Netherlands News in English

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...

Half of high school students afraid to use the toilet: 'Too dirty and unsafe to poop'

Approximately half of secondary school students avoid using school toilets because they are considered dirty and unsafe. This behavior frequently leads to health problems such as stomach pain as stude...

No fire in house, but comfort bear for toddler

Emergency services responded to a report of a possible house fire in Velsen-Noord on Thursday afternoon, which proved to be a false alarm. While no fire was found, responders gave a comfort bear to a ...

Zandvoort Catholic church considers legal action over noise from neighboring theater

The parish board of St. Agatha Church in Zandvoort is considering legal action against the municipality due to concerns about noise pollution from the adjacent Theater De Krocht. The two buildings sha...

The ordeal I wouldn't have wanted to miss

Two friends embarked on a 253-kilometer cycling journey to Gulpen, only to find their destination hotel had gone bankrupt. On the return trip, one of the cyclists decided to take a train from Dordrech...

Yad Vashem posthumously honors heroic Haarlem family; Jewish relatives survived the war

The Ligtenstein family from Haarlem has been posthumously honored with the Yad Vashem 'Righteous Among the Nations' recognition for helping Jewish relatives survive World War II. The award was present...

D66 Haarlem demands answers over paving stones after lead candidate Steven Jonker takes a tumble

Three D66 council members in Haarlem have submitted formal questions to Alderman Robbert Berkhout regarding the maintenance of city sidewalks. The inquiry was prompted by an incident where party leade...

Tubes and cameras for traffic count on Laan der Nederlanden. Beverwijk investigates road redesign

The municipality of Beverwijk is conducting a traffic count on the Laan der Nederlanden from March 2 to March 15 using cameras and sensors. The data collected will be used to redesign intersections to...