haarlemsdagbladJun 16, 2026, 21:34

Company behind DigiD appeals takeover ban

Solvinity, the company responsible for the DigiD authentication system, is appealing a government decision to block its acquisition by the American firm Kyndryl. State Secretary Willemijn Aerdts prohibited the takeover last month citing concerns over digital sovereignty and national economic interests. The legal challenge was confirmed by a government spokesperson following initial reports by the NRC newspaper.

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Based on reporting by haarlemsdagblad. Translated and condensed by LocalHeadlines.

EU selects 46 raw materials projects to reduce dependence on China

The European Commission has launched 46 projects across sixteen countries to reduce reliance on China for vital raw materials like lithium and copper. These initiatives, supported by prioritized permits and funding assistance, aim to significantly boost domestic processing and recycling capacity by 2030.

VNO-NCW chief warns unions and cabinet: 'We are heading down the Belgian path this way'

VNO-NCW chairman Coen van Oostrom has warned the Dutch government and labor unions that the current economic model is unsustainable and risks leading the country toward a decline similar to Belgium. He calls for urgent structural reforms, including a more efficient social security system and proactive measures to retrain workers for the future of artificial intelligence.

Cabinet plans to require homeowners to install hybrid heat pumps starting in 2029

Beginning in 2029, homeowners in the Netherlands must install hybrid heat pumps instead of gas-fired boilers when replacing their heating systems. The government plans to exempt apartments and monuments, while a decision on future subsidies for these costly installations is expected by 2027.

Albert Heijn parent company had to make a decision 'within 15 minutes': 'No time to consult CEO'

Ahold Delhaize proactively took the websites and apps for Albert Heijn and Etos offline after detecting suspicious server activity, acting in under fifteen minutes. Although the move caused temporary disruptions, cybersecurity experts have commended the company for its rapid and effective response to the potential cyberattack.

Cunning criminals insert chip into gadget to plunder bank accounts: Coolblue and Bol take action

Dutch retailers such as Coolblue and Bol.com have suspended the sale of Ledger cryptowallets after criminals tampered with the devices by installing hidden chips to steal cryptocurrency. Although manufacturers confirm the tampering happened after production, retailers are taking precautionary measures to protect customers, even in the absence of local incident reports.