Netherlands News in English
Dutch national news translated to English. Politics, economy, housing, immigration, and more for expats and internationals.
🍸 Everyone’s drinking EsMas: 10 spots for a delicious espresso martini in Amsterdam
International Espresso Martini Day is celebrated on March 15th, highlighting the enduring popularity of the coffee-based cocktail. The article provides a guide to ten locations in Amsterdam where peop...
The window cleaner mafia, a controversial intervention team and a ‘multi-headed monster’: What is going on in Zaandam-Oost?
The article investigates the "window cleaner mafia" and the systemic criminal issues within Zaandam-Oost. It describes the situation as a "multi-headed monster," where law enforcement's attempts to re...
5 tips to help Amsterdam's birds through the breeding season
Urban ecologist Els Corporaal is providing five tips to assist birds in Amsterdam during the upcoming breeding season. These recommendations aim to support local bird populations as they begin nesting...
IJf Blokker (1930-2026) was Barend Servet despite himself
Climate talk among like-minded people: how can Haarlem reduce CO2 emissions faster?
The GroenLinks-PvdA party in Haarlem organized a meeting with a "coalition of the willing" to discuss how to accelerate the reduction of CO2 emissions in the city. Despite a stalling decline in emissi...
Maarten van Rossem to give theater lecture in IJmuiden
Historian and presenter Maarten van Rossem will perform a theater lecture at the Haventheater in IJmuiden on Friday, March 27. Van Rossem is known for his diverse career as an Americanist, professor e...
Speed camera along 'death road' N203 between Uitgeest and Limmen
A focus camera will be installed along the N203 between Uitgeest and Limmen to detect and fine drivers using mobile phones. The initiative by the Public Prosecution Service and local authorities aims ...
Cyclists at Pijlslaan intersection to get four-second head start over right-turning cars instead of two
The municipality of Haarlem has increased the lead time for cyclists at the Pijlslaan-Leidsevaart intersection from two to four seconds before right-turning cars get a green light. This adjustment fol...
Mother and son may soon face off in Castricum politics: he with D66, she with VVD. 'It's good that Jamie forms his own opinion'
Mother Renata and her son Jamie are both running as first-time candidates for the municipal council in Castricum, representing the VVD and D66 parties respectively. The duo has a long history of polit...
The Netherlands to release part of its emergency fuel and oil reserves
The Netherlands is set to release a portion of its strategic oil and fuel reserves in response to rising prices caused by the conflict in the Middle East. This action is part of a coordinated effort b...
Netherlands releases part of oil reserves to dampen prices: 5.4 million barrels
The Netherlands and more than thirty other countries decided on Wednesday to release part of their strategic oil reserves to help lower global oil prices. As part of this International Energy Agency i...
Illegal gambling leads to closure of cafe on Bos en Lommerweg
Mayor Halsema has ordered the immediate six-month closure of a cafe on Bos en Lommerweg in Amsterdam West following a police raid that uncovered illegal sports betting. During the operation, officers ...
Up to half an hour extra travel time around Amsterdam: A10 South to A10 West closed all weekend
Trans women in women's prisons should be possible, says cabinet
The Dutch government will maintain its policy of allowing transgender women to be placed in women's prisons, according to State Secretary Claudia van Bruggen. This decision comes despite reports that ...
New rules for commercial waste: bins only on street at fixed times
Starting July 1, businesses in Amsterdam will be required to place their waste containers on the street only during specific times. This new regulation aims to keep the city's streets cleaner and ensu...
Does Jan B. (66) from Almere have more on his record? ‘Sexual interest in children’
Jan B., a 66-year-old man from Almere, appeared in court facing charges for the sexual abuse of at least four young children. Prosecutors suspect there may be significantly more victims, an allegation...
Judge overturns flight cap, residents happy anyway: ‘Fortunately, we don’t live in a banana republic’
The Dutch Council of State ruled against a government-imposed flight cap at Schiphol Airport, stating that a maximum number of flights cannot be set in this manner. Despite the ruling, resident groups...
New piglets to start at new spot in Elsbroekpark from Friday
On Friday, March 13th, three piglets will be introduced to Elsbroekpark in Hillegom to combat the spread of Japanese knotweed. This marks the third consecutive year of the pig project aimed at control...
Vattenfall finally puts large electric boiler for district heating into operation
Former NCTV employee sentenced to 20 months for taking state secrets
A 66-year-old former employee of the Dutch National Coordinator for Security and Counterterrorism (NCTV) was sentenced to 20 months in prison for taking state secrets home. While convicted of possessi...
D66 shares opposition concerns over impact of WIA cuts
The Dutch political party D66 has joined opposition parties in expressing concern over proposed budget cuts to social security, which are expected to impact disabled and chronically ill citizens. Duri...
Fog and activity in the port of Beverwijk. Photographer Jos Hendriks came, saw, and captured it
Dense fog has recently covered the coast of North Holland, creating a scenic atmosphere at the seaport in Beverwijk. Hobby photographer Jos Hendriks captured the unique play of light and activity in t...
Prime Minister Jetten meets concerned members of Iranian community
Prime Minister Jetten met with members of the Iranian community on Wednesday to discuss the ongoing conflict in Iran and its personal impact on them. The meeting follows recent military actions agains...
Substantive hearing of criminal case against Raily B. postponed
The substantive criminal trial against Raily B., who is suspected of leading a group that planned an assassination attempt on journalist Peter R. de Vries, has been postponed. A judge announced the de...
Pants, kettle or chair broken? Have it repaired or do it yourself
Amsterdam offers numerous initiatives and creative makers to help residents repair items like clothing and appliances instead of throwing them away. The city aims to reduce waste, as nearly half of wh...
Only 1 in 5 people vote in the Bijlmer: "Even if you vote, everything stays the same"
Voter turnout in Amsterdam's Bijlmer-Centrum remains the lowest in the city, with only 22% of eligible residents participating in the 2022 municipal elections. While some residents express cynicism ab...
New in Haarlem: Gewoon Samen Home Neighborhood
The city of Haarlem is launching the 'Gewoon Samen Thuisbuurt' initiative to help residents live independently at home for as long as possible through community support and tailored housing. The proje...
State Secretary considers higher salary for prison staff
State Secretary Claudia van Bruggen is investigating the possibility of a separate collective labor agreement for prison staff to allow for higher salaries. Currently, employees of the Custodial Insti...
More reports of child abuse by suspect substitute Joannes B. (66)
Police have received additional reports concerning 66-year-old substitute childcare worker Joannes B., who is suspected of child abuse and creating child pornography at a Partou daycare in Amsterdam. ...
ANVR: around fifty Dutch people still stranded in Middle East
The ANVR reports that the majority of Dutch travelers stranded in the Middle East have returned home via repatriation or charter flights. Approximately fifty people remain stuck in the region due to t...