Netherlands News in English
Dutch national news translated to English. Politics, economy, housing, immigration, and more for expats and internationals.
Privacy concerns at town hall’s Civil Affairs prompt overhaul: 'We don't see any easy solutions'
The municipality is redesigning the public service area in the city hall due to privacy concerns regarding sensitive conversations. Both officials and council members reported that the current layout ...
Haarlem voters back plans for more paid parking
Voters in Haarlem have expressed their support for the local government's plans to expand paid parking zones across the city. This mandate allows the municipality to move forward with its proposed str...
Anti-asylum center vote puts Jetten's cabinet in trouble
Recent local election results in the Netherlands have sparked celebrations among political leaders in The Hague despite underlying tensions regarding asylum seeker centers. The rise of anti-AZC sentim...
This cabinet also wants to make criticized terrorism law permanent
The Dutch government intends to make a controversial temporary counter-terrorism law permanent before it expires on March 1. This law allows authorities to impose administrative measures, such as repo...
Hart voor Hillegom and GL-PvdA factions may look different: Preferential seats for Kirsten Sanders and Annemieke van Dijk
The composition of the municipal council in Hillegom may change as candidates Kirsten Sanders and Annemieke van Dijk secured seats through preference votes. This shift means that Jan Zwaan and Frank S...
Ajax prepares for the Klassieker: "We are Ajax and we don't have to fear anyone"
Ajax is preparing for a crucial match against Feyenoord this Sunday as they compete for second place in the league and a spot in the Champions League. Interim coach Oscar García expressed confidence ...
Uitgeest updates real estate agents, mortgage advisors and installers
The municipality of Uitgeest is planning to phase out natural gas in its neighborhoods as part of a sustainable energy transition. Local real estate agents, mortgage advisors, and installers are being...
Municipalities with low voter turnout: work to be done
Dutch municipalities with low voter turnout in local elections are aiming to improve participation in future contests. Mayor Mark Buijs of Roosendaal noted that despite a slight increase, more work is...
Two 15-year-old boys arrested for explosion in Rotterdam-Delfshaven
Police have arrested two 15-year-old boys from Rozenburg and Spijkenisse in connection with an explosion at a residential building in Rotterdam-Delfshaven earlier this month. The arrests were announce...
New Chinese retail giant Joybuy promises everything, but isn't delivering yet
Chinese retail giant JD.com has launched its Joybuy platform in the Netherlands, offering a wide range of products from groceries to electronics. Despite the launch, retail experts remain skeptical ab...
Will GroenLinks-PvdA continue as Progressive Netherlands? It could well happen
The GroenLinks-PvdA political alliance is set to reveal its new official party name this Thursday. Digital investigations suggest the name may be 'Progressief Nederland,' though the parties are attemp...
Asylum seekers likely to stay allowed to work after three months
Asylum seekers in the Netherlands with a high probability of being granted residency will be permitted to start working after three months, halving the current six-month waiting period. This policy ad...
Haarlem choir hopes to attract young audience with Bavo performance: 'We hope to bring different layers of the city together'
The newly formed ensemble Bavocale Haarlemse will perform "Ceremony of Passion" at the Grote of Sint-Bavokerk in Haarlem on March 22nd. Led by conductor Benjamin Bakker, the performance combines conte...
Ministry experiments with European alternative to WhatsApp
State Secretary Willemijn Aerdts has launched a small-scale experiment within the Dutch government to test a European alternative to messaging services like WhatsApp and Signal. The initiative aims to...
Cabinet also fears 'energy crisis' but is not yet intervening: this is why
The Dutch government is closely monitoring a potential energy crisis triggered by unrest in the Middle East but has opted not to intervene at this time. Officials are currently avoiding financial meas...
Manufacturers required to repair phones, washing machines and TVs
The Dutch cabinet has approved a legislative proposal requiring manufacturers to repair electronic devices, such as smartphones and washing machines, even after the warranty has expired. This initiati...
Gelderland working towards opening small nuclear power plant around 2035
The Dutch province of Gelderland aims to open a small modular nuclear reactor (SMR) by approximately 2035. Following feasibility studies on suitable locations within the province, officials plan to de...
David Moolenburgh, Mayor of Zandvoort, considered as scout for new Bloemendaal coalition
David Moolenburgh, the mayor of Zandvoort, has been proposed by the VVD as a scout to lead negotiations for a new coalition in Bloemendaal. While he is the preferred candidate for the role, his appoin...
Sale of Verweyhal to Raiola family nearly complete
The municipality of Haarlem is finalizing the sale of the Verweyhal's upper floor to the heirs of the Raiola family. Once the sale is complete, the family will own the entire building on the Grote Mar...
Beer and reflection in Amsterdam: why the Silent Procession had to stay secret
Thousands of Catholic pilgrims from across the Netherlands are gathering in Amsterdam for the annual Silent Procession, a tradition that encourages personal reflection and prayer. The participants wal...
Large plume of smoke from burning scooters in Amsterdam-Westpoort
A large fire involving multiple scooters broke out on Tuesday afternoon at a business on the Nieuwe Hemweg in Amsterdam-Westpoort. The resulting smoke cloud was visible from a distance, prompting the ...
Municipal official forged documents and signatures to sell Bentveld plot to mother: 'That's not how I raised my boy'
A 38-year-old former planning lawyer from Haarlem appeared in court for forging documents and signatures while working for the municipality of Zandvoort in 2021 and 2022. The defendant is accused of f...
Police: getaway car after Schoonhoven shooting headed toward Lopik
Police have identified a Toyota Yaris as the getaway vehicle used by a suspect following the shooting of an Iranian-born police employee in Schoonhoven. The vehicle was last seen fleeing in the direct...
Second minor arrested for stabbing 14-year-old boy in Breda
A second minor suspect was arrested on Friday morning in connection with the stabbing of a 14-year-old boy in Breda. Both suspects in the case are minors from the city where the incident occurred.
Suspects deny involvement in MDMA death
Two suspects have denied involvement in cases where train cleaners accidentally consumed liquid MDMA from abandoned bottles. The incident led to the death of one 49-year-old cleaner and caused another...
Expanded FVD Haarlem happy with ‘more clout’: ‘Priority for Haarlem residents who have built the city for generations’
Following its growth in the recent elections, FVD Haarlem has expressed its intent to collaborate with all other parties in the local government. Lead candidate Moriah Hartman stated that the party ai...
Criticism of plans to delay new IJmuiden pumping station: 'Plays role in safety of four million Dutch people'
The Dutch government is facing criticism for its decision to postpone the replacement and expansion of the IJmuiden pumping station. Critics argue that the project is crucial for ensuring the safety o...
Eva Vedder to miss BJK Cup next month: Priority is returning to pain-free tennis
Dutch tennis player Eva Vedder has announced she will miss the upcoming Billie Jean King Cup to focus on recovering from persistent physical pain. Despite recently returning to competition in France a...
Joop de Beer exhibition at Uitgeest town hall
Local artist Joop de Beer will showcase an exhibition of his artwork at the Uitgeest town hall from March 20 to April 24. The collection features depictions of his village, the province of Noord-Holla...
Hoge Veluwe opens long-closed wildlife bridge to red deer
National Park De Hoge Veluwe has reopened a nature bridge near Otterlo that had been closed off with a high fence for several years. The decision follows repeated requests from animal welfare organiza...