Dutch Asylum Minister Bart van den Brink is calling on municipalities to open more emergency shelters for asylum seekers following the upcoming local elections. The reception organization COA warns of a shortage of thousands of spaces this spring as existing centers are overcrowded. Van den Brink is focusing his efforts on incoming municipal councils to resolve the urgent capacity crisis.
The Haarlem city council has approved the sale of its share of the Verweyhal national monument to the Raiola heirs to facilitate a full restoration of the historic building. The renovation, set to begin this year, will transform the site at the Grote Markt into a space featuring a shop and a public green roof terrace.
Jehovah's Witnesses have updated their policy to allow members to store and use their own blood for planned medical procedures, a shift from their previous total ban on blood transfusions. The change follows historical instances of members dying after refusing blood and raises questions about the practical benefits for the community in the Netherlands. While the new rule provides an alternative for scheduled surgeries, it may not address emergency situations where blood has not been pre-stored.
Former South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol has had his prison sentence increased to seven years on appeal for obstructing justice. The conviction stems from his resistance to arrest during an investigation into the martial law he declared in 2024.
Following the failure of community-led consensus efforts in South Holland, the provincial government has decided to designate specific locations for wind farms despite local opposition. The decision comes after protests disrupted the "bottom-up" planning process, further straining public support for sustainable energy projects in the region.
National Mill Day will take place on May 9 and 10, with hundreds of wind and water mills across the Netherlands opening their doors to the public. The Zaanstreek region will host special events, including music and various activities for children.