On February 26, 2011, Prime Minister Mark Rutte and opposition leader Job Cohen both campaigned at the Grote Markt in Haarlem despite heavy rain. The visits occurred four days before the Provincial Council elections as both leaders sought to persuade voters.
The final canal in the Amsterdam neighborhood of De Houthavens was successfully filled with water from the IJ. Although officials originally estimated the process would take two days, the canal filled in less than an hour after a steel dam was breached.
With warm weather expected for the weekend of July 31 to August 2, various activities are planned throughout the city of Haarlem. Residents are encouraged to enjoy the summer season with these curated local tips rather than staying indoors.
Fruit in the Netherlands is expected to become smaller and more expensive starting this September due to ongoing drought conditions across Europe. This forecast was provided by John Kusters, chairman of the Dutch Fruit Growers Organization.
Delta Commissioner Co Verdaas warns that increasingly dry summers will cause significant changes to the Dutch landscape, including the potential disappearance of iconic flower fields within twenty years. Additionally, rivers will require more space as water management policy adapts to these climate shifts.
Political party Volt has proposed allowing mini-cars and scooters to use the IJtunnel during its upcoming year-long maintenance period. The proposal aims to alleviate traffic issues on the IJ ferries, though traffic experts suggest that speed reductions and stricter monitoring would be necessary to ensure safety.