Mobile data traffic across the Netherlands saw a significant increase on King's Day compared to the previous year, according to telecom provider KPN. The surge was driven by users sharing photos and videos, with some regions experiencing data usage up to seven times higher than normal.
Following recent elections, the political parties Pro Haarlem, D66, and CDA are negotiating a new coalition agreement for the city of Haarlem. Residents are invited to submit questions about the negotiation process via an online form until May 3, 2026. The negotiators will select and answer several questions in a follow-up article to provide transparency into the formation of the new city plan.
Haarlem will mark Remembrance Day on May 4 with ceremonies at several local monuments, including a central service at St. Bavokerk and a silent march to the Dreef. On May 5, the city celebrates Liberation Day with the annual Bevrijdingspop festival, which features a commemorative concert and performances by various national artists. Local traffic measures and road closures will be in effect during these events to accommodate the commemorations and festivities.
On May 5th, Dorpskerk Bloemendaal will host a Freedom Day event featuring a lecture by author Jaap Scholten on his "Protect Ukraine" initiative. The celebration includes a performance by a 12-year-old Ukrainian pianist and a community Freedom Meal in the church garden.
Over 80 years after World War II, approximately 4,000 artworks looted by Nazis remain unreturned to their owners or heirs in the Netherlands. The new documentary 'Verweesd Eigendom,' created by Haarlem-based interviewer Frénk van der Linden and director Piet de Blaauw, explores the emotional struggle of families trying to reclaim these items.
The European Parliament has approved a mandate for the 2028-2034 EU budget, proposing a total of 2.2 trillion euros. To fund this increased budget, negotiators suggest introducing new taxes on cryptocurrencies, online games, and online gambling. These measures are intended to generate sufficient independent revenue for the European Union to fulfill its long-term ambitions.