Business News in English
Latest business headlines from Dutch news, translated into English.
Energy crisis much more severe in the Netherlands than cabinet thinks: looming diesel shortage
The energy crisis in the Netherlands is more severe than the government realizes, with potential shortages of diesel and kerosene looming. While gasoline supplies remain sufficient, experts warn that ...
Evers tobacco shop closes after nearly a century: 'Fireworks ban was the final straw'
Frank Evers is closing his 98-year-old independent tobacco shop in Hillegom on March 28, marking the end of the town's last standalone cigar shop. Evers noted that the fireworks ban provided the final...
Thailand: Agreement with Iran on oil tanker passage
Thailand and Iran have reached an agreement regarding the passage of Thai oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz. The deal was announced by the Thai Prime Minister on Saturday morning.
Master swindler or benefactor? The Canadian who promised Zandvoort the world
In 1981, Canadian businessman Michael Hordo arrived in Zandvoort with grand plans to transform the coastal town into a major tourist hub, including proposals for a theme park and international golf ch...
Why cheap meat deals are here to stay: ‘Supermarkets are not charities’
The Dutch supermarket chain Jumbo has resumed meat discounts after a two-year trial led to losses of tens of millions in revenue. The initiative failed because competitors did not follow suit, causing...
Bonaire asks Netherlands for urgent help with rising prices
The Executive Council of Bonaire has requested urgent assistance from the Dutch government to combat rising prices for food and fuel. Increased shipping costs driven by international instability are m...
Electric scooter battery safety questioned again after latest fire at Felyx
Suspicious stock trades point to the White House
Democrats in the U.S. Congress are raising concerns about potential corruption following suspicious stock market transactions linked to President Trump’s market-moving actions. There are allegations...
NYT: Musk participated in phone call between Trump and Modi
Tech billionaire Elon Musk reportedly participated in a phone call between U.S. President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The interaction was first reported by The New York Times...
Joint call to politicians: Have the courage to be radically present in neighborhoods
Social and business leaders in Amsterdam have warned that the growing disconnect in vulnerable neighborhoods acts as a 'ticking time bomb' threatening social stability. They urge political and corpora...
From a sporting perspective, NEC shouldn't have boasted about Chery's salary
Henk Spaan provides his weekly ratings for figures in the football world, including Sandro Tonali and NEC director Wilco van Schaik. The column suggests that NEC's public comments regarding Tjaronn Ch...
De Haarlemse Bakker celebrates 25 years: 'It's a beautiful profession, you make something from nothing'
De Haarlemse Bakker is celebrating its 25th anniversary after being established to ensure bread supply continuity following the bankruptcy of another local bakery. Now run by the Van Esdonk family, th...
Nine entrepreneurs locked in Adamas Center Nieuw-Vennep to raise money for cancer patients
Nine local entrepreneurs are participating in a fundraising event called 'The Lock Up' at the Adamas Center in Nieuw-Vennep to support individuals living with cancer. The participants aim to raise don...
Fred’s Coffee is new in Amsterdam: ‘We sell attention, the coffee is extra’
Fred's coffee has recently opened in Amsterdam-West near De Hallen, offering a space that prioritizes personal attention and connection. The coffee shop aims to provide a welcoming atmosphere where cu...
Explosive rise in energy bills looms in 2027 due to new tariff rules
Dutch households and businesses face a potential annual increase in energy bills of 150 to over 200 euros due to new tariff regulations. These changes result from a new method for passing on power gri...
Why the lights are going out at many Haarlem restaurants on Saturday night
On Saturday night, March 28, 2026, numerous restaurants and locations in Haarlem will turn off their lights for one hour as part of a planned event. This is not a power outage, and electricity will be...
Wienen: Haarlem cafes allowed to extend opening hours during World Cup in America
Mayor Wienen has announced that cafes in Haarlem will be permitted to extend their opening hours to broadcast World Cup matches held in America this summer. The mayor clarified that current regulation...
Deutsche Bahn warns of poorer service after billions in losses
German railway company Deutsche Bahn has reported a significant loss of 2.3 billion euros for the year 2025. Consequently, the operator has warned passengers to expect a decline in service quality and...
Higher flower and plant prices offset falling sales at FloraHolland: 'Continuing to resist proposed tulip tax'
Royal FloraHolland is actively opposing a proposed VAT increase on flowers and plants, warning that this "tulip tax" could lead to significant revenue losses and job cuts. While higher prices currentl...
Kremlin denies report that Putin asked businessmen for money
The Kremlin has denied reports that President Vladimir Putin requested financial support from wealthy businessmen during a meeting on Thursday. According to a spokesperson, one unnamed businessman vol...
Curtain falls for online home store fonQ
The Dutch online home retailer fonQ has been declared bankrupt by the court, according to the company's trustees. Approximately 100 employees face potential job losses as a result of the filing.
Essent pulls out of heating network, but Haarlem continues steadily
Energy company Essent has withdrawn from Haarlem's district heating network project, leaving the Haarlem heat company with full responsibility for the initiative. Despite the departure of this major p...
Consumentenbond accuses Jumbo of misleading customers with 'lowest Easter prices'
The Dutch Consumers' Association has accused supermarket chain Jumbo of misleading customers with its 'lowest Easter prices' promotional campaign. The association argues that banners and signs in stor...
Count Floris V gets own boulevard at De Bazaar in Beverwijk, tribute for granting market rights in 1276
A boulevard at De Bazaar in Beverwijk is being renamed in honor of Graaf Floris V, the 13th-century ruler who granted the town market rights in 1276. The renaming serves as a tribute from both the mun...
Red carpet for offshore ship of the future, which was almost named Windcat IJmuiden: ‘Not a name that works well in international ports’
Damen Shipyards and Windcat have unveiled a new, innovative offshore vessel designed for the future of the industry. The ship was originally going to be named 'Windcat IJmuiden,' but the name was chan...
Heemskerk and Beverwijk investigate construction of heat networks to reduce natural gas consumption
The municipalities of Heemskerk and Beverwijk are investigating the implementation of heating networks to reduce natural gas consumption. On Thursday, they signed an intent agreement with heat company...
From parking garage fire to overshooting plane at the Kaagbaan: dozens of new PFAS suspect sites at Schiphol
A systematic investigation into soil and water at Schiphol Airport has identified approximately 100 locations with confirmed or potential PFAS contamination. These suspect sites are linked to historic...
Fuel prices skyrocket but travel allowance stays flat: this option could work in your favor
The Dutch trade union FNV has urged the government to increase tax-free travel allowances in response to rising fuel prices. However, employees are unlikely to see immediate changes as it will take si...
Gold is no longer a safe haven for now: 'Markets expect a longer crisis'
Gold prices have experienced a significant decline since the start of the conflict in the Middle East, recording their worst weekly performance in decades. Markets are currently anticipating a prolong...
Oil prices fall slightly after delay in attack on Iran's energy facilities
Oil prices saw a slight decline on Friday, reversing gains from the previous day. This shift followed President Donald Trump's decision to postpone potential military strikes on Iranian energy infrast...