecast: 4,320 new homes in Haarlem over the next five years, thousands more needed by 2050
A new report from research firm ABF forecasts that 4,320 new homes will be completed in Haarlem over the next five years. To accommodate continued population growth, thousands of additional residentia...
The secret of political reporter Hoedeman: Lunches, listening and laying lines
Long-time political reporter Hoedeman is reflecting on a career that spanned six prime ministers and the fall of eight cabinets. Having started his career before the fall of the Berlin Wall, he remain...
Permit granted for new data center in Amsterdam Southeast
A building permit has been issued for the first tower of a major Equinix data center in Amsterdam-Zuidoost, as the application preceded a local construction moratorium. While the facility is slated fo...
Municipalities after minister's invitation: we are working on shelter spaces
Several municipalities in the Netherlands are working to address shortages in asylum seeker housing after being summoned by the Ministry of Asylum and Migration for failing to meet the distribution la...
Did Juninho P. (18) want to terrorize Jews with a heavy bomb, or does he barely know what a synagogue is?
Farage gives up seat to run for re-election
British politician Nigel Farage is stepping down from his parliamentary seat following financial controversy but intends to run for re-election. He is placing his political future in the hands of vote...
Trump wants to lift restrictions on arms sales to Turkey
U.S. President Donald Trump has announced his intention to remove restrictions on arms sales to Turkey. This policy shift could potentially allow Turkey to purchase F-35 fighter jets, a request the na...