Netherlands News in English
Netherlands news in English — Dutch national headlines covering politics, housing, immigration, the economy, transport and daily life, translated and updated throughout the day for the international community.
'ICU boss' and minister: Ernst Kuipers gives explanation to the corona committee
Former Health Minister Ernst Kuipers testified to a parliamentary committee that the Dutch healthcare system never reached a 'code black' state during the COVID-19 pandemic. He reflected on the challe...
Kuipers on government role in societal divisions: ‘Without measures, polarization would have been worse’
Former Health Minister Ernst Kuipers testified that the Dutch healthcare system avoided 'code black' during the pandemic, ensuring continuous ICU capacity. He stressed the importance of balancing futu...
Despite strike, tourists at Central Station: I think I'm stuck in Amsterdam for a few more days
A public transport strike across the Netherlands has halted all train services, except those to Schiphol, leaving many travelers stranded at Amsterdam Central Station. While some international tourist...
Public transport strike: no trains, some buses in Haarlem
A nationwide public transport strike has halted all train services in Haarlem and suspended most bus routes for 24 hours. Organized by the FNV union, the industrial action aims to protest social secur...
Dutch spending up from last year, especially on sustainable goods
Consumer spending in the Netherlands increased in July, marked by a 3.1 percent rise in purchases of durable goods like vehicles and appliances. Overall consumption grew as households also spent more ...
Explosion at home in Haarlem
An explosion damaged a house on Eendenkooistraat in Haarlem early Wednesday morning, but no injuries were reported. Police have opened an investigation and are seeking witnesses and camera footage to ...
Households spend smaller share of income on taxes, especially pensioners
Dutch households are paying a smaller percentage of their gross income toward taxes and social security contributions compared to 2011. Pensioners currently face the lowest tax burden, while single-ea...
Morning rush hour remains quiet despite public transport strike
A nationwide public transport strike has led to a surprisingly quiet morning commute, as many workers adjusted their schedules or worked from home. Despite minor incidents on the A10 and A8 motorways,...
Sharp criticism of expanded powers for intelligence agencies, ‘proposal lacks balance’
Dutch intelligence oversight bodies have criticized a government proposal to expand the powers of the AIVD and MIVD, arguing it lacks sufficient balance and safeguards. The committees warned that the ...
Drought causes significant drop in freight transport on Dutch rivers
Historic low water levels in Dutch rivers during the summer caused a major decline in inland shipping, with cargo volumes dropping nearly 19 percent in August. The crisis particularly impacted interna...
Haarlem municipality spends more on WMO than budgeted for the first time since 2020
Haarlem spent over 32 million euros on WMO social support services last year, remaining under its initial budget for the fifth year in a row. The funding provided essential equipment and household ass...
Nationwide public transport strike against social security cuts begins
Public transport workers across the Netherlands have launched a nationwide strike to protest proposed government cuts to social security benefits. The industrial action has led to widespread cancellat...
Singer Dotan has become a father to a daughter
Dutch musician Dotan has announced the birth of his daughter with his partner, actor Grant Boone. The couple has been in a relationship since 2019 after initially confirming their romance on social me...
Major police operation in Slotervaart, homes temporarily cordoned off
A large-scale police operation involving heavily armed units took place in Amsterdam's Slotervaart neighborhood this afternoon following reports of a suspicious situation. Authorities cordoned off the...
58 flights at Schiphol cancelled due to UK air traffic control failure
A technical failure at the UK's National Air Traffic Service has led to the cancellation of 58 flights at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. KLM has suspended all flights to and from England as the situation...
Ed wants to protest in IJtunnel during public transport strike, but Amsterdam mayor stops him
Amsterdam mayor has denied a request from resident Ed van Leeuwen to hold a protest inside the IJtunnel during a national public transport strike. The city cited significant safety concerns for pedest...
The dilemma facing Hans Vijlbrief: loyal to Jetten, faithful to his thesis
Dutch Minister Hans Vijlbrief faces pressure to cancel social security cuts, putting him in a difficult position between political loyalty to Rob Jetten and his long-held academic views. The conflict ...
Wero is coming, but there are fears of higher costs
The Wero payment system is set to replace iDeal in the Netherlands next month, promising better consumer protection and European independence from American providers. While the transition offers new f...
Nationwide public transport strike and roadworks: expect delays
A nationwide public transport strike in the Netherlands has caused widespread service disruptions, leading to the near-total suspension of trains and buses. Simultaneously, critical roadworks and high...
RTL brings The Sixth Sense back to television
RTL is bringing back its reality show Het Zesde Zintuig, which features individuals with psychic or intuitive abilities. The network has issued a call for candidates and expects the program to air aga...
Are younger generations really wealthier? Herman (78): ‘We didn’t have much back then, we made do with what we had’
Data indicates that each successive generation in the Netherlands is wealthier than the last, featuring more home ownership and travel opportunities. However, people interviewed at Rotterdam Central S...
Several Amsterdam schools to remain closed during public transport strike tomorrow
Several schools in Amsterdam are closing tomorrow due to a nationwide public transport strike that will halt essential ferry services. While some institutions are shifting to online instruction or org...
Another car ends up in water near Cruquius shopping center
A car rolled into the water at a shopping center in Cruquius this afternoon after its handbrake allegedly failed. No one was inside the vehicle during the incident, and no injuries were reported, mark...
Reporter Merel Ek gets engaged on Terschelling
Reporter Merel Ek, known for her roles on Hart van Nederland and Vandaag Inside, has announced her engagement following a surprise proposal on the island of Terschelling. Ek and her partner share a so...
Still chilling? Find all the benches in Haarlem with these handy apps
Residents of Haarlem can use mobile applications Alle Bankjes and Bankje to locate nearby public benches for resting. These apps allow users to find seating, add new locations to maps, and interact wi...
German supermarket Kaufland launches online marketplace in the Netherlands
German supermarket chain Kaufland has expanded its operations into the Netherlands with the launch of an online marketplace featuring nine million products from thousands of vendors. This digital plat...
ABN Amro: high tourist tax will further reduce number of business overnight stays
Business overnight stays in Amsterdam have dropped by 38 percent since 2019, with experts warning that further increases in tourist taxes will continue to harm the sector. High tax rates are driving u...
No buses, trams, metros or ferries due to major public transport strike: "This is a desperate measure"
Public transport workers across the Netherlands are launching a nationwide strike to protest proposed social security cuts that they argue unfairly penalize those in physically demanding jobs. As a re...
ASML begins construction of new campus for twenty thousand people
ASML has begun construction on a new campus in the Netherlands, a project supported by the government under Project Beethoven to secure the future of the local chip industry. The facility is expected ...
Cyclist Dylan Groenewegen injured in collision with motorcycle
Dutch cyclist Dylan Groenewegen suffered a rib muscle tear after being struck by a motorcycle during a training session near Uithoorn. The rider is currently recovering and remains uncertain about how...