Netherlands News in English
Dutch national news translated to English. Politics, economy, housing, immigration, and more for expats and internationals.
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...
Short AT5 documentary about Johan Cruyff from 2016, just after his death: He comes from here, right
A short documentary by local broadcaster AT5 commemorates the legacy of football icon Johan Cruijff, focusing on his profound connection to Ajax and his charitable efforts for children with disabiliti...
Amsterdam glaziers celebrated when the windows were smashed
In 1848, a public gathering organized by Carl Hancke on Dam Square in Amsterdam escalated into a riot after the organizer failed to appear. The resulting unrest led to widespread property damage, whic...
'Commando' Pieter Mulders whips Koninklijke HFC into shape: "Shut up and let's go"
Trainer Pieter Mulders has revitalized Koninklijke HFC, leading the amateur football club to four wins in their last five matches since returning for his second stint. Known for his disciplined and di...
DHL Express employees on strike again
DHL Express employees in the North-Netherlands are conducting a day-long strike on Tuesday organized by unions FNV and CNV. This action represents the fourth strike in a short period resulting from an...
ATM explosion in Badhoevedorp, police investigating
An explosive ATM robbery occurred on Zeemanlaan in Badhoevedorp during the night between Monday and Tuesday. Local police have launched an investigation into the incident.
Hoofddorp speeder needed toilet due to bowel condition; prosecutor says squatting in the roadside is safer than racing home
A motorist from Hoofddorp was caught speeding while rushing home to use the toilet due to a medical bowel condition. During the legal proceedings, the prosecutor argued that the driver should have pul...
Doors of homes for sale remain closed on Open House Day
The author's daughters are planning to purchase a home together because they cannot afford to buy property individually in the current market. This highlights the growing trend of collaborative home b...
Everyone in the region can get tax return help at this Alkmaar service desk: ‘Some find it nerve-wracking to hit send’
Starting March 1st, support centers across the Netherlands are offering assistance to citizens struggling with their annual tax returns. These services specifically help individuals navigate complex f...
Ukrainians will not be given priority for housing in Velsen; emergency shelter to end next year
The municipality of Velsen will terminate crisis emergency shelter for Ukrainian refugees starting early next year. Refugees will be transitioned into regular housing, but they will not receive priori...
David Guetta to Johan Cruijff Arena for 30 years of ADE
French DJ David Guetta will perform at the Johan Cruijff ArenA in Amsterdam on October 24 as part of the AMF event. The announcement coincides with the upcoming 30th anniversary of the Amsterdam Dance...
Record new construction for housing associations, but still 10,000 homes a year short
Dutch housing corporations built a record 21,500 new homes last year, according to figures from Statistics Netherlands (CBS). Despite this achievement, the sector still falls 10,000 units short of the...
Major renovation of Woonopmaat flats too expensive, housing association looks to Diepenbrock in Heemskerk
Housing association Woonopmaat has canceled plans to renovate three apartment blocks near Heliomare after determining the project was too complex and financially unfeasible. The organization is now sh...
Housing corporations to build record number of new homes in 2025
Housing associations in the Netherlands added a record 21,500 new rental homes in 2025, an increase of 2,000 compared to the previous year. This marks the highest number of completions since data coll...
One in three new homes in Haarlem was from a housing association last year
In Haarlem, housing corporations accounted for 70 of the 240 new homes completed last year. These figures, released by Statistics Netherlands (CBS), show that nearly one-third of the city's new housin...
ATM bombings in Badhoevedorp and Landsmeer, police investigate link
Police are investigating potential connections between four recent ATM explosions in Badhoevedorp, Landsmeer, Laren, and Amsterdam-Zuid. Two suspects were arrested following two separate blasts early ...
Harteheem in Heemkerk to be redeveloped. New construction to start in 2028: ‘Major step toward a more sustainable and greener Harteheem’
The Hartekamp Groep has announced plans to redevelop the Harteheem care facility in Heemskerk to improve safety, sustainability, and overall modernization. The project aims to replace outdated buildin...
CDA, PvdD, Jouw Haarlem and Actiepartij vie for spot at Haarlem coalition table: ‘Choose us. Choose a green, clean Haarlem’
The Haarlem city coalition for the next four years will include GL-PvdA and D66, but the search for a third partner continues. Four parties, including CDA and PvdD, are currently competing for a spot ...
Fraud report filed against home battery sellers: ‘It’s always the same people’
The Dutch Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) has filed a fraud report against home battery sellers who use deceptive tactics to lock consumers into contracts costing up to €20,000. Victims ar...
Thom (19) saves driver from drowning: "The water was already up to her waist"
On Sunday evening, 19-year-old Thom and two other bystanders rescued a woman after her car crashed into the Leidsevaart in Bennebroek. The rescuers helped the driver escape through a broken window jus...
Thousands lose youth disability benefits after five years of work
Thousands of individuals receiving Wajong disability benefits will lose their eligibility after five years of employment if their income exceeds a specific threshold. This policy change is expected to...
Older workers spared while younger ones take on more: ‘Pressure will continue to rise’
As the state pension age rises in the Netherlands, more older employees are opting to reduce their working hours leading up to retirement. Employers express concern that this trend will create an unfa...
Johan Cruyff lives on in these living rooms: "No one believed it, but it was great fun"
Ten years after his passing, football legend Johan Cruijff remains a significant presence in the homes of Amsterdam residents through various personal mementos and artworks. Local residents shared sto...
Soy Kroon to star in new musical about Frans Halsema
Actor Soy Kroon will star as the lead in the new musical 'Voor Haar', which depicts the life of Dutch singer and cabaret performer Frans Halsema. The production was officially announced on Monday by A...
Zita Pels leader of merged GroenLinks/PvdA party in Amsterdam
Zita Pels has been appointed as the chair of the newly merged GroenLinks and PvdA faction in Amsterdam following the municipal elections. The two parties, which won a combined 17 seats, will negotiate...
Zita Pels group leader of merged GroenLinks/PvdA Amsterdam
Zita Pels has been appointed as the group leader for the newly merged GroenLinks and PvdA faction in Amsterdam following recent municipal elections. The two parties, which secured a combined 17 seats,...
Large part of Dutch fishing fleet stays in port due to high fuel prices
A significant portion of the Dutch fishing fleet is remaining in port this week due to soaring fuel prices. The trade association VisNed described the decision to stay ashore as a highly exceptional m...