Netherlands News in English
Dutch national news translated to English. Politics, economy, housing, immigration, and more for expats and internationals.
14 immortal quotes by Johan Cruyff (and his traces in the city)
This article reflects on the legacy of football icon Johan Cruijff, marking ten years since his death in 2016. It examines his lasting influence on the Dutch language and his visible presence througho...
Richard de Mos puts forward Ahmed Aboutaleb (64) as scout in The Hague
Former Rotterdam Mayor Ahmed Aboutaleb has been appointed as a coalition scout in The Hague by election winner Richard de Mos. Aboutaleb will explore potential governing partnerships to form a new loc...
Brad Pitt spotted on Herengracht for Hollywood film shoot
Hollywood actor Brad Pitt was spotted in Amsterdam for the filming of the movie "The Riders," based on a 1994 novel partially set in the city. Production took place at locations including the Herengra...
Football world remembers Johan Cruyff on anniversary of his death as Dutch national team shares animation of 1974 World Cup goals
The football world is commemorating the anniversary of Johan Cruijff's death in 2016 with various tributes. Ajax and the Dutch national team shared animations and social media posts to honor the legen...
IKEA recalls candles due to risk of large flames
IKEA is recalling its SMÖJTRÄD candles due to a manufacturing defect that may result in multiple wicks, leading to dangerously large flames. The company warns that this defect poses a risk of fire a...
Swapshare in Schalkwijk: swap your unused toys, books and household items
The fourth Haarlem edition of the Swapshare event will take place in Schalkwijk on Saturday, March 28. This community event allows participants to exchange unused toys, books, and household items.
Chef'Special takes year-long break after guitarist's departure: 'It's heartbreaking'
The Dutch band Chef'Special has announced a one-year hiatus following the departure of guitarist Guido Joseph. The group shared the news on Instagram, expressing that the change is difficult for the r...
Number of asylum seekers in Ter Apel surges
The number of asylum seekers at the Ter Apel registration center has risen to over 2,100, exceeding the facility's 2,000-person capacity limit. Despite the increase, the reception agency COA will not ...
Flight tax not yet driving Dutch travelers to foreign airports
The higher flight tax introduced in the Netherlands in 2023 has not yet caused a significant shift of Dutch travelers to airports in neighboring countries. Recent data shows that both domestic and for...
Ali B calls appeal 'surreal' and finds police investigation insufficient
Rapper Ali B described the start of his appeal hearing on Tuesday as "surreal and confusing." The 44-year-old also used the first day of substantive proceedings to criticize the quality of the police ...
Gatekeepers had to keep 'unfavorable people' out at the city gates
In 1711, Haarlem city authorities implemented measures at city gates to prevent 'unfavorable people' from entering and causing public disorder. This decision followed a rise in public drunkenness and ...
Majority of large online stores inaccessible to customers with disabilities
A study by the Authority for Consumers & Markets (ACM) reveals that 61 percent of the largest webshops in the Netherlands are not digitally accessible. This lack of accessibility prevents customers wi...
Livia (11) buys junk and candy with her allowance. Intervene or let it go?
Livia, an 11-year-old girl, spends her pocket money on inexpensive items and candy, leading to questions about whether parents should regulate such purchases. The article discusses the balance between...
Disappeared: the chaplain intervened in time, otherwise NAS would have vanished from the face of the earth sooner
This article profiles Na Arbeid Sport (NAS), a defunct Catholic football club from Halfweg, as part of a series on former sports organizations. It highlights how a chaplain's intervention previously s...
Ronnie Flex's statement discussed in Ali B appeal
During the appeal case against Ali B, a new statement from rapper Ronnie Flex was discussed regarding an incident at a 2018 songwriting camp in Heiloo. Ronnie Flex testified that he did not recall hea...
Nice reward for Tomas and Brent after sweeping canteen: 'Just don't tell my father'
Friends Tomas and Brent received a reward for helping to sweep the canteen at their football club, SV Terrasvogels, in Santpoort-Zuid. The two boys spent the rest of their morning playing soccer toget...
The special bond between Johan Cruyff and the Doorschodt family from The Hague: ‘Grandma and grandpa were at his wedding’
Johan Cruijff, regarded as the greatest Dutch footballer, maintained a unique relationship with the Doorschodt family from The Hague throughout his life. Although he was originally from Amsterdam, Cru...
DJ La Fuente is this year's Ambassador of Freedom
DJ La Fuente has been named an Ambassador of Freedom for this year's liberation festivals on May 5th. He will perform across the Netherlands alongside other artists including Karsu, Rolf Sanchez, and ...
Behind BridgeFund’s friendly facade lies a risky credit model: ‘Incomprehensible that they have a quality mark’
Dutch credit provider BridgeFund is facing scrutiny over its business model, which operates outside of traditional financial supervision despite its approachable marketing. Critics question the solidi...
A2 Vinkeveen exit closed due to 'threat against Zaandam prison staff'
The A2 exit at Vinkeveen has been closed following threats against employees of the Zaanstad correctional facility and reports of explosives targeting their vehicles. Police arrested a suspect at a ne...
Development bank FMO: food prices rising sharply due to higher gas prices, and that's not all
FMO CEO Michael Jongeneel reports that rising gas prices and the conflict in the Middle East are driving up food prices and impacting the bank's financed partners more than previous trade wars. Howeve...
Ali B at Amsterdam Court of Appeal to 'fight for innocence'
Artist Ali B appeared at the Amsterdam Court of Appeal on Tuesday morning to begin the appeal process in his criminal case. He arrived at approximately 9:00 AM, stating his intention to fight for his ...
Doctors at Velsen-Noord pain clinic risk fines or prison for treating long COVID patients with lidocaine, independent committee says
An independent investigative committee found that doctors at the Excellent Care Clinics violated medical-scientific research laws while using lidocaine to treat long-COVID patients. The practitioners ...
Diggy Dex to tour the Netherlands with new theater tour this autumn
Rapper and singer Diggy Dex will tour theaters across the Netherlands this autumn with his new show, "De Zoektocht Naar Geluk." Accompanied by guitarist René van Mierlo, the performance aims to explo...
Is driving electric really cheaper with current gas prices? Here’s the deal
High fuel prices driven by geopolitical unrest in the Middle East have led to a significant increase in consumer interest in electric vehicles. Recent calculations suggest that driving an electric car...
Petrol and diesel cars increasingly less popular, electric vehicle sales also decline
New petrol and diesel car sales across the European Union saw a significant decline in February compared to the previous year. While electric vehicles are generally gaining popularity, sales in the Ne...
Reader question: Discount on full crates of beer but not individual bottles. Is that allowed?
This article addresses a consumer question regarding whether retailers are permitted to offer discounts on full crates of beer while excluding individual bottles from the same promotion. It clarifies ...
Young women elected to Haarlemmermeer council via preference votes; HAP leader Marjolein Steffens declines seat
Several young women candidates in Haarlemmermeer secured seats in the municipal council through preference votes during the recent elections. Current alderwoman and HAP leader Marjolein Steffens-Van d...
Live | Ali B's appeal begins today, rapper expected in court
The appeal in the criminal case against rapper Ali B begins today, following his 2024 conviction for rape and attempted rape. Both the rapper and the Public Prosecution Service have appealed the initi...
Homeowner ordered to demolish glass sunroom on roof terrace: "Detracts from unity"
A homeowner in Amsterdam's Nieuw-West district has been ordered by a court to demolish a glass sunroom built on their roof terrace without a permit. The ruling follows advice from the Commission for S...