haarlemsdagbladMar 24, 2026, 15:00

Dorpsstraat Castricum to become safer: speed bumps and new crosswalks

The Castricum municipal council will begin installing speed reducers and new pedestrian crossings in Dorpsstraat this May to improve safety for residents. These measures follow a decision made by the council last summer as part of long-term efforts to enhance traffic safety in the area. The project aims to provide safer crossing points and slow down traffic on the busy street.

Politics Netherlands

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

Cabinet wants to compensate primary schools in major cities receiving less funding

The Dutch government plans to implement a transition scheme to limit financial losses for primary schools in large cities that are facing budget cuts due to a new funding distribution model. State Secretary Judith Tielen proposed capping annual budget reductions at three percent to prevent potential teacher layoffs, with further discussions planned regarding the seven million euro cost.

Brussels warns of uninsurable climate damage, EU law in the making

The European Commission is drafting new legislation to address the increasing economic and human costs of climate change, including clearer legal responsibilities and better insurance protocols. Commissioner Wopke Hoekstra highlighted the need for more climate-resilient construction and public risk-monitoring tools to combat damages that reached 113 billion euros during recent heatwaves.

Partners and family members to find it easier to request care for loved ones who can no longer do so themselves

As of January 1, 2027, family members in the Netherlands will be permitted to apply for long-term care on behalf of relatives who are unable to do so themselves. This policy change aims to eliminate bureaucratic obstacles and provide faster access to essential support for those suffering from conditions like dementia.

Cabinet invests 450 million euros in rainforest protection fund

The Dutch government has pledged 450 million euros to the Tropical Forests Forever Facility, a global initiative led by Brazil to protect rainforests through investment-based returns. The contribution aims to help reach the 10 billion dollar threshold necessary to trigger further funding from Norway, though the Netherlands is still working to finalize the details of its commitment.

Many cabinets have tried, will cutting the number of civil servants finally succeed this time?

The Dutch government is attempting to reduce the number of civil servants after numerous failed attempts by previous cabinets. Success likely depends on the government's ability to clearly define which public services to maintain and which to eliminate.