Netherlands News in English
Dutch national news translated to English. Politics, economy, housing, immigration, and more for expats and internationals.
Ousted alderman Özütok: 'I expect an apology.' Preliminary misconduct probe finds no grounds for integrity investigation
A preliminary investigation into alleged transgressive behavior by former Beverwijk alderman Nevin Özütok has concluded there is no basis for further integrity research. While Özütok is demanding ...
Haarlem parties clash over housing shortage: build, build, build, but for whom exactly?
On Wednesday evening, political parties in Haarlem gathered at the Pletterij debate center to discuss the city's housing shortage and construction goals. The debate focused on identifying where new ho...
LIVE Eredivisie | Basement battle in Velsen-Zuid: Telstar must win to keep pace with 16th-placed NAC
Telstar hosts NAC Breda in a crucial Eredivisie match in Velsen-Zuid as both teams battle to avoid relegation. Currently sitting in 17th place, Telstar needs a victory to close the four-point gap with...
Housing group soon without a home, splitting up is not an option: May is getting very close
The De Nieuwe Ark residential group in Haarlem is urgently seeking a new home because their current building is scheduled for demolition on May 31. The group, which includes residents with disabilitie...
More 18-year-olds in Haarlem bought a car in 2025 than in 2010
In 2025, more 18-year-olds in Haarlem purchased cars compared to 2010, with all transactions involving second-hand vehicles. Data from RDC indicates that Peugeot was the most popular brand among these...
Transition pays off, pensions to rise significantly
Retirees switching to the new pension system are seeing an average increase of 14 percent in their payouts, with some increases reaching up to 20 percent. However, these higher incomes may lead to a r...
Volt lead candidate Juliet Broersen: ‘I think the city can be much more progressive’
Ferry documentary producer reacts to controversy for the first time: 'Not taken lightly'
Producer Sascha Visser has addressed the controversy surrounding a documentary about Ferry Doedens, who has struggled with addiction for years. In response to criticism regarding the ethics of filming...
Majority back state pension motion that unions say doesn't go far enough
A majority of the Dutch House of Representatives has passed a motion to soften proposed increases to the state pension (AOW) age. While supported by coalition parties and some opposition, trade unions...
Parliament wants to offset losses in revised Box 3
The Dutch House of Representatives has passed a motion to allow the offsetting of investment losses from previous years within the new Box 3 tax system. Supported by a majority including the VVD, Chri...
Bruls apologizes for Nijmegen's role in slavery system
Mayor Hubert Bruls of Nijmegen has formally apologized for the city government's involvement in the colonial slavery system during a private meeting at Radboud University. The apology follows a 2025 u...
Markuszower group wants to keep coalition agreement intact, helping the cabinet
The Markuszower Group has pledged temporary support for the Dutch minority cabinet, opting to leave the existing coalition agreement between D66, VVD, and CDA unchanged. Vice-chairman Hidde Heutink ar...
Three takeaways from the new cabinet's first debate
Prime Minister Rob Jetten's minority cabinet must re-evaluate several policy areas following its first debate with the House of Representatives. Adjustments are required for plans concerning state pen...
Mona Keijzer faces same fate as Pieter Omtzigt with BBB departure
Mona Keijzer has left the BBB party to continue as an independent member in the Dutch House of Representatives. Consequently, she will face a significantly reduced budget for staff and limited speakin...
Iran summons Dutch ambassador over Starlink in luggage
The Iranian government has summoned Dutch Ambassador Emiel de Bont to address the discovery of prohibited items in an embassy staff member's luggage. The incident involved the transport of a Starlink ...
Video | Queen Máxima speaks with attendees at iftar gathering in Scheveningen
Far-right protesters throw fireworks in central Utrecht
Dozens of far-right protesters from the group Defend Netherlands gathered in Utrecht for a memorial for a French activist. The demonstration near the ACU political center turned hostile as participant...
A child is made in an instant, but parenting requires no degree: ‘If you ask me, parents are just winging it’
The theater performance 'Ouderpardon' will be staged at de Schuur in Haarlem on February 27 and 28. The production explores the complexities of parenting and the fact that no formal qualifications are...
Scapino is back on Lange Nieuw: 'There were many leaks; downstairs was completely underwater'
The Scapino store on Lange Nieuwstraat in IJmuiden has reopened following a two-month closure for renovations and repairs. Branch manager Bonito van Joolingen noted that the building required signific...
Group of antifascists at ACU in Utrecht over Defend Netherlands
A group of 150 to 200 anti-fascist demonstrators gathered in downtown Utrecht to protest against the far-right organization Defend Netherlands. The protesters chanted slogans such as "never again fasc...
Theater maker Rajja Gomez Iglesias tours high schools with ‘Talk Dirty To Me (or not)’
Weekend tips: things to do in Haarlem (February 27 - March 1)
Haarlem offers various activities for the weekend of February 27 to March 1, including theater visits and dancing. The tips also highlight an opportunity to find unique collectibles for enthusiasts du...
Fierce, restrained, calm, then a trick: how Jetten handled his first major debate as prime minister
Rob Jetten participated in his first major debate as the new Prime Minister of the Netherlands, exhibiting a measured and controlled demeanor. During the session, he remained cautious with his promise...
Sjaak Balkenende says goodbye to his Bruna store in Zandvoort: ‘Customer friendliness has always been my driving force’
After nearly 30 years, Sjaak Balkenende is retiring from his Bruna bookstore in Zandvoort. He was recently honored with a golden appreciation pin for his long-standing entrepreneurship and commitment ...
Queen Máxima visits Appeltje winner Takecarebnb
Queen Máxima visited Takecarebnb, a foundation that matches status holders with host families. During the visit, the Queen discussed the integration process and shared her own experiences as a migran...
Too beautiful to leave in a shed: Karen from Heemskerk wants model of historic village center in town hall
Karen Vleugel from Heemskerk is advocating for a historical scale model of the village center to be permanently displayed in the town hall. The model, which offers a glimpse into the town's past, is c...
Body found in the Amstel, police investigating
A body was discovered in the Amstel river near the Halvemaansbrug in Amsterdam early Monday evening. Police and forensic teams are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the death and w...
Study: children playing outdoors more often, major differences by location
Recent research by Jantje Beton and Spelen & Bewegen indicates that children are spending slightly more time playing outdoors, with a current average of 7.6 hours per week. Although this shows a minor...
Could a new crisis loom, as a top US banker warns? ‘The odds are rising’
A top US banker has warned that the current market optimism could lead to a financial crisis similar to the 2008 crash. Dutch economists are evaluating these risks to determine if the Netherlands shou...
Scooter rider seriously injured after collision with two trams at Koningsplein
A scooter driver was critically injured and required resuscitation after being trapped between two trams at Koningsplein in central Amsterdam on Monday afternoon. The victim was transported to the hos...