Netherlands News in English
Dutch national news translated to English. Politics, economy, housing, immigration, and more for expats and internationals.
Weekend tips: things to do in Haarlem (March 20-22)
This article provides a list of recommended activities and events taking place in Haarlem from March 20 to 22. It aims to offer inspiration for residents and visitors looking to enjoy their weekend le...
Security measures after Iranian man shot in Schoonhoven
Dutch Justice Minister David van Weel announced that security measures are being taken following the shooting of a 36-year-old Iranian man in Schoonhoven on Thursday. Authorities remain alert as inves...
Local parties win seats with anti-asylum rhetoric: can municipalities really block asylum centers?
Local political parties in the Netherlands are gaining seats by campaigning against the establishment of asylum seeker centers. While the national government maintains that the Distribution Law requir...
Motorist crashes into pharmacy in Hillegom
A driver crashed into the stone wall of a pharmacy on Abellalaan in Hillegom on Thursday afternoon. The motorist did not require hospitalization following the incident.
More sunshine yet fewer convertibles, how is that possible? ‘Air conditioning killed the convertible’
Despite the increasing number of sunny hours in the Netherlands, sales of convertible cars are significantly declining. Enthusiasts attribute this trend to the prevalence of air conditioning, which ha...
GL-PvdA takes its time for new Haarlem coalition: Two days of exploratory talks with all parties
GroenLinks-PvdA leader Diana van Loenen has initiated exploratory talks with leaders from all twelve other parties to form a new coalition in Haarlem. Unlike some neighboring municipalities, a governi...
Fifth suspect arrested for explosion at Rotterdam synagogue
Police have arrested a 19-year-old man from Tilburg as the fifth suspect in connection with an explosion at a synagogue in Rotterdam last week. The individual was apprehended in his hometown, and auth...
Minister Vijlbrief to reconsider harsh benefit cuts after all
The Dutch cabinet is reconsidering proposed budget cuts to unemployment and disability benefits. Social Affairs Minister Hans Vijlbrief indicated that the government will look for ways to soften the i...
Doesburg results changed slightly after vote recount
The municipal election results in the Dutch town of Doesburg were adjusted following a vote recount on Thursday. The SP party gained an additional seat, while the GroenLinks-PvdA coalition saw its rep...
How your child chooses the right high school: ‘Education is more than a diploma’
This week, approximately 95,000 eighth-grade students are receiving their final secondary school advice following the results of transition tests. Experts provide guidance on how to choose a high scho...
Third customer finds mouse in Jumbo frozen green beans
A third customer has reported finding a mouse inside a package of frozen green beans from the supermarket chain Jumbo. Following these reports, the company has removed all of the affected product pack...
Big winner FVD rules out no parties in advance: 'We are open to a coalition with GroenLinks'
FVD group leader Tommy Panis expressed openness to forming a coalition with any party, including GroenLinks, following a significant election victory where his party won eight seats. Panis described t...
Brother and sister sell three Haarlem businesses to buy Ootje Konkel in Scharwoude: ‘We used to eat here often ourselves’
Siblings Lisa and Kris Arents are selling their three businesses in Haarlem to acquire the family restaurant Ootje Konkel in Scharwoude. After nine years of operating a bakery, a crepe restaurant, and...
European observers want more funding for local parties in the Netherlands
The Council of Europe is advocating for local political parties in the Netherlands to receive funding equivalent to that of local branches of national parties. This recommendation aims to establish a ...
Vijlbrief: WIA situation alarming, intervention inevitable
Minister Hans Vijlbrief of Social Affairs has described the situation regarding the Dutch disability benefit scheme (WIA) as alarming. He emphasized that urgent intervention is required to keep the pr...
Peter Vandermeersch suspended after using fabricated AI quotes
Former NRC editor-in-chief Peter Vandermeersch has been suspended by publisher Mediahuis for using artificial intelligence to generate newsletters. The suspension follows revelations that the newslett...
Extra security at Jewish schools in Amsterdam
Jewish primary and secondary schools in Amsterdam will receive increased security measures during arrival and dismissal times. The municipality announced the extra protection on Thursday in response t...
Lokaal Vitaal and VVD seem like perfect partners in crime, but who will join? ‘There is absolute chemistry between us’
Lokaal Vitaal and the VVD are exploring a renewed coalition in Castricum after maintaining their positions in the recent local elections. The two parties, which have a strong working relationship, are...
Former NRC editor-in-chief suspended for using AI-invented quotes
Former NRC editor-in-chief Peter Vandermeersch has been temporarily suspended by publisher Mediahuis for using artificial intelligence to generate content for newsletters. The newsletters were found t...
Epe demands asylum seekers leave Fletcher Hotel or face fine
The municipality of Epe has ordered the closure of an asylum seeker shelter located in a Fletcher Hotel. If the residents have not vacated the premises by this coming Saturday, the municipality will b...
Judge lacks justification to deny photographer access to case file
A court in Haarlem ruled that the Dutch Minister of Foreign Affairs and the police chief must provide a better justification for denying photographer Sakir Khader access to his personal data. The judg...
Lidewij de Vos saw early on what it’s like to be a dissident: FvD leader’s grandfather made controversial statements
Lidewij de Vos has led the Forum voor Democratie (FvD) to a significant electoral victory, winning 295 council seats after succeeding Thierry Baudet as party leader. Internal party members are attribu...
Van den Brink sees no problem yet after victory for parties against asylum seeker center
Dutch Minister of Asylum and Migration Bart van den Brink does not anticipate immediate difficulties following the success of anti-asylum seeker center parties in local elections. He clarified that he...
Ten percent more Amsterdam youth on unemployment benefits, higher than national average
The number of young people under 27 in Amsterdam receiving unemployment benefits rose by 10% last year, surpassing the national average of 8% due to high employment in volatile sectors like hospitalit...
Five-year sentence demanded for spiritual healer over rapes
The Public Prosecution Service has demanded a five-year prison sentence for Luis M.G., a 67-year-old spiritual healer accused of raping two vulnerable women. The incidents occurred when the victims so...
Too few votes for BVNL and GROENSTAAL! in Beverwijk. Mendes Stengs: 'I am sounding the alarm over the deterioration of Oosterwijk'
The political parties BVNL and GROENSTAAL! failed to secure seats in the Beverwijk city council following the recent local elections. As a result, Julian Schoo will not join the council, and Mendes St...
Halsema closes Southeast home with cannabis farm, nearly 100 plants found
Mayor Femke Halsema has ordered the three-month closure of an uninhabited house in Amsterdam-Zuidoost after police discovered a cannabis plantation with 94 plants. The closure, lasting until June 17, ...
Daphne's Favorites: 'I'm willing to bet these are the best pizzas in Amsterdam'
Daphne Heijmering, who explores Amsterdam daily with her poodle, shares her recommendations for the best pizza spots in the city. Her frequent neighborhood walks have made her an expert on discovering...
Photo book shows Johan Cruijff still appears everywhere in Amsterdam
