Netherlands News in English
Dutch national news translated to English. Politics, economy, housing, immigration, and more for expats and internationals.
Skating in shorts at Boerderij Zorgvrij in Spaarnwoude: ‘And on the first warm day we also have an ice cream’
Residents in Spaarnwoude and Santpoort celebrated the first warm day of the year with outdoor activities like skating and cycling. The arrival of spring weather encouraged locals to visit Boerderij Zo...
Temptation Island returns to Prime Video, hosted by Rijk Hofman
Temptation Island Benelux is returning to Prime Video, with Rijk Hofman and Annelien Coorevits serving as the hosts. Although a specific start date has not yet been announced, the show marks the comeb...
Moerdijk residents launch fund and fundraiser over uncertain future
The Moerdijk Residents' Collective has established a legal protection fund to raise money for legal defense and expert advice. This move comes as the village faces possible displacement due to the pla...
'Do I have UF foam in my cavity walls?' Increasing demand for testing
Intra-Air is experiencing a significant increase in requests from Dutch residents concerned about urea-formaldehyde (UF) foam insulation and potential formaldehyde gas exposure in their homes. Althoug...
Anger over employers tampering with ‘too expensive’ schemes for older workers: ‘The timing is bizarre’
Dutch employers' association AWVN is proposing changes to regulations for older workers to reduce costs and keep them employed longer. The FNV labor union has strongly criticized the proposal, calling...
The Collection | The Lepers of Lazarus
The story of Lazarus, the patron saint of lepers, teaches that wealth should be shared with those in need. In contrast, the regents of the Leper House historically disagreed with this principle, creat...
Police chase from Amsterdam ends in Haarlem
Police initiated a high-speed pursuit of a Mercedes on Wednesday evening starting in Amsterdam. The chase continued along the N200 highway and concluded in Haarlem.
Premier De Wever announces air defense for Port of Antwerp
Belgian Premier Bart De Wever has announced that the Port of Antwerp will be equipped with a new NASAMS air defense system to protect against aircraft, drones, and missiles. The systems have already b...
Municipal scanning car hits lamppost in Haarlem
A scan car belonging to the Haarlem and Zandvoort municipality crashed into a lamppost on Wednesday evening. The incident occurred at the corner of Julianastraat and Stolbergstraat in Haarlem.
Griekspoor beats Bublik to reach Dubai quarter-finals
Dutch tennis player Tallon Griekspoor advanced to the quarterfinals of the Dubai tennis tournament after defeating world number 10 Alexander Bublik on Wednesday. The victory secures Griekspoor a place...
Driver without valid license and under the influence arrested
A driver was arrested in Amsterdam's Westelijk Havengebied on Tuesday after being caught driving under the influence of cannabis with a license that had been expired for ten years. Police also discove...
Large attic fire in Hillegom
A large attic fire broke out at a residence on Burgemeester Hermanslaan in Hillegom on Thursday morning. Local authorities responded to the blaze in the residential building.
Two friends start a guesthouse in Portugal with no experience: Another classic Ik Vertrek moment
Accident on A9 towards Uitgeest causes major delays, one person injured
An accident involving two cars on the A9 motorway towards Uitgeest led to a complete road closure and significant traffic delays on Wednesday evening. One person was injured in the collision, which al...
Old fox Snoop Dogg has the most fun at the Melkweg
Nearly two years of construction on Linnaeusstraat begins: A journey with obstacles
Extensive roadworks have begun on the Linnaeusstraat in Amsterdam, with the project expected to improve safety and greenery until its completion in late 2027. The renovation involves replacing tram tr...
Dine for less at these Haarlem restaurants during Restaurant Week
Restaurant Week is returning to Haarlem, offering diners the opportunity to eat at participating restaurants for a discounted price over nearly a month and a half. The event allows visitors to explore...
School basketball tournament in IJmuiden-Oost sports hall with free throw competition
The 42nd annual school basketball tournament will take place on Sunday, March 1, at the IJmuiden-Oost sports hall. The event also includes a free throw competition for participants.
Working? No way, they're enjoying the sun: First spring warmth draws Haarlem residents outdoors
The first spring warmth of the season brought residents of Haarlem outdoors to enjoy a sunny Wednesday. Many people traded their winter coats for light jackets and took to their bicycles or opened the...
Evacuation after fire in Hoofddorp apartment building: ‘I have no clothes left at all’
Residents of an apartment building in Hoofddorp were evacuated on Wednesday after a large fire broke out in a second-floor unit. Police ordered everyone to leave the building immediately as emergency ...
Driver ignores police stop signal and leads wild chase through Beverwijk
A driver led police on a dangerous chase through Beverwijk on Wednesday night after ignoring a signal to stop for a routine check. The individual was found to be in possession of soft drugs following ...
Heemskerk residents cannot yet ‘Ask for Angela,’ but social safety to become regular agenda item for businesses
The Heemskerk local government supports the "Ask for Angela" safety initiative but has decided that the hospitality industry should lead its implementation rather than the municipality. While the prog...
Energy bills to be dozens of euros lower this year
The Dutch statistics bureau (CBS) reports that average household energy bills in the Netherlands are expected to decrease by over 50 euros this year. This decline is primarily attributed to a projecte...
Toos & Henk - February 26
Cartoonist Paul Kusters provides a unique perspective on current events through his daily comic strip, Toos & Henk. The illustrations are published from Monday to Saturday and offer a humorous look at...
Most house fires in Castricum: Chimneys and wood stoves cause winter peak as sweeping proves crucial
Castricum recorded the highest number of house fires in the IJmond region last year, primarily caused by chimneys and wood stoves during the winter months. Data from insurer Independer highlights that...
Doors of Velserbroek residential complex wide open for a month: 'Strangers recently entered a neighbor's home again'
The doors of the De Hofstede residential complex in Velserbroek have remained open for nearly a month due to a malfunctioning entry system. Residents have expressed concern for their safety after unau...
Renewed unrest at Gierstraat-Breestraat corner. Felled trees and new hospitality permit application raise eyebrows
Tensions have resurfaced at the corner of Gierstraat and Breestraat in Haarlem after the property owner cut down several trees and submitted a new catering permit application. The local city council h...
‘Wopke Hoekstra, we are counting on you’: Brussels rules on sensitive abortion plan
The European Parliament in Brussels is set to vote on a controversial plan aimed at ensuring access to abortion care across all EU member states. This initiative has sparked significant debate and cou...
Coastal towns want mandatory insurance after cutter runs aground, Fisherman's Union supportive
Coastal municipalities in North Holland are advocating for mandatory liability insurance for vessels under 300 tons following the costly stranding of an uninsured cutter near Zandvoort. The Dutch Fish...
Investor home sell-off continues
Investors sold the highest number of homes in the fourth quarter of last year since 2021, according to data from the Dutch Land Registry. This trend indicates a continuing wave of property divestment ...