Netherlands News in English

Toos & Henk - March 2

Cartoonist Paul Kusters shares his unique perspective on current events through his daily comic strip, Toos & Henk. The strip is published every week from Monday to Saturday.

More seniors receive supplementary benefits due to lower state pension: 'A struggle'

The number of elderly people in the Netherlands with incomplete state pensions is increasing, often due to time spent living or working abroad. The Sociale Verzekeringsbank reports that managing the r...

Ministry: Haarlem must accommodate 891 asylum seekers

The municipality of Haarlem is required to provide 891 asylum seeker reception places by mid-2025 based on population and wealth metrics. This mandate follows the Distribution Act, which the Dutch cab...

Writer Sarah Meuleman (48) granted access to the hidden world of the Amstel Hotel

Four friendly restroom attendants in Amsterdam: ‘We’re actually like hairdressers’

Broers and Kek! brewers open inn in historic building in Ouderkerk aan de Amstel

Just try finding a suitable location for psychiatric and addicted people, says HVO-Querido director: 'We are less tolerant'

Oil prices rise sharply on Middle East unrest

Oil prices surged on Monday, recording their largest daily gain in four years as a result of US and Israeli military strikes on Iran. This significant increase is expected to lead to higher gasoline p...

Costs of stranded package travelers in Middle East reimbursed by fund

Package travelers stranded in the Middle East will have their additional expenses reimbursed by the Calamity Fund due to the ongoing armed conflict in the region. The fund officially declared a calami...

Dutch consulate in Erbil, Iraq advises avoiding hotels

The Dutch consulate in Erbil, Iraq, has issued an urgent advisory warning people to avoid hotels in the city due to potential security threats. The warning follows unconfirmed reports of possible atta...

Do you think we'll make it?

The author reflects on Dutch politician Rob Jetten's potential as a future Prime Minister after seeing his image in the morning newspaper. While the writer is uncertain about Jetten's character and le...

'Wave of emotions' for Mieke Oort's family after report of killer's death

The relatives of American student Mieke Oort are experiencing a wave of emotions following reports that her murderer, Thomas R., has died. Oort was killed in Leeuwarden in 2022 in a high-profile case ...

Rinus ‘VeeKay’ van Kalmthout moves up ten places in season opener

Rinus 'VeeKay' van Kalmthout finished ninth in the opening race of the IndyCar season in St. Petersburg. Starting from nineteenth on the grid, the Dutch driver gained ten positions to secure a top-ten...

A giant extra lamppost or oversized advertising pillar: Why would a contractor advertise cat food at the top of their crane?

Residents in Haarlem have reported occasional power outages recently, prompting individuals to prepare emergency kits for potential electricity failures. The author shares their experience of assembli...

When her sister became terminally ill, hockey champion Laurien quit professional sports: ‘I wanted to be there for Marije’

Olympic hockey champion Laurien Leurink retired from professional sports to support her sister Marije, who has terminal colon cancer. The sisters are currently using their shared love for athletics to...

Skating for youth orchestra and musicians with disabilities at Haarlem ice rink raises 4,080 euros

On Sunday, skaters participated in the Lastige Lijven Toertocht at the Haarlem ice rink to raise money for a youth orchestra and musicians with disabilities. The charity event successfully collected a...

Between Art and Choice with Juliet Broersen (Volt) and Sytze Rijpkema (Ja21)

Political candidates Juliet Broersen (Volt) and Sytze Rijpkema (JA21) participated in the program 'Tussen Kunst en Kies' at the STRAAT Museum in Amsterdam to create street art reflecting their politic...

Neighborhood cooperative matches Velsen residents with those needing support: ‘Guidance and social support are essential for mentally vulnerable people’

A neighborhood cooperative is organizing social support for psychologically vulnerable residents and those with small social networks to help them participate in society. The initiative aims to provid...

Why do parents insist on HAVO or VWO? Schools advocate for appropriate advice: Higher is not always suitable

Schools in the Zuid-Kennemerland and Haarlemmermeer regions have launched the #kiesmetjehart initiative to urge parents to follow professional school level recommendations instead of pushing for havo ...

Foreign Ministry now also issues negative travel advice for Bahrain

The Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs has upgraded the travel advice for Bahrain to 'red,' advising against all travel due to significant security risks. The ministry warned that the situation is too ...

Watching lambs at the Twisk family in Bakkum. Ben and Mirjam have been married for 56 years and now go out to dinner with a different feeling: ‘Preferably something vegetarian’

Sheep farmer Wim Twisk in Bakkum has opened his farm to the public this weekend to view approximately 150 newly born lambs. The experience inspired some visitors to reconsider eating lamb meat and opt...

Dancing on Dam Square over the death of the ayatollah: ‘He is a monster, and he is in the ground’

Hundreds of Iranians gathered at Dam Square in Amsterdam on Sunday afternoon to celebrate the reported death of Ayatollah Khamenei. Participants expressed relief and joy, with some stating they had be...

Depleted Bloemendaal beaten immediately after winter break: Absence of key players was felt today

Bloemendaal lost 1-2 to Rotterdam in their first match after the winter break, marking their fourth defeat of the season. The result leaves coach Michel van den Heuvel’s team in sixth place in the l...

Emergency services respond in force for stunting paraglider who did not crash in dunes after all

Emergency services, including a trauma helicopter and police, responded to reports of a crashed paraglider in the dunes on Sunday afternoon. It was later determined that the individual was performing ...

'I've shown what I'm worth', says substitute Patrick Brouwer after a goal and an assist against NAC

Patrick Brouwer recorded a goal and an assist as a substitute to help Telstar secure a 3-0 victory over NAC, narrowing the gap in the league standings. The Velsen-based team is now shifting its focus ...

Protest march against housing shortage: You can't live in bullshit

Protesters in Amsterdam held a "Wooncrisis City Sightseeing Tour" march to demonstrate against the housing crisis, high rents, and building vacancies. The march highlighted the contrast between 22,000...

How Ajax lacked any seriousness in Zwolle to finish second

Ajax drew 0-0 against PEC Zwolle on Sunday, failing to capitalize on an opportunity to secure second place in the league. The team and coach Fred Grim were criticized for a lack of urgency and focus i...

Sharing points with Kolping Boys fails to lift Velsen: 'It just wasn't good from both sides'

Velsen played to a draw at home against Kolping Boys, failing to improve their position at the top of the league standings. The match was described as poor by both sides and ended in frustration for V...

KLM suspends flights to Dubai and Saudi Arabia until Thursday

KLM has cancelled all flights to Dubai, Riyadh, and Dammam until Thursday due to escalating conflict in the Middle East. The decision follows recent attacks on Iran and subsequent retaliatory actions,...

Massive emergency response for medical emergency at McDonald’s Beverwijk

Emergency services and a Mobile Medical Team responded to a medical emergency at a McDonald's parking lot in Beverwijk on Sunday afternoon. Multiple units arrived at the scene around 4:30 PM to provid...