Netherlands News in English
Dutch national news translated to English. Politics, economy, housing, immigration, and more for expats and internationals.
Cyclist dies after falling into ditch in Hillegom
A cyclist died on Wednesday afternoon after riding into a ditch in Hillegom. Local police have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the fatal incident.
Heemstede residents on Leidsevaartweg are fed up with rumble strips: ‘It’s a buildup of noise’
Residents of the Rivierenbuurt neighborhood in Heemstede are frustrated by persistent noise pollution caused by rumble strips on Leidsevaartweg. Despite two years of discussions with the municipality,...
Searching for traces of the past at the Brederode Ruins: Children can earn an archaeologist passport
Starting April 26, children can engage in an archaeological adventure at the Brederode Ruins in Santpoort-Zuid during the May school holiday. By completing various tasks, participants have the opportu...
Slight drop in unemployment, fewer benefit claims in almost all of the Netherlands
The unemployment rate in the Netherlands fell to 4% in March, marking a decrease from a four-year peak recorded in February. Most regions across the country saw a decline in the number of people recei...
Dozens of fatal barn fires again in 2025, insurers concerned
The Dutch Association of Insurers reports that over 60,000 animals died in barn fires last year, reflecting a lack of progress in fire safety improvements. This figure remains consistent with the prev...
UWV assigns different staff to calculation work as it's not getting any easier yet
The Dutch employee insurance agency UWV has established a specialized team to prevent further errors in calculating WIA disability benefits, as detailed in its 2025 annual report. The agency continues...
UWV chief issues warning to cabinet before departure: Intervene
UWV chairman Maarten Camps has warned the Dutch cabinet that the agency can no longer handle the increasing volume of disability benefit applications. He predicts that 200,000 people could face waitin...
How to remove lichen from concrete tiles without using vinegar or soda? Farmer Tom found out
Boer Tom provides advice on how to remove lichen from concrete tiles without using vinegar or soda. This column addresses reader inquiries received following his previous article about cleaning green ...
Amsterdam East: Cannot rule out drug bus staying at OLVG after all
The drug user bus located at the OLVG hospital in Amsterdam East may remain at its current site past June 30th because no alternative location has been found yet. Although the facility has helped redu...
After fonQ, another well-known online furniture shop faces closure: ‘It’s an uncertain time’
Dutch online furniture retailer Huus has applied for a suspension of payments due to financial difficulties. The company, which operates a large webshop and physical stores in cities such as Hengelo a...
Hoofddorp stabbing victim dies
A stabbing victim in Hoofddorp died on Wednesday evening after emergency services were unable to save them. The police confirmed the fatality in a statement, noting that life-saving efforts at the sce...
Residents of Groningen earthquake zone remain critical of recovery
Residents in the Groningen earthquake zone remain highly critical of the lengthy and complex process involved in repairing and reinforcing their homes. This ongoing uncertainty is causing significant ...
Domus Plus back on Haarlem political agenda after years-long lawsuit. ‘How do we arrange 24-hour security for addiction shelter?’
Following a multi-year legal battle, the debate over the Domus Plus addiction care facility has returned to Haarlem's political agenda. While construction of the complex proceeds, local politicians ar...
Rijkswaterstaat on tunnel and on-ramp closures: 'Actually better for traffic flow'
Rijkswaterstaat is closing access ramps to the Velsertunnel to prevent significant traffic congestion in the regions of Velsen, Beverwijk, and Haarlem. While intended to improve overall traffic flow, ...
Education Inspectorate concerned by youth violence in Beverwijk-Haarlem: 'The context collapsed'
The Dutch Education Inspectorate's annual report highlights the youth violence that broke out between groups from Beverwijk and Haarlem in September 2025. The report cites the incident and accompanyin...
Cancer risk falls slightly: ‘But we are still at a high level’
The risk of developing cancer in the Netherlands has decreased slightly, with 135,000 people diagnosed last year. This figure is lower than projections based on population growth, though experts cauti...
Increased traffic in Bakkum, Limmen, and Akersloot due to A9 roadworks, but municipality takes no extra safety measures
Roadworks on the A9 motorway scheduled between May 18 and June 29 are expected to cause increased traffic in the villages of Limmen, Akersloot, and Bakkum. The local government of Castricum acknowledg...
Study: 1.7 million households considering new energy provider
A study by Multiscope indicates that approximately 1.7 million households in the Netherlands are considering switching to a new energy provider. This reflects a growing trend among consumers looking t...
Stabbing at residential complex in Hoofddorp, large-scale emergency service response
A stabbing took place on Wednesday evening at a residential complex on Liesbos in Hoofddorp. Emergency services were deployed in large numbers to the scene following the incident.
Woman (27) forced into prostitution, prosecutors demand 4 years for suspects
The Public Prosecution Service has demanded four-year prison sentences for a man and a woman accused of forcing a 27-year-old woman into prostitution in Amsterdam-Zuidoost for over a year. The victim ...
Russia threatens European drone sites, including in the Netherlands
The Russian Ministry of Defense has identified several European drone manufacturers as potential targets, warning that their support for Ukraine brings conflict with Russia closer. The list includes t...
Cabinet considers phased accession of new EU member states
Dutch Foreign Affairs Minister Tom Berendsen expressed willingness to explore a phased approach for new countries joining the European Union. During a parliamentary debate, he stated the Netherlands i...
King: Made clear to Trump we disagree
King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands stated that he expressed fundamental disagreements with U.S. President Donald Trump during a dinner at the White House. He described the conversation as open a...
Marco Borsato on relationship with Leontine Ruiters: 'She is more complete without me'
Dutch singer Marco Borsato returned to the public eye after six years during an appearance on the Belgian program 'Sergio in Italië'. He spoke candidly about his current well-being and his relationsh...
Wilders pivots on asylum and ramps up pressure on government: why is the PVV choosing this course?
Geert Wilders, leader of the PVV, has shifted his stance on asylum policy to increase pressure on the Dutch government cabinet following a strategic move in the Senate. This tactical change is intende...
Anita Witzier also to go freelance after 30 years at KRO-NCRV
Anita Witzier is leaving her permanent position at the Dutch broadcaster KRO-NCRV after nearly thirty years of service. Starting May 1, she will transition to a freelance role while continuing to deve...
Simon Sprietsma (60) has been the designer of the city center for 35 years
Architect Simon Sprietsma was honored with a symposium at the Zuiderkerk for his 35-year career designing iconic public spaces in Amsterdam, including the Dam and Leidseplein. Since 1991, Sprietsma ha...
Fighting rats, supporting emergency workers, or no paid parking? Haarlem residents to pitch ideas for upcoming coalition agreement this Saturday
Residents of Haarlem are invited to share their ideas for the new coalition agreement this Saturday at the De Wereld community center. The political parties PRO, D66, and CDA are seeking public input ...
Residents alarmed by chemical mist on tulip field: 'What is that futuristic robot doing and what is the farmer spraying on his land?'
Residents in Santpoort-Noord are raising concerns about the use of chemical pesticides, including Roundup, on a local tulip field via a robotic sprayer. The grower asserts that the application is hand...
Packaging claims can be misleading: nutrition expert discusses 9 common terms
Nutrition scientist Jaap Seidell evaluates nine common food and health claims found on product packaging, such as 'no added sugar' and '100% natural.' He explains how these labels can be misleading an...