Economy News in English

Brussels wants governments to buy European for independence

The European Commission has introduced a legislative proposal requiring EU member states to prioritize European-made products for government procurement. This move aims to reduce reliance on foreign i...

Germany and Belgium also hike fuel prices

Fuel prices are rising in Belgium and Germany, with German diesel costs reaching their highest level since 2022. While cross-border refueling remains cheaper than in the Netherlands, the price gap is ...

Chemours faces 20 million euro fine over greenhouse gases

Chemical company Chemours faces a potential fine of up to 20 million euros if it continues to violate regulations regarding F-gases. These fluorinated hydrocarbons are potent greenhouse gases that sig...

Middle East war hits the Dutch in the wallet

Rabobank economists warn that the war in the Middle East could significantly impact the cost of living for people in the Netherlands. In a worst-case scenario, petrol prices could reach 3 euros per li...

Gas price drops again after days of sharp increases

Gas prices decreased on Wednesday after two days of sharp increases, as traders monitor U.S. plans to protect shipping in the Middle East. In the Netherlands, energy suppliers are adjusting contracts,...

Amsterdam again builds fewer homes than planned

The municipality of Amsterdam failed to meet its housing construction target last year, starting work on only 6,053 permanent and 660 temporary homes. This combined total falls short of the city's ann...

Dutch fuel prices rise further: ‘Slowly toward record levels’

Fuel prices at Dutch gas stations increased for the second consecutive day on Wednesday, driven by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. While advisory prices from major oil companies have risen by...

Energy suppliers limit fixed contracts due to high gas prices

Energy suppliers Vattenfall and Eneco have temporarily restricted fixed-term contracts due to soaring gas prices caused by the conflict in the Middle East. The rise in costs has made energy procuremen...

Odido must change course after ‘chillingly cold’ response to massive data breach: ‘They give customers nightmares’

Communications expert Jan Driessen has criticized internet provider Odido for its "fearfully cold" response to a major data leak affecting millions of customers. Driessen warns that the company must c...

Amsterdam housing construction to surge in 2025

The article reports on a significant increase in housing construction starts in Amsterdam for the year 2025. It details the quantity and types of new residential projects being initiated as part of th...

Trump threatens to halt all trade with Spain

U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened to halt all trade with Spain. The threat follows reports that Spain refused to allow the American military to use its bases for missions related to Iran.

Iranian Revolutionary Guard claims control of Strait of Hormuz

The Iranian Revolutionary Guard has claimed full control over the Strait of Hormuz, a vital maritime route for oil and gas transportation. The elite force warned that vessels passing through the water...

North Sea Foundation: Uninsured ships a risk, but shadow fleet a greater threat

The North Sea Foundation is advocating for mandatory insurance for smaller sea vessels under 300 tons to improve maritime safety. While highlighting the risks posed by these uninsured ships, the organ...

'Girls' houses' on WhatsApp popular among teens, but everyone is watching

Young girls are increasingly using WhatsApp as a social media platform to share photos, videos, and private information like school schedules. However, these public groups are often accessible to anyo...

Daniëlle (26) and Nina (27) keep housing costs low as pet sitters: ‘Can pay off our debt’

Rogier Havelaar’s CDA well-received by entrepreneurs during election debate

Airfares to rise by tens to hundreds of euros if Iran war doesn't end soon

Air ticket prices are expected to increase by tens to hundreds of euros if the conflict involving Iran continues to drive up oil prices. Dutch airline KLM and other carriers are facing higher operatio...

High oil prices make everything more expensive: what to expect

Rising oil and gas prices are causing an increase in the cost of various goods and services, ranging from fuel to everyday household items and professional advice. This surge in energy costs is impact...

Consumers with expiring energy contracts face price increases

Energy prices for new contracts have risen sharply since Monday morning, causing costs to increase by hundreds of euros for average households. Consumers with expiring energy contracts are expected to...

Digital backlogs at Tax Administration as hundreds of civil servants strike

The Dutch Tax Office is experiencing digital queues for 2025 income tax filings and longer wait times for phone support. These delays are being caused by high user volume and strikes involving hundred...

Energy suppliers crunch numbers: cashbacks and multi-year contracts under pressure

Energy suppliers are tightening their offerings and increasing prices in response to the conflict in Iran. Many providers are reducing cashback discounts and removing multi-year contracts from the mar...

Civil servants protest in The Hague over lack of pay rise

Approximately 3,000 Dutch civil servants demonstrated in The Hague on Tuesday to protest the lack of salary increases and inflation correction in their collective labor agreement. The FNV trade union ...

Ukraine reports new damage to Druzhba oil pipeline

Ukraine's Energy Minister Denys Shmyhal reported serious damage and a fire at the Druzhba oil pipeline following a Russian attack. The pipeline is used to transport Russian oil to several countries, i...

Judge finds ‘accidental’ €23 million bid on Hoofddorp ghost hotel implausible: ‘At own risk’

A real estate trader from Lelystad has lost six properties after a court rejected his claim that a 23-million-euro bid for the Hotelux Amsterdam Airport Hotel in Hoofddorp was a typing error. The judg...

Energy agency stands ready to stabilize oil market after price rise

The International Energy Agency (IEA) is prepared to intervene and stabilize the global oil market following price increases driven by the conflict in the Middle East. Member countries currently hold ...

Low income? Apply for a municipal tax waiver

Individuals and entrepreneurs with limited financial resources can apply for a waiver or reduction of their municipal taxes. Eligible applicants may be exempt from paying the tax entirely or only requ...

Experts sound alarm after study: Half of teens consume 90 sugar cubes a week from soft drinks

A new study reveals that teenagers aged 12 to 16 consume an average of 9.5 glasses of sugary drinks per week, with half of them reaching 16.5 glasses. Experts are urging the new government to implemen...

KLM cancels flights to and from Dubai and Saudi Arabia for an extended period

KLM has extended its flight cancellations to and from Dubai and Saudi Arabia until March 9 due to ongoing unrest in the Middle East. The airline had previously announced that flights were suspended th...

New AI certification gains ground: companies want to prove their AI is responsible

A new certification for responsible artificial intelligence is gaining traction among companies like CM.com and KPMG to verify the ethical standards of their software. The initiative aims to address c...

Deep red on stock markets, AEX plunges well below 1,000 points

European stock markets experienced significant declines on Tuesday, with the Amsterdam AEX index falling well below the 1000-point mark. Investors are concerned that rising energy prices linked to the...