Politics News in English
Latest politics headlines from Dutch news, translated into English.
UWV chief issues warning to cabinet before departure: Intervene
UWV chairman Maarten Camps has warned the Dutch cabinet that the agency can no longer handle the increasing volume of disability benefit applications. He predicts that 200,000 people could face waitin...
Amsterdam East: Cannot rule out drug bus staying at OLVG after all
The drug user bus located at the OLVG hospital in Amsterdam East may remain at its current site past June 30th because no alternative location has been found yet. Although the facility has helped redu...
German band Alphaville wants Trump to stop using hit Forever Young
The German band Alphaville has issued a legal demand for Donald Trump to stop using their hit song 'Forever Young' in his posts on Truth Social. The band shared the cease and desist notice on Instagra...
Death toll in Ukraine from Russian attacks continues to rise
At least twelve people were killed in Ukraine during Russian attacks that took place overnight from Wednesday to Thursday. Local authorities confirmed the casualties on Thursday as the death toll from...
Residents of Groningen earthquake zone remain critical of recovery
Residents in the Groningen earthquake zone remain highly critical of the lengthy and complex process involved in repairing and reinforcing their homes. This ongoing uncertainty is causing significant ...
Domus Plus back on Haarlem political agenda after years-long lawsuit. ‘How do we arrange 24-hour security for addiction shelter?’
Following a multi-year legal battle, the debate over the Domus Plus addiction care facility has returned to Haarlem's political agenda. While construction of the complex proceeds, local politicians ar...
Trump: Israel and Lebanon to talk on Thursday
US President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social that talks between Israel and Lebanon are scheduled to take place this Thursday. The discussions mark a potential diplomatic engagement between the ...
Rijkswaterstaat on tunnel and on-ramp closures: 'Actually better for traffic flow'
Rijkswaterstaat is closing access ramps to the Velsertunnel to prevent significant traffic congestion in the regions of Velsen, Beverwijk, and Haarlem. While intended to improve overall traffic flow, ...
Education Inspectorate concerned by youth violence in Beverwijk-Haarlem: 'The context collapsed'
The Dutch Education Inspectorate's annual report highlights the youth violence that broke out between groups from Beverwijk and Haarlem in September 2025. The report cites the incident and accompanyin...
US kills crew in attack on suspected drug boat
The U.S. military killed three suspected drug traffickers during an attack on a vessel in the eastern Pacific Ocean. According to U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), the operation targeted individuals t...
Increased traffic in Bakkum, Limmen, and Akersloot due to A9 roadworks, but municipality takes no extra safety measures
Roadworks on the A9 motorway scheduled between May 18 and June 29 are expected to cause increased traffic in the villages of Limmen, Akersloot, and Bakkum. The local government of Castricum acknowledg...
Russian missiles hit Ukraine: 12-year-old child killed
Ukraine reported multiple Russian missile attacks across the country during the night of Wednesday to Thursday. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko confirmed that a 12-year-old child was killed during the str...
Amalia's working visit marks strong ties with Amsterdam, but it was once very different
US threatens sanctions against buyers of Iranian oil
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced on Wednesday that the United States is threatening to impose sanctions on buyers of Iranian oil. The statement was made during a briefing with reporters a...
Woman (27) forced into prostitution, prosecutors demand 4 years for suspects
The Public Prosecution Service has demanded four-year prison sentences for a man and a woman accused of forcing a 27-year-old woman into prostitution in Amsterdam-Zuidoost for over a year. The victim ...
Russia threatens European drone sites, including in the Netherlands
The Russian Ministry of Defense has identified several European drone manufacturers as potential targets, warning that their support for Ukraine brings conflict with Russia closer. The list includes t...
White House: extension of ceasefire with Iran not requested
White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt denied reports that the United States requested an extension of the ceasefire with Iran. Despite this, U.S. officials remain optimistic about reaching a deal ...
Cabinet considers phased accession of new EU member states
Dutch Foreign Affairs Minister Tom Berendsen expressed willingness to explore a phased approach for new countries joining the European Union. During a parliamentary debate, he stated the Netherlands i...
King: Made clear to Trump we disagree
King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands stated that he expressed fundamental disagreements with U.S. President Donald Trump during a dinner at the White House. He described the conversation as open a...
Wilders pivots on asylum and ramps up pressure on government: why is the PVV choosing this course?
Geert Wilders, leader of the PVV, has shifted his stance on asylum policy to increase pressure on the Dutch government cabinet following a strategic move in the Senate. This tactical change is intende...
Simon Sprietsma (60) has been the designer of the city center for 35 years
Architect Simon Sprietsma was honored with a symposium at the Zuiderkerk for his 35-year career designing iconic public spaces in Amsterdam, including the Dam and Leidseplein. Since 1991, Sprietsma ha...
Fighting rats, supporting emergency workers, or no paid parking? Haarlem residents to pitch ideas for upcoming coalition agreement this Saturday
Residents of Haarlem are invited to share their ideas for the new coalition agreement this Saturday at the De Wereld community center. The political parties PRO, D66, and CDA are seeking public input ...
Dutch Tax Authority discovers data vault with 64 million unexamined files in benefits scandal
The Dutch Tax and Customs Administration has discovered a data vault containing 64 million files that were not reviewed during the parliamentary inquiry into the childcare benefits scandal. These docu...
PRO sidelined in Bloemendaal for now: ’We want a stable core coalition’
Following a council meeting and a report by mediator David Moolenburgh, the political party PRO remains excluded from coalition negotiations in Bloemendaal. Local leaders expressed a preference for bu...
Oil giants earned $30 million per hour during first month of Iran war
The world's 100 largest oil and gas companies earned an average of $30 million per hour in March following a sharp rise in oil prices. According to research by The Guardian, these significant profits ...
Officials expect Schiphol noise rules can proceed
Officials at the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management expect that new noise reduction regulations for Schiphol Airport can still be implemented. Despite a recent Council of State ruli...
Sharp council debate over Israel boycott referendum: ‘Pro seems set to vote against’
Israel Security Cabinet meets over Lebanon ceasefire
The Israeli security cabinet is meeting at 7:00 PM to discuss the possibility of a ceasefire in Lebanon. According to a top official, the discussion will focus on potential diplomatic steps to end the...
PRO Amsterdam wants measures against Israel but opposes boycott referendum
A majority in the Amsterdam city council has likely blocked a referendum on an Israel boycott after the PRO Amsterdam party followed a committee's advice that the proposal exceeds municipal authority....
UN experts call for stop to arms deliveries to Israel
UN Human Rights Council experts have urged all member states to halt weapon deliveries to Israel following military actions in Lebanon. They allege that Israel violated international law with large-sc...