Economy News in English
Latest economy headlines from Dutch news, translated into English.
Laptop on lap, in a hallway: plans for Budget Day have been overhauled before
The Dutch government is planning significant revisions to the budget proposal presented on Prinsjesdag. Similar adjustments were made in 2023, though the overall success of those past changes remains ...
People who fail to pay health insurance premiums will no longer face higher bills
The Dutch government plans to abolish the 10 percent surcharge currently imposed on health insurance premiums for individuals who fall behind on payments. Both the CAK and health insurers agree that t...
Operation Fur: Council backs alderman in fight against slumlords, but criticizes results
Amsterdam Alderman Zita Pels has launched an ambitious initiative to inspect 20,000 rental properties, aiming to curb high costs and slumlord behavior. While the city council supports the goal, member...
Operation Fur: Council backs alderman in fight against slumlords, but criticizes results
Amsterdam alderman Zita Pels has committed to auditing 20,000 homes to tackle housing exploitation, though council members are skeptical about the plan's feasibility due to budget cuts and past enforc...
'Secret' draft budget revealed: different Box 3 plan, baby bonus, and cheaper flowers after all
A leaked draft budget from Finance Minister Eelco Heinen revealed plans to secure opposition support through tax concessions, a baby bonus, and lower VAT for flowers. The proposal was ultimately rejec...
US interest rates almost certain to rise, and we will feel it immediately in the Netherlands
The U.S. Federal Reserve faces pressure regarding a potential interest rate hike, with concerns over political backlash and financial market stability. Any decision made by the central bank is expecte...
Armani hires first creative director from outside the family
Armani has appointed its first non-family creative director, a former artistic leader from Versace, to oversee the Emporio Armani brand and accessories. This strategic shift follows the death of compa...
Nijkerk company loses case: ban on Israeli products remains
A Dutch court has upheld a ban on the import and sale of goods produced in illegal Israeli settlements, rejecting a challenge from the Nijkerk-based Israel Products Center. The court determined that t...
From disputes with realtors to millions of visitors: how Funda became indispensable in the housing market
Funda is implementing controversial and expensive new presentation packages despite criticism from real estate agents. The housing platform maintains its dominant position in the Dutch market, leaving...
LIVE Q&A: How difficult is it for The Hague to focus on what unites the parties?
Journalists from the AD hosted a live Q&A session on September 16, 2026, to explain the implications of the annual Dutch government budget proposal. The discussion covered a variety of public concerns...
Read here the questions readers had about the Budget Memorandum, such as: Will I be punished if I don't drive an electric car?
Dutch journalists held a live Q&A session to address public inquiries regarding the 2026 Budget Memorandum. Topics ranged from economic policy and healthcare premiums to future changes in disability b...
Inspectorate to reduce taxi inspections next year due to budget cuts
The Dutch Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate (ILT) will reduce oversight in several areas, including the taxi industry, due to budget cuts and rising operational costs. The agency is shiftin...
Dutch petrol price hits record high after drone attack in Saudi Arabia
Petrol prices in the Netherlands have hit a record high of 2.726 euros per liter due to a drone attack on a critical Saudi Arabian oil pipeline. The resulting supply chain disruption, coupled with bro...
EU wants social media ban for children under thirteen
The European Union has introduced the Kids Act to regulate social media access for minors, proposing a total ban for children under thirteen. Adolescents aged thirteen to fifteen would require parenta...
Part-time workers on minimum wage to see net income drop next year
Part-time workers earning minimum wage in the Netherlands are projected to see a decrease in their net monthly income next year due to government budget plans. While some full-time earners may see sli...
FNV: Schiphol security strike called off Wednesday following agreement on better working conditions
Trade unions FNV and CNV have called off a scheduled strike at Schiphol Airport after reaching an agreement with management to improve working conditions for security personnel. The deal introduces ma...
Dutch Rammstein concert promoter strikes mega deal with US entertainment giant
Dutch concert promoter Greenhouse Talent has formed a strategic partnership with the global entertainment giant AEG Presents. The company will retain its current management and brand name while gainin...
EU needs answers on Ukraine, high interest rates and energy prices; what will the EU chief present tomorrow?
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will deliver her State of the European Union address this Wednesday. The speech is expected to address critical ongoing challenges including the conf...
Prinsjesdag 2026: what the Budget Memorandum means for Amsterdam
The 2026 Dutch budget offers Amsterdam increased funding for housing construction and innovation but faces criticism from city officials for insufficient investment in climate, mental healthcare, and ...
Prinsjesdag 2026: what the Budget Memorandum means for Amsterdam
The Dutch government’s 2026 budget introduces increased near-term funding for municipalities but signals future budget cuts, impacting Amsterdam's long-term financial planning. While the city welcom...
Why tech bosses want a pause in AI development: We could lose control
Leading AI CEOs and researchers have collectively called for a pause in the development of advanced artificial intelligence systems. They expressed concerns regarding the potential loss of human contr...
What Prinsjesdag 2026 means for your wallet
The 2026 Dutch budget plans feature a slight decline in average purchasing power, with changes affecting fuel, aviation, alcohol, and water taxes. Healthcare costs are expected to rise through increas...
Those hoping for lower energy bills will have to take action themselves: cabinet will not provide relief
The Dutch government has ruled out energy price caps or tax cuts despite a significant surge in gas and electricity rates. Households are expected to manage rising costs independently by investing in ...
Minister Vijlbrief: Review unemployment benefit cuts for older workers unable to find jobs
Minister Hans Vijlbrief is willing to adjust plans to halve unemployment benefits to better support older workers who struggle to find new employment. The minister hopes this concession will encourage...
See here what the cabinet's plans do to your purchasing power
Proposed cabinet measures suggest that most households in the Netherlands may face reduced purchasing power by 2027 if the plans are passed. While some families might see relief through childcare subs...
Council of State critical of lack of climate plans: We have already wasted a lot of time
The Council of State has criticized the Dutch government for insufficient climate policy, warning that the nation is currently off track to meet its 2030 and 2050 environmental targets. The advisory b...
What will you notice from the cabinet's plans? Ask our experts your questions
Following the release of the Miljoenennota and the national budget, AD readers are invited to participate in a live Q&A session tomorrow between 12:00 and 13:00. During this event, experts will answer...
Most people will be slightly worse off next year if the plans go ahead
Most households in the Netherlands could face a slight decline in purchasing power by 2027 due to proposed tax increases and policy changes, according to the Centraal Planbureau. While working individ...
This is what the cabinet is doing with your wallet: gifts now, a bill later
The Dutch cabinet's new budget provides minor purchasing power relief but introduces a net tax increase for citizens to fund defense and bridge fiscal gaps. While wage taxes rise, labor remains more h...
Prinsjesdag plans outlined: healthcare deductible towards 400 euros, money for first-time buyers and new radios for soldiers
The Dutch government has announced its Prinsjesdag budget, featuring an increase in the annual healthcare deductible to 400 euros and significant investments in housing and defense. The plans also inc...