rssNov 7, 2026, 18:53

Alderman knew canal cruise levy was dubious: "Risk of five million in repayments"

The Amsterdam municipal government faced a court-ordered reversal of a tour boat passenger levy increase after earlier warnings about its legality were ignored. Officials were aware of a potential five-million-euro repayment risk but proceeded with the fee, which the court later labeled as an abuse of power.

The Amsterdam municipal government was aware that the increase in the tour boat passenger levy faced significant legal risks long before a court recently ruled it invalid. Former alderman Hester van Buren had attempted to amend the regulation in 2025 to justify the fee, citing evolving legislation and cost recovery. During internal discussions, officials acknowledged a risk that five million euros might need to be repaid to boat operators, though they noted these funds were ultimately collected from tourists rather than the companies themselves.

Opposition members had previously warned that the surcharge was unlawful, arguing that it was being used to fund unrelated municipal projects rather than legitimate waterway services. The court ultimately agreed, describing the use of these levies for initiatives like teacher grants as an abuse of power. Following the ruling, opposition parties are now demanding accountability and calling for the city to refund the improperly collected revenue and adjust future tax policies.

Politics Economy Lifestyle Amsterdam Netherlands

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

Judge blocks higher municipal tax for canal cruise passengers

A court has ruled that the city of Amsterdam cannot increase the passenger tax for canal cruise boats to 2.50 euros, reinstating the former rate of 1.50 euros. The judge found that the proposed hike was unlawful because the city failed to justify the fee with direct benefits to the cruise operators and attempted to fund unrelated public programs.

More cultural funding to the regions? Halsema warns: "The labor market is in Amsterdam"

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Free public transport would cost hundreds of millions: "Furthermore, GVB cannot handle it"

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