Netherlands News in English
Dutch national news translated to English. Politics, economy, housing, immigration, and more for expats and internationals.

Heemstede coalition aimed for a future-proof village. What is already noticeable in daily practice?
The 2022 Heemstede coalition agreement set goals to make the village safe, green, and future-proof through updated frameworks and visions. Despite these legislative plans, the tangible effects on the ...

Photographers Lieke and Pim live and work in an old school. ‘For a shoot, the whole team first gathers around the dining table’
Photographers Lieke Heijn and Pim Janswaard live and work in a converted 1910 school building in Wormer, Netherlands. The 320-square-meter space consists of three former classrooms used as both a fami...

Barbara de Loor reaches career peak in the snow of Inzell
This article looks back at the historical world speed skating title won by Barbara de Loor in Inzell, marking it as the highlight of her professional career. The retrospective is part of a weekly seri...
Operation successful, patient dead – students have almost no housing alternatives

What are steel slags? How dangerous are they and how do I know if they are in my neighborhood?
This article explores the nature and safety concerns regarding steel slags, which have recently become a major topic of discussion across the Netherlands. It provides information on what these materia...

Marco Borsato heard much more often on radio since acquittal in sexual offense case
Following his acquittal in a sex crimes case on December 4, music by Marco Borsato is being played 2.6 times more frequently on Dutch radio stations. An analysis by SoundAware shows a significant rise...
Dutch Cabinet clear on reopening Groningen gas fields: 'We're not going to do it'
The Dutch cabinet has confirmed it will not keep the Groningen gas field open, even for emergency situations. Interior Minister Pieter Heerma stated that the government feels a 'debt of honor' to the ...

Cabinet reiterates: gas extraction from Groningen field will not happen
The Dutch cabinet has reaffirmed that gas extraction from the Groningen field will not be resumed. Ministers stated that the field will be closed as planned, maintaining the previously established sch...

NS takes critical look at strike compensation
The Dutch railway operator NS is evaluating its current compensation scheme for passengers affected by train strikes, according to its annual report. Currently, travelers can receive up to 25 euros fo...

Ajax coach Grim remains hopeful for second place in Eredivisie
Ajax coach Fred Grim remains optimistic about securing second place in the Eredivisie despite a recent scoreless draw against PEC Zwolle. He believes the point gap is surmountable with several matches...

AP: Law governing police data collection falls short
The Dutch Data Protection Authority (AP) has stated that the police team responsible for gathering information before public demonstrations lacks a sufficient legal basis for its data collection activ...
Dutch Tour hero gifts Ryan Kamp ‘Ferrari on two wheels’: ‘Nice to be out of the Belgian world’
Former professional cyclist Laurens ten Dam has established the only Dutch cyclocross team, featuring rider Ryan Kamp. Ten Dam aims to increase the popularity of cyclocross in the Netherlands, challen...

Finally clear why De Linie in Velserbroek has been without streetlights for years
A bureaucratic error has been identified as the cause of long-term street lighting failures at the Linie in Velserbroek. After years of residents' complaints and government agencies shifting responsib...
Construction wholesaler staff threatened with knife during robbery in Nieuw-West

Construction wholesaler in Osdorp robbed for the second time in a month
A construction wholesaler in Osdorp, Amsterdam, was robbed by a man with a knife on Monday morning, marking the second robbery at the location in a month. The suspect fled with cash from the register,...

Gas power plants were used more often last year during dips in solar and wind energy
Gas-fired power plants in the Netherlands significantly increased their natural gas consumption last year to compensate for fluctuations in solar and wind energy supply. This led to a 6.2 percent incr...

Mike (35) competes in flower arranging championship: 'I train intensively with fellow florists'
Mike Boerma, a 35-year-old florist from Haarlem, will compete in the Dutch Championship Floral Art in Ede on March 9 and 10. Boerma, who considers flower arranging a form of art, has been training int...
Queen Máxima visits NS Train Modernization in Haarlem
Queen Máxima and Minister Stientje van Veldhoven visited NS Train Modernization in Haarlem on Wednesday as part of Circular Economy Week. They observed how old double-decker trains are being refurbis...
Netherlands wants to join mission near Iran: is it consistent with international law?
The Dutch government is considering participating in a mission involving Iran, prompting discussions about its legality under international law. This debate focuses on the justification for military a...

Around 450,000 political party members, highest since 1982
The number of Dutch political party members has reached 448,100, marking the highest level since 1982. According to the Documentation Centre for Dutch Political Parties, the total grew by nearly 15 pe...

Diesel price reaches record high, gasoline price also nears peak
The national recommended price for diesel in the Netherlands has reached a record high of 2.375 euros per liter, matching levels seen four years ago. Gasoline prices are also increasing, though at a s...
Eventful skating year was a major life lesson for Joy Beune: 'I've had to take a lot'
Dutch speed skater Joy Beune reflects on a challenging and eventful year as she prepares to defend her title at the World Allround Speed Skating Championships. Despite the unusual timing of the compet...

'Find ten ladies for a pilgrimage!' Gerrie shouted. Fourteen joined.
In this installment of the 'For Life' series, Gerrie Groot, Roos Beers, and Irma Kuilboer share the story of their walking group's deep friendship. The group formed after fourteen women joined a pilgr...

Only pedestrians and cyclists allowed on Verfroller this weekend; maintenance on Langebrug later this month
The Langebrug in Haarlem, locally known as 'De Verfroller,' will be closed to motorized traffic for maintenance from the evening of March 6 until the morning of March 9. During this time, only pedestr...

No drinking water around Vondelkerk due to leak
At least 99 addresses near the Vondelkerk in Amsterdam are without drinking water following a pipe leak discovered on Wednesday. Waternet has provided bottled water to affected residents and expects r...

Museum of the Mind closes Amsterdam branch due to disappointing visitor numbers
The Museum van de Geest is closing its Amsterdam branch on the Amstel due to disappointing visitor numbers and a lack of financial surplus. Moving forward, the institution will operate exclusively fro...

Choose your occupier: Russia, America, or China?
On March 10, former generals Peter van Uhm and Mart de Kruif will host a live event to discuss the geopolitical influence of Russia, the United States, and China. Accompanied by Eastern Europe expert ...

Deborah fed up with caterer: why did it take months for her mother to get her money back?
Deborah expressed her frustration after a catering service took months to refund her mother for meal deliveries. While such services are a convenient option for the elderly or those who cannot cook, t...

CKV Rapid finds permanent home in Haarlem-Noord after multiple moves: 'We are almost back to pre-pandemic levels'
Korfball club CKV Rapid has established a permanent location in Haarlem-Noord following several moves. The club is reportedly returning to its pre-pandemic activity levels as it operates from its base...

Camiel Kesbeke, Pieter Valley and Bankzitters win at Best Social Awards
The 12th edition of The Best Social Awards took place on Thursday evening at Theater Amsterdam to celebrate top social media content creators. Notable winners included Camiel Kesbeke, Pieter Valley, a...