Economy News in English
Latest economy headlines from Dutch news, translated into English.

Housing market picks up: more sales, but prices remain high
The Dutch housing market saw an increase in home sales in March, indicating more movement in the sector compared to previous months. While house prices remain high, the rate of increase has begun to s...

New flexible housing in Castricum a step closer, but numbers still unclear
The municipality of Castricum is planning to build flexible housing at new sites on Oosterzijweg in Limmen and Boschweg in Akersloot. While the projects are moving forward, the exact number of homes t...

More clarity on Energy Port construction expected in autumn
There will be no clarity regarding the construction of the Energy Port along the North Sea Canal until this autumn. Currently, it remains uncertain when or if work on the project can continue.

Utrecht Mayor: we won't leave it at that
Utrecht Mayor Sharon Dijksma has criticized the announced freeze on new power grid connections, calling it a 'bitter pill.' She expressed her dissatisfaction on social media, stating that the city wou...

Many questions in Parliament about opening Lelystad Airport in 2027
Members of the Dutch House of Representatives expressed significant concerns regarding the government's plan to open Lelystad Airport by 2027. Left-wing opposition parties criticized the move, arguing...

EU countries struggle with Israel relations, trade agreement not yet suspended
EU member states failed to reach a consensus on Tuesday regarding the suspension of the trade agreement between the European Union and Israel. While criticism of Israel is increasing within the bloc, ...

Lebanon seeks half a billion euros for humanitarian crisis
Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam has requested half a billion euros to address the country's ongoing humanitarian crisis. The appeal was made during a joint press conference with French President E...

Power grid in part of Utrecht province at capacity: no new connections from July 1
Starting July 1st, new power grid connections in parts of the Utrecht province will be halted due to network congestion, placing even residential requests on a waiting list. While this connection stop...

No new power connections in part of Utrecht from July 1
Starting July 1, residents and businesses in parts of the Utrecht province will be unable to obtain new or upgraded power connections due to grid congestion. Applications will be placed on a waiting l...
Traditional Dutch snacks make way for Asian favorites: Gyoza and yakitori on the rise
Traditional Dutch snacks like the bitterbal and frikandel are losing popularity as consumers increasingly opt for Asian alternatives like gyoza and yakitori. An analysis by trade magazine Distrifood i...

Call to suspend monthly European Parliament relocation: 'Unnecessary'
Members of the European Parliament from various political groups are calling for a temporary suspension of the monthly commute between Brussels and Strasbourg. Currently, the 720 MEPs and their staff ...
Electric driving for 150 euros a month? ‘I think many people would be happy with that’
The European Union is exploring a plan based on a French model to offer low-income citizens electric vehicle leases for approximately 150 euros per month. While the Netherlands has not yet adopted thi...
European Court allows ‘cheat cigarettes’ to stay, ‘bizarre reasoning’
The European Court of Justice has ruled that current cigarette emission measurement methods can remain in place, effectively allowing so-called "cheat cigarettes" to stay on the market. This decision ...
Tax authorities seize €14 million property of landlord Change=, tenants still waiting for money
Parliament demands self-employed benefits victims not be fined after all
A majority of the Dutch House of Representatives is demanding that the cabinet honor its promise to freelancers who assisted with the childcare benefits scandal recovery. The intervention aims to prev...

Price of beer and spirits to rise every year to fund crisis plan
Alcohol excise taxes in the Netherlands will now increase annually in line with inflation to help fund the National Crisis Plan for Oil. This measure means that the cost of beer and other alcoholic be...

Zelensky reports Druzhba pipeline has been repaired
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that the Druzhba pipeline, which transports Russian oil to Eastern Europe, has been repaired. The pipeline is now ready to resume operations following ...
100 euro banknotes soon available at ATMs: Geldmaat starts trial
Geldmaat is launching a pilot program to include 100 euro banknotes in its ATMs, increasing the current maximum denomination from 50 euros. The trial will roll out across 46 Geldmaat locations in majo...
Geesterweg roundabout in Uitgeest takes shape
A new roundabout is being constructed at the intersection of Geesterweg and Prinses Beatrixlaan in Uitgeest. The project is scheduled to take place from April through November of this year.

Poultry housing order lifted, except in Gelderse Vallei
State Secretary Silvio Erkens has lifted the poultry confinement obligation for hobbyists and commercial farms across most of the Netherlands. The mandate remains in effect only for the Gelderse Valle...

Prices of used petrol and diesel cars fall gradually as demand for used electric vehicles skyrockets since start of war
The Dutch government has implemented an oil plan due to rising Middle East tensions and sustained high fuel prices. Consequently, the demand for used electric vehicles is surging while the prices for ...

Apple wins lawsuit against Dutch seller: counterfeit AirPods must be removed
Apple has won a summary proceeding against the Dutch wholesaler TTP Concept in Style for selling counterfeit AirPods Pro. The court ruled that the company infringed on Apple's trademark rights and ord...

State Secretary for Education and Emancipation Judith Tielen visits Dalí College Heemskerk
State Secretary Judith Tielen visited Dalí College in Heemskerk to observe the impact of practical education on students' interest in technical careers. The visit highlights a government effort...

Rents to increase as of July 1
Starting July 1, 2026, many tenants will face an increase in their monthly rental prices. This change is expected to affect a significant portion of the rental market.

German kebab chain angry at KFC over new Krispy Kebab snack
The German kebab chain Krispy Kebab is in a dispute with KFC over the American fast-food giant's launch of a new snack product. The menu item shares the same name as the German company, leading to a c...

Employers reject mandatory work-from-home day: 'A difficult puzzle'
The European Union is considering a proposal to mandate at least one day of remote work per week for employees in member states to mitigate the energy crisis. Dutch employers have voiced opposition to...

Kallas hopes for positive decision on EU loan to Ukraine on Wednesday
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas expects a positive decision this Wednesday regarding a 90 billion euro loan for Ukraine. Speaking in Luxembourg, Kallas emphasized that Ukraine urgently needs the f...

Security firm warns of crypto scams in Strait of Hormuz
A security company is warning shipping firms of potential cryptocurrency scams near the Strait of Hormuz. Fraudsters are reportedly promising safe passage through the region in exchange for bitcoin pa...
Listening in at Essent’s swamped customer service: ‘Fear that energy will become even more expensive’
Reporter Ton Voermans visited Essent's customer service department, which is experiencing a surge in calls from consumers concerned about the ongoing energy crisis. Many callers are seeking fixed cont...

KLM cancels flights to Saudi Arabia for another month
KLM has extended the suspension of its flights to Riyadh and Dammam in Saudi Arabia until June 14. The airline had previously scheduled to resume operations on May 16, but has now pushed that date bac...