Politics News in English
Latest politics headlines from Dutch news, translated into English.
Consumer fears war, investor counts on peace
Consumers are growing increasingly pessimistic due to the conflict in the Middle East, while stock markets continue to reach record highs. This contrast raises questions about whether investors are ig...
Greek politicians may face prosecution in EU funds fraud case
The Greek parliament has lifted the legal immunity of thirteen politicians from the ruling Néa Dimokratía party to allow for their prosecution in an EU subsidy fraud case. The scandal involves dozen...
Heinen open to taxing windfall profits, but not yet
Dutch Finance Minister Eelco Heinen has expressed openness to taxing the excess profits of companies benefiting from conflicts in the Middle East, such as those in the oil sector. However, he stated t...
Asylum shelter outweighs local residents' interests, judge rules
A Dutch judge ruled that the societal need for humanitarian asylum housing outweighs the interests of local residents in participating in the decision-making process. The case involved thirteen reside...
Nicolás Keenan was 'scared to death' when relationship with Rob Jetten became public
Argentine hockey player Nicolás Keenan revealed in an interview with L'HOMO that he felt extreme nerves when his relationship with Dutch politician Rob Jetten was made public. The couple kept their r...
30-year sentence demanded for Syrian man from Druten for serious militia violence
The Dutch Public Prosecution Service has demanded a 30-year prison sentence for Rafik A., a Syrian man residing in Druten, for crimes including torture and sexual violence committed in Syria between 2...
Should climate policy be put on the back burner? Parliament wrangles over grid connection freeze
Dutch Members of Parliament are debating whether to scale back climate policies following reports that the power grid in parts of Utrecht can no longer accommodate new heat pumps or charging stations....
Province increases Bevrijdingspop subsidy by €60,000 at last minute: 'Especially important now to continue promoting freedom'
The province of Noord-Holland has increased its subsidy for Haarlem's Bevrijdingspop festival by 60,000 euros for the second consecutive year. This funding follows a similar increase from the municipa...
Cabinet to expand energy support package with cheaper public transport in summer
The Dutch cabinet is expanding its energy support package with the introduction of a 'Netherlands ticket,' allowing unlimited off-peak train travel for 49 euros per month this summer. This initiative,...
Cabinet wants cheaper train travel in summer months
The Dutch cabinet, led by Prime Minister Rob Jetten, intends to introduce cheaper off-peak train tickets during the upcoming summer months. This move, originally proposed by GroenLinks-PvdA, serves as...
Opposition critical of energy package, divided on additional plans
Dutch opposition parties have expressed criticism towards the government's energy price compensation package. However, there is no consensus among these parties regarding which additional measures sho...
Haarlem church to ring bells for children denied asylum
On April 29, the H.H. Anna and Mary Cathedral in Haarlem will ring its bells in support of the Babayants family from Uzbekistan. The family's four children, who are well-integrated in the Netherlands,...
Wijdemeren postpones Loosdrecht asylum shelter over safety concerns
The municipality of Wijdemeren has postponed the opening of an asylum reception center in Loosdrecht due to concerns over insufficient police capacity to ensure safety. Although 110 people were initia...
Future of drug user bus near Oosterpark uncertain as permit expires in two months
Uitgeest council chooses stability ahead of municipal merger, but there are also bitter words
The Uitgeest municipal council has approved a comprehensive cooperation agreement for the next four years by a ten-to-five vote, prioritizing stability ahead of a planned merger. Despite the majority ...
Trump: Iran working on plan, talks possible by end of week
President Donald Trump announced that a second round of negotiations with Iran could potentially take place in Pakistan this Friday. He indicated that while Iran is reportedly drafting a proposal for ...
Oosterpark pond full of dead fish, likely due to broken pump
A large number of fish have died in the pond at Oosterpark in Amsterdam, likely due to a broken water pump that failed to provide sufficient oxygen. The municipality has acknowledged the issue and is ...
Large part of Parliament critical of ambitious school advice
Members of the Dutch House of Representatives are critical of the "promising school advice" policy, expressing concerns that it may lead students to educational levels that do not suit them. During a ...
Pedestrian injured in collision with bus on Marnixstraat; intersection was already a designated ‘blackspot’
Zelensky calls progress on EU loan to Ukraine 'right signal'
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed satisfaction with the progress of a 90 billion euro EU support package for Ukraine after Hungary lifted its blockade. Zelensky stated that the developm...
Former Moldovan MP sentenced to 19 years for role in 'theft of the century'
Former Moldovan MP and businessman Vladimir Plahotniuc was sentenced to 19 years in prison on Wednesday for his role in a massive bank fraud scheme. He was found guilty of stealing over 850 million eu...
Ukraine strikes blow on financial battlefield with release of EU billions
The European Union has approved the release of 90 billion euros in financial aid to Ukraine, providing significant relief to both Kyiv and Brussels. This support package serves as a strategic signal t...
Germany wants Europe's strongest military
Germany has unveiled a new military strategy aiming to become Europe's strongest armed force within thirteen years. The plan involves significant investments in long-range weapons, air defense systems...
IND and Public Prosecution Service seek to annul sham recognitions in court
The Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) and the Public Prosecution Service (OM) are launching a pilot to challenge 'sham recognitions' of children in court. Three test cases will be sub...
More prison sentences handed out for Malieveld riots
The court in The Hague has sentenced three men to prison for their involvement in public violence during riots at the Malieveld last September. One of the convicted individuals was involved in overtur...
Need a new or upgraded power connection? Apply before July 1, 2026
Individuals and businesses requiring a new or upgraded power connection are advised to submit their applications before July 1, 2026. After this deadline, all new requests will be placed on a waiting ...
Housing association wants tenant not to return to home shot at in Zuidoost
Housing corporation Eigen Haard is seeking to evict a tenant from her home in Amsterdam Zuidoost after the property was targeted in two separate shootings in January. The corporation cites neighborhoo...
Lebanon wants to extend ceasefire with Israel by one month
Lebanon plans to propose a one-month extension of its ceasefire with Israel during a meeting in Washington on Thursday. The Lebanese delegation aims to prolong the current truce between Israel and Hez...
Inspectorate imposes penalty on Tata Steel over hazardous steel slag
The Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate (ILT) has imposed a penalty on Tata Steel for failing to classify a specific type of steel slag as hazardous waste. The steel manufacturer must now upd...
The etiquette of the mayoral chain (and why we don't always follow it in Amsterdam)
The mayoral chain of office was introduced across the Netherlands in 1853 as a formal symbol of distinction for mayors. While strict etiquette traditionally governs how the chain should be worn, Amste...