World News in English

Switzerland wants to raise VAT to free up extra funds for defense

The Swiss government is proposing a 0.5 percentage point increase in VAT over the next twelve years to generate 24 billion Swiss francs for defense spending. This initiative aims to secure significant...

Shortage of women leads to lucrative trade in fake brides in China

A shortage of women in China has led to a lucrative illicit industry where intermediaries charge large sums of money to connect men with brides. This practice has resulted in severe financial losses f...

Documentary 'Mariinka' follows four Ukrainian brothers: 'They would keep fighting each other until they fell'

Formula 1 in Zandvoort: traffic in Haarlem also affected

The final Formula 1 race in Zandvoort will take place from August 21 to August 23, attracting a large number of fans to the coastal area. This influx of visitors is expected to cause significant traff...

Zandvoort circuit being rapidly prepared for F1

Circuit Zandvoort is currently undergoing final preparations for the upcoming Dutch Grand Prix, which is expected to host up to 105,000 spectators. This event marks the final time the Formula 1 race w...

Gas prices rising again due to uncertainty in the Middle East

Gasoline and diesel prices at pumps in the Netherlands are rising again due to ongoing geopolitical uncertainty in the Middle East. The lack of an agreement between Iran and the United States continue...

Man sentenced to community service for Pomeranian puppy scam

A 29-year-old man has been sentenced by an Amsterdam court to a community service order and a suspended prison sentence for scamming buyers with unhealthy Pomeranian puppies imported from Bulgaria. Th...

Rijkswaterstaat drought chief has ‘never seen this before’, but there is no reason to panic

Rijkswaterstaat describes the current drought in the Netherlands as unprecedented territory, noting that the effects will persist for months even if rainfall occurs. Despite the severity, the situatio...

Water board imposes ‘rare’ daytime watering ban for 1.4 million people: ‘Situation worsening’

The Amstel, Gooi en Vecht Water Board has issued a rare daytime irrigation ban for 1.4 million people due to worsening drought conditions. The restriction prohibits the watering of gardens, sports fie...

Barbecuing temporarily banned in Amsterdam Forest due to drought

Due to prolonged dry conditions, the municipality of Amsterdam has implemented a temporary ban on barbecuing in the Amsterdamse Bos to reduce fire risks. This restriction includes the use of both pers...

Leimuiderbrug broken again for an hour: "Does anyone have a football in the back?"

The Leimuiderbrug in the Netherlands experienced its fifth malfunction this month, causing significant traffic delays for commuters. Despite previous maintenance and software updates, the bridge conti...

Teenager Hassan M. gets 6 years for shooting old school friend and threatening friends in Amsterdam-West

Jerry Texel (54), stabbed to death in Transvaalbuurt, was defending a friend after a dispute at a cafe on Krugerplein

Natural disasters cause 87 billion euros in damage in the first half of 2026

Natural disasters, including earthquakes, floods, and wildfires, caused 87 billion euros in global damages during the first half of 2026. According to data from the reinsurer Swiss Re, these figures a...

33-year-old man arrested in investigation into Osdorp car crash filled with explosives

A 33-year-old man from Amsterdam has been arrested at Schiphol Airport in connection with a car crash in Osdorp on July 28. The suspect is believed to be one of three individuals who fled a vehicle fi...

Public Prosecution Service demands prison sentence for father due to criminal exploitation of son who threatened school shooting in Zaandam

To Iceland to see the solar eclipse: "We don't have eclipse glasses yet"

Dutch travelers are heading to Iceland to witness a total solar eclipse, with some planning their entire trip around the event while others are visiting by coincidence. Many of these eclipse-chasers, ...

Explosive Ordnance Disposal Service investigates object in bushes near Floraweg in Amsterdam-Noord

Fire on balcony of Slotermeer home after loud bang, explosive likely thrown

A fire broke out on the balcony of an apartment in the Slotermeer neighborhood of Amsterdam late yesterday evening following a loud explosion. No injuries were reported, and the police have launched a...

Amsterdam civil servants are taking the train instead of flying more often than before

Deposed Syrian dictator Assad sentenced to death in absentia

Bullet casings and blood in the street, suspected victim reports to hospital later

A 30-year-old man was hospitalized with gunshot wounds following a shooting on the Jan Rebelstraat in Osdorp, Amsterdam, during the early hours of the morning. Police discovered blood and shell casing...

Nighttime shooting in Osdorp: blood and shell casings on the street

Ukrainian drone strike hits Russian oil refinery 2,200 kilometers from the border

Major damage following explosion at business premises in Nieuw-Vennep, fire extinguished

An explosion caused significant damage to a business premises on Luzernestraat in Nieuw-Vennep around 3:00 AM. A fire broke out following the blast, which the fire department successfully extinguished...

1 million euros for a final chance: parents of 5-year-old Muk fight against the clock

The parents of five-year-old Muk are raising 1 million euros to afford an American medication for their daughter, who has been diagnosed with childhood dementia. This treatment offers a final chance t...

Are residents of Haarlem happy with their international fame in The New York Times?

The New York Times has featured Haarlem as a tourist alternative to Amsterdam, sparking debate among local residents regarding potential overcrowding and quality of life. While the local government an...

15-year-old suspect arrested for burglary at fire station, criminals continue to target stations

A 15-year-old boy from Amsterdam was arrested alongside three others following a burglary at a fire station in Aalsmeer. The incident is part of an ongoing wave of burglaries targeting fire department...

Waters around Amsterdam face salinization due to drought: water board takes further measures

More drought measures: lock in Weesp closed

The Amstel, Gooi and Vecht water board has implemented further measures, including closing a lock in Weesp and installing temporary pumps near Muiden, to combat persistent drought conditions. Addition...