Economy News in English
Latest economy headlines from Dutch news, translated into English.
Flexible usage and occasional power outages must become the new normal
The Netherlands is experiencing severe electrical grid congestion, leading to calls for more flexible energy consumption habits to prevent system overload. Experts suggest that households and business...
DigiD app now also available for people without a smartphone
The Dutch government has released a new desktop version of the DigiD app that allows users to access services without a smartphone. This update eliminates the need for QR codes and offers compatibilit...
Higher gas prices don't easily push commuters to cycling: 'A matter of habit'
Data reveals a significant rise in electric vehicle sales across Europe, though this trend is driven by multiple factors rather than just fuel prices. Experts note that despite higher gasoline costs, ...
Amsterdam added over 1,300 social housing units but falls short of targets
Amsterdam increased its social housing stock by 1,322 permanent units over the past year but failed to meet its targets for new construction starts and temporary housing development. Alderman Zita Pel...
Round Droste chocolates are returning to Dutch shelves
The Dutch chocolate brand Droste is returning to store shelves after being acquired by the Polish company Wawel following a period of financial distress. The chocolates will be relaunched under the na...
Dutch parliament concerned about energy bills, but gas tax cannot be lowered
Dutch lawmakers are concerned about rising energy costs leaving many households in poverty but face a major obstacle in providing relief. A potential reduction in gas taxes is blocked by a previous ag...
More social housing and sustainability on track
The municipality is working to increase the supply of affordable, high-quality, and sustainable social housing. Current updates indicate that progress on these housing initiatives remains on track.
Experts warn of sharp diesel price hike if Trump proceeds with export ban
The Trump administration is considering a diesel export ban to combat high domestic prices ahead of the U.S. midterm elections. Experts warn that this policy would intensify global fuel shortages, fur...
Gucci to manufacture sneakers in China instead of Italy for the first time
Gucci has decided to produce certain sneaker models in China instead of Italy to leverage specific manufacturing expertise. This move has drawn criticism from analysts who fear it may undermine the lu...
Companies can no longer simply claim a product is 'green' or 'sustainable'
New Dutch legislation implementing an EU directive will strictly regulate corporate sustainability claims and labels to prevent consumer deception. Starting September 27, companies must ensure environ...
People with small debts must be reached sooner to prevent worse outcomes
The Dutch government is investing 20 million euros to improve early intervention for households with minor debts by prioritizing personal contact over written notices. While the initiative aims to rea...
Record number of healthcare vacancies: labor market shortage remains severe
The Netherlands is facing a severe labor market crisis driven by record vacancies in healthcare and construction, exacerbated by an aging population and high absenteeism. Experts argue that overcoming...
NVWA: squishy dumplings, which were pulled from shelves en masse, are not dangerous for children after all
The Dutch Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) has determined that squishy dumpling toys are safe for children despite concerns over a strong chemical odor. Lab testing revealed that the ...
Diesel price in Europe rises to record 2.23 euros per liter
Diesel prices have hit record levels across Europe, with the Netherlands seeing costs rise to 2.82 euros per liter. This surge is driven by increased oil prices stemming from geopolitical conflicts in...
One-way traffic on the IJssel from Friday due to low water levels
Low water levels have necessitated the implementation of one-way traffic on the IJssel river between Zutphen and Westervoort. Ships arriving from Germany must now take a 300-kilometer detour through A...
Cabinet sees no reason for a total ban on camera glasses for now
The Dutch government has rejected a national ban on camera glasses, arguing that existing privacy laws and house rules are sufficient to regulate their use. Officials are currently awaiting a European...
Judge bans Lidl from selling imitations of Birkenstock sandals
A Dutch judge has ordered Lidl to halt the sale of imitation Birkenstock sandals, ruling that the supermarket chain infringed on the brand's protected footbed design. Lidl must now provide sales data ...
ABP to invest 1 billion euros in European tech companies over the next three years
ABP, a major Dutch pension fund, plans to invest 1 billion euros into European tech startups over the next three years to keep innovation and talent within the continent. The investment will target hi...
Hours of waiting, missed flights and damages for airlines: queue chaos at Schiphol border control is critical
The implementation of the new digital Entry/Exit System at Schiphol Airport has led to critical wait times and significant operational chaos. Travelers are facing missed flights and airlines are exper...
Minister pleased with massive residential towers near Arena: "Excellent accessible location"
Housing Minister Elanor Boekholt-O’Sullivan and Amsterdam officials have officially marked the construction start of Eleven Square, a major development near the Johan Cruijff Arena. The project will...
Chinese car brands give electric vehicle sales in EU a major boost
Electric vehicle sales in the European Union have grown significantly to reach a 21.7 percent market share, driven by government support and high fuel prices. While traditional carmakers face stagnant...
If you want start-ups, then help them: Minister Herbert puts demands on the table in Brussels
Dutch Minister Heleen Herbert is calling on the European Commission to relax state aid rules that currently prevent governments from subsidizing promising start-ups. Supported by ten other EU member s...
US-China trade truce extended by two months
The United States and China have extended their existing trade truce by two months to allow more time for potential negotiations. Despite the extension, the nations remain divided over import tariffs ...
More forced layoffs due to reorganizations, budget cuts, and conflicts
Forced layoffs due to reorganizations, budget cuts, and bankruptcies have increased, rising from 5 percent in 2022 to 8 percent in 2025. Workers who lose their jobs due to these economic factors or co...
Organization claims 'hundreds of millions' from Fortnite maker for pressuring children into purchases
The organization Stichting Massaschade & Consument is launching a mass claim against Epic Games, seeking hundreds of millions of euros for Dutch users who were pressured into making in-game purchases ...
Consumers buy less fuel due to high diesel and petrol prices
Dutch drivers are cutting fuel consumption by roughly 10 liters per month as prices remain high due to global supply disruptions and local tax increases. Although motorists are driving less and utiliz...
Employees increasingly dropping out due to stress-related complaints
Data from ArboNed and HumanCapitalCare shows a 12 percent rise in stress-related absenteeism among Dutch employees over the last year. Long-term absences represent the bulk of the issue, with stress-r...
Why engineering firm Arcadis showed Canadian WSP the door: ‘Fourfold lock on the door’
Engineering firm Arcadis has successfully resisted two acquisition attempts by the Canadian competitor WSP. The company maintained its independence after consistently rejecting the takeover bids.
The success of Dutch brand Rituals: not as cheap as Hema, not as expensive as luxury perfume
Rituals has achieved global success by positioning its cosmetic products between budget retail options and high-end luxury brands. This strategy has allowed the Dutch company to expand rapidly, establ...
Judge rules Wakker Dier advertisements can be displayed at NS stations
A court has ordered NS Stations to display advertisements from animal welfare group Wakker Dier after the company previously refused to show them. The organization is promoting its Eet Geen Dierendag ...