rssNov 19, 2025, 06:00

Growing criticism of GVB, yet it is always granted the right to operate here: why?

Despite mounting criticism over service disruptions, safety incidents, and mismanagement, Amsterdam’s public transport provider GVB was recently granted a new 11-year exclusive operating contract. While large public contracts typically require competitive bidding under EU rules, Dutch law allows major cities to award transport concessions directly to ensure network stability and leverage long-standing local expertise. The Amsterdam city council has since ordered an external investigation into the company’s operations following recent failures, including the use of unauthorized buses and poor employee relations.

Politics Economy Business Amsterdam

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Only 200 left in the wild, but now also at Artis: four critically endangered Visayan warty pigs

Artis zoo in Amsterdam has welcomed four female Visayan warty pigs, a critically endangered species with only about 200 individuals remaining in the wild. The animals arrived from Rotterdam's Diergaarde Blijdorp as part of a European conservation program aimed at preserving the species through future breeding. Visitors can now see the pigs in their new enclosure located near the old wolf house.

40 years after Chernobyl, we are committing to nuclear power again. Is it suddenly safe?

On the 40th anniversary of the Chernobyl disaster, this article examines the safety of nuclear energy in the modern era. It addresses seven key questions about whether a similar catastrophe could happen today as the world renews its focus on nuclear power.

Six activists who caused A12 traffic jam still in custody

Six activists remain in police custody following a demonstration on Saturday where they used vehicles to block a section of the A12 highway. They are scheduled for questioning on Sunday and are expected to be released later in the day.

Zelensky: World on brink of disaster again 40 years after Chernobyl

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned that Russian drone attacks are threatening nuclear safety, potentially bringing the world to the brink of another disaster forty years after Chernobyl. He urged the international community to intervene and stop Russian attacks to prevent further nuclear risks.

Tax filing often a costly missed opportunity due to common mistakes: ‘People sometimes leave thousands of euros on the table’

Over nine million people in the Netherlands have already filed their tax returns, with one million more expected to do so in the final week. Experts highlight that many taxpayers miss out on potential refunds by making common errors, potentially leaving thousands of euros unclaimed.