Netherlands News in English
Dutch national news translated to English. Politics, economy, housing, immigration, and more for expats and internationals.
Groningen province holds cabinet to closure of Groningen gas field
The province of Groningen is holding the Dutch cabinet to the scheduled 2024 closure of the Groningen gas field, despite rising gas prices linked to conflict in the Middle East. Provincial deputy Susa...
Vogelenzang election debate is dull until GroenLinks-PvdA confronts VVD over social sector cuts: 'You were there yourself'
During an election debate in Vogelenzang, political leaders from the Bloemendaal municipality discussed topics including housing, traffic, and local livability. While the candidates were largely in ag...
Amsterdam police shut down large stolen data trading site
The Amsterdam police's specialized cyber team, in collaboration with international investigation services, has shut down LeakBase, a major online forum for trading stolen data. The operation successfu...
Closure of Stingray coffeeshop in Beverwijk now final: license revoked after incidents
The Council of State has upheld the decision to permanently close coffeeshop Stingray in Beverwijk by rejecting the owners' appeal. Mayor Martijn Smit's revocation of the operating permit and toleranc...
Dutch Parliament not reassured after social media explanation of algorithms
Representatives from TikTok, Meta, and Google failed to reassure members of the Dutch House of Representatives during a meeting regarding algorithm transparency and platform influence. Lawmakers expre...
Berendsen summons Iranian ambassador over drone and missile attacks
Dutch Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen has summoned the Iranian ambassador following drone and missile attacks carried out by Iran on neighboring countries. Berendsen specifically cited concerns regardi...
Father and son Schouten together in Progressief Uitgeest (PU). ‘We’re not going to talk about politics all the time’
Alderman Jan Schouten and his son Thomas are both representing the political party Progressief Uitgeest in the upcoming local elections. Jan holds the top spot on the candidate list, with Thomas follo...
Gas price falls after two days of increases: 'Rumors of a deal'
Natural gas prices fell on Wednesday following two days of significant increases, leading to an increase in trading activity. This market shift is expected to ultimately benefit consumers.
Four months in prison for hitting police officer at demonstration
A 24-year-old man from The Hague has been sentenced to four months in prison for assaulting a police officer during a demonstration. The court found that the suspect struck the officer on the back of ...
Slightly more female executives in government
The share of female directors in Dutch public organizations and government bodies rose from 41% in 2024 to 43% in 2025. This research, commissioned by the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science, h...
Motorists price-conscious about gas prices: 'They're thieves!'
Motorists in Haarlem and Velsen are reacting to significant price differences at local gas stations, with some expressing frustration over high fuel costs. While there is not yet a rush on fuel, drive...
Amsterdam residents fill out Voting Compass: "Denk? I completely disagree"
AT5 has launched the Kieskompas voting aid to help residents navigate the record 35 political parties participating in Amsterdam's upcoming municipal elections. Residents testing the tool in Vondelpar...
Election voting passes not properly delivered everywhere
The delivery of voting passes for municipal elections has faced issues in several Dutch municipalities, including Doetinchem, Spijkenisse, and Veenendaal. Residents reported receiving duplicate passes...
Hearing on elevator problems: "Could not do groceries"
A hearing was held at the Stopera in Amsterdam to address frequent elevator breakdowns that have left many residents stranded in their homes. Stakeholders, including residents, housing corporations, a...
14-year-old from Dordrecht arrested for assaulting female runners
A 14-year-old boy from Dordrecht was arrested on Wednesday for allegedly assaulting several female runners by slapping them on the buttocks since October. The suspect confessed to the incidents, which...
Man sentenced for throwing stones at cars on A9; judge calls life-threatening act a near-tragedy
A 20-year-old man from Uitgeest has been sentenced to 100 hours of community service for throwing stones and branches at cars on the A9 motorway in June 2024. Multiple vehicles were damaged, including...
Dutch Parliament seeks clarity on €2 billion pledged to Ukraine
The Dutch House of Representatives is seeking clarification regarding 2 billion euros in additional aid for Ukraine promised by the previous cabinet. During a defense budget debate, both opposition an...
Architectural gem becomes growing source of mold for young family. Who dares to repair the shattered glass facade?
Bas and Marjolijn's home is suffering from severe mold and moisture damage after its iconic glass dome spontaneously cracked. Although the homeowners' association (VvE) recognizes the architectural va...
Man (38) arrested for robberies in which residents were shot
A 38-year-old man from Amsterdam was arrested last Wednesday for his involvement in a series of violent home robberies across North Holland, including a 2021 incident where a resident was shot in the ...
Dutch troops in Middle East will not be withdrawn
Dutch Defense Minister Dilan Yeşilgöz has announced that military personnel currently on missions in the Middle East will not be recalled for the time being. Despite the escalating regional conflict...
Many more people visiting GP for hay fever than in previous years
Research institute Nivel reported a sharp increase in hay fever cases in the Netherlands, with 142 per 100,000 people visiting a GP last week. This figure is more than double the 62 cases per 100,000 ...
Sea level in coastal areas up to 30 centimeters higher than previously thought
Researchers from Wageningen University have discovered that previous scientific studies underestimated sea levels along coastal regions by up to one meter. This indicates that international coastlines...
Weekend tips: what to do in Amsterdam (March 6-8)
This article highlights various events, markets, and parties taking place in Amsterdam during the weekend of March 6 to 8. The guide aims to help people plan their schedules by focusing on time-specif...
After ten years of bickering, Heintje Hoeksteeg residents finally get a gate: It was a public toilet
After a ten-year campaign, residents of Amsterdam's Heintje Hoeksteeg will finally see their alley closed at night with gates to combat persistent drug dealing and public nuisance. The gates will be l...
The first beach houses return to Castricum beach
Beach houses are being returned to the shore in Castricum following their period in winter storage. The structures are being moved back to their designated spots as the first sunny days of the year ar...
Velserbroek neighborhood remains dark due to bureaucratic ping-pong between authorities: ‘We are caught between three parties’
Residents of the Linie street in Velserbroek have been without functional street lighting for over a year due to a bureaucratic dispute between government agencies. Despite safety concerns from the co...
Adults with city pass can also get swimming lessons for one euro
Starting in September, low-income adults in Amsterdam with a city pass can access swimming lessons for one euro to encourage water safety among those who never learned. The initiative, announced by Al...
Listed companies more often have enough women than private firms
A study by the CPB found that listed companies in the Netherlands have more women on their supervisory boards than other large companies. This trend is driven by the mandatory gender quota that applie...
Abuse suspect substitute worker Jan B. (66) also worked at two Kindergarden branches and in Muiden
Sports clubs struggling: Too few volunteers and rising regulations. 'We are not a business'
Dutch sports clubs are facing a critical shortage of volunteers alongside increasing regulatory burdens from the government and sports associations. Clubs are calling for more official support to help...