Economy News in English
Latest economy headlines from Dutch news, translated into English.
DNB President thinks it is wise for government to wait on energy compensation
DNB President Olaf Sleijpen supports the Dutch government's decision to delay a resolution on household energy price compensation. The proposed measures aim to address rising costs resulting from the ...
Why the economy is now on ‘code orange’ and low-income earners will feel it most
The Dutch economy is facing a "code orange" situation, with low-income households expected to be the most affected by the upcoming downturn. Experts warn that the conflict in the Middle East and other...
'It sounded like a rocket impact': Badhoevedorp neighborhood jolted awake by ATM bombing
A powerful ATM explosion on Tuesday morning in Badhoevedorp woke residents and caused significant vibrations throughout the neighborhood. Two suspects were subsequently arrested in Amsterdam shortly a...
Deducting healthcare costs on tax returns: ‘Could easily save hundreds of euros’
Dutch taxpayers have until May 1st to file their tax returns and potentially deduct various healthcare expenses, such as dental visits and travel vaccinations. Experts suggest that while specific cond...
Saints & Stars takes state to court; Labor Inspectorate seeks to impose €324,000 in fines
Iran war could significantly damage economy, but less than 2022 energy crisis
The Dutch Central Bank (DNB) warns that a potential war in the Middle East could significantly damage the Dutch economy in a worst-case scenario. However, the regulator notes that the impact on househ...
Money to green the neighborhood together
The municipality of Haarlem is offering €50,000 each for three community-led projects to transform paved areas into green spaces to combat heat and water logging. Residents can submit their plans un...
Bevrijdingspop becomes smaller-scale: lower costs and more focus on freedom
The Bevrijdingspop festival in Haarlem is transitioning to a smaller-scale format to focus more on themes of freedom and democracy while addressing rising security costs. Organizers plan to experiment...
Are you having trouble with your landlord? Let us know
A news outlet is inviting tenants to share their experiences regarding conflicts with landlords, including issues like unannounced visits and neglected repairs. These stories are being collected for a...
IKEA recalls candles due to risk of large flames
IKEA is recalling its SMÖJTRÄD candles due to a manufacturing defect that may result in multiple wicks, leading to dangerously large flames. The company warns that this defect poses a risk of fire a...
Flight tax not yet driving Dutch travelers to foreign airports
The higher flight tax introduced in the Netherlands in 2023 has not yet caused a significant shift of Dutch travelers to airports in neighboring countries. Recent data shows that both domestic and for...
Majority of large online stores inaccessible to customers with disabilities
A study by the Authority for Consumers & Markets (ACM) reveals that 61 percent of the largest webshops in the Netherlands are not digitally accessible. This lack of accessibility prevents customers wi...
Michiel’s spending is almost clinically efficient, but I see no sign of enjoyment anywhere
Michiel, a 44-year-old man, reflects on his extremely frugal spending habits, which he describes as almost clinically efficient. He admits to struggling to remember the last time he spent money on som...
Behind BridgeFund’s friendly facade lies a risky credit model: ‘Incomprehensible that they have a quality mark’
Dutch credit provider BridgeFund is facing scrutiny over its business model, which operates outside of traditional financial supervision despite its approachable marketing. Critics question the solidi...
Development bank FMO: food prices rising sharply due to higher gas prices, and that's not all
FMO CEO Michael Jongeneel reports that rising gas prices and the conflict in the Middle East are driving up food prices and impacting the bank's financed partners more than previous trade wars. Howeve...
Is driving electric really cheaper with current gas prices? Here’s the deal
High fuel prices driven by geopolitical unrest in the Middle East have led to a significant increase in consumer interest in electric vehicles. Recent calculations suggest that driving an electric car...
Petrol and diesel cars increasingly less popular, electric vehicle sales also decline
New petrol and diesel car sales across the European Union saw a significant decline in February compared to the previous year. While electric vehicles are generally gaining popularity, sales in the Ne...
Reader question: Discount on full crates of beer but not individual bottles. Is that allowed?
This article addresses a consumer question regarding whether retailers are permitted to offer discounts on full crates of beer while excluding individual bottles from the same promotion. It clarifies ...
Microsoft executive opposes mandatory Windows account: ‘I hate it’
A high-ranking technical executive at Microsoft has publicly criticized the company's requirement for users to link a Microsoft account to Windows. His comments align with long-standing privacy concer...
Switch 2 sells worse than expected, Nintendo cuts production
Nintendo is reducing Switch 2 production by one-third following disappointing sales figures in the United States. This decrease marks a significant shift from last year, when the company had to increa...
DHL Express employees on strike again
DHL Express employees in the North-Netherlands are conducting a day-long strike on Tuesday organized by unions FNV and CNV. This action represents the fourth strike in a short period resulting from an...
Doors of homes for sale remain closed on Open House Day
The author's daughters are planning to purchase a home together because they cannot afford to buy property individually in the current market. This highlights the growing trend of collaborative home b...
Everyone in the region can get tax return help at this Alkmaar service desk: ‘Some find it nerve-wracking to hit send’
Starting March 1st, support centers across the Netherlands are offering assistance to citizens struggling with their annual tax returns. These services specifically help individuals navigate complex f...
Record new construction for housing associations, but still 10,000 homes a year short
Dutch housing corporations built a record 21,500 new homes last year, according to figures from Statistics Netherlands (CBS). Despite this achievement, the sector still falls 10,000 units short of the...
Major renovation of Woonopmaat flats too expensive, housing association looks to Diepenbrock in Heemskerk
Housing association Woonopmaat has canceled plans to renovate three apartment blocks near Heliomare after determining the project was too complex and financially unfeasible. The organization is now sh...
Housing corporations to build record number of new homes in 2025
Housing associations in the Netherlands added a record 21,500 new rental homes in 2025, an increase of 2,000 compared to the previous year. This marks the highest number of completions since data coll...
One in three new homes in Haarlem was from a housing association last year
In Haarlem, housing corporations accounted for 70 of the 240 new homes completed last year. These figures, released by Statistics Netherlands (CBS), show that nearly one-third of the city's new housin...
Harteheem in Heemkerk to be redeveloped. New construction to start in 2028: ‘Major step toward a more sustainable and greener Harteheem’
The Hartekamp Groep has announced plans to redevelop the Harteheem care facility in Heemskerk to improve safety, sustainability, and overall modernization. The project aims to replace outdated buildin...
Fraud report filed against home battery sellers: ‘It’s always the same people’
The Dutch Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) has filed a fraud report against home battery sellers who use deceptive tactics to lock consumers into contracts costing up to €20,000. Victims ar...
Thousands lose youth disability benefits after five years of work
Thousands of individuals receiving Wajong disability benefits will lose their eligibility after five years of employment if their income exceeds a specific threshold. This policy change is expected to...