Economy News in English

Real estate association sounds alarm: sale of rental homes widens gap between first-time buyers

The Dutch real estate association NVM reports that the large-scale sale of rental properties is significantly increasing inequality among first-time homebuyers. While the supply of homes for sale has ...

Large group of economists advises against billions in aid for Tata Steel: 'Too risky'

More than 100 economists have warned in the journal ESB that a proposed 2 billion euro subsidy for Tata Steel's green initiatives is inefficient and risky. They argue that the government funds would b...

Europe misses opportunities for a more sustainable food system

Scientists argue that current European Union policies are failing to adequately address climate risks and reduce the food system's environmental footprint. They state that a fundamental systemic chang...

Bol stops selling play sand after new asbestos find

Online retailer Bol has permanently ceased the sale of play sand after traces of asbestos were discovered in two products sold on its platform. The decision follows an investigation by the Dutch newsp...

Axios: US wants Israel not to attack Iran's oil sector

The U.S. government has reportedly requested that Israel refrain from targeting Iran's energy infrastructure, with a specific focus on the oil sector. This information was disclosed by sources speakin...

Safety major concern for downtown business owners: "Female colleagues afraid to walk the streets at night"

The annual Amsterdam City Index reveals that safety in the city center has reached a record low, with entrepreneurs reporting increased aggression, vandalism, and shoplifting. Business owners also exp...

Reuters: first days of war cost US $5.6 billion

The White House has informed Congress that the first two days of U.S. military operations against Iran cost the government 5.6 billion dollars. This financial information was reported by Reuters based...

Kung fu and backflips: Dancing robots are the stars of China, but what else can they do?

China is showcasing its advanced humanoid robots that can perform synchronized dances, kung fu, and backflips to demonstrate its technological progress in robotics. These robots are being utilized by ...

Castricum local Ed ashamed of his low-income pass: 'Here comes another pauper'

81-year-old Ed Kaandorp from Castricum is refusing to use the new 'Castricumpas,' a discount card for low-income residents, due to the perceived social stigma of poverty. He expresses frustration that...

Dutch Parliament wants target for reducing healthcare fraud

The Dutch Parliament is pushing for a target to reduce healthcare fraud by at least 1 percent by 2027, which would save approximately 100 million euros. While the Public Prosecution Service estimates ...

Fishermen: Stop demonizing the fishing industry

The national action day 'Save the Countryside' in Barneveld received significant media and public attention on Saturday. Skipper Dirk Kraak supported the event, urging an end to the demonization of th...

EU aims to deploy small nuclear reactors by 2030 for energy independence

The European Commission has introduced a new energy strategy that prioritizes investment in nuclear power to increase energy independence and stabilize costs. Starting in 2030, the European Union aims...

D66 and CDA unhappy with maternity leave cuts

Dutch government parties D66 and CDA have expressed concern after realizing that planned benefit cuts will also reduce payments for women on maternity leave. D66 floor leader Jan Paternotte stated tha...

National override of local steel slag bans? GroenLinks and PvdD seek clarification from Minister Karremans

Dutch MP Ani Zalinyan has submitted questions to Minister Vincent Karremans regarding new national regulations that could override local bans on the use of steel slag. The inquiry addresses concerns o...

The Amsterdam Tech Debate is classic left vs. right: ‘Leave that to the market!’

When every drop of fuel counts: how to get more mileage from a full tank

Rising fuel prices caused by conflict in the Middle East and stable tax rates are forcing Dutch drivers to adopt more efficient driving habits. Experts suggest strategic refueling and utilizing the tr...

Beverwijk celebrates market's origins with exhibition on 1276 privilege

Museum Kennemerland will open the exhibition "Markt en Macht" on Sunday, March 22, to celebrate 750 years of market rights in Beverwijk. The display focuses on the historical trade privilege granted t...

Pieter Elbers resigns as CEO of IndiGo with immediate effect

Former KLM executive Pieter Elbers has resigned as the CEO of Indian airline IndiGo with immediate effect. His departure follows a period of significant operational chaos experienced by the carrier se...

First Bluesky CEO steps down: 'Company needs experienced manager'

Jay Graber, the founder and first CEO of social network Bluesky, has announced she is stepping down from her leadership role. While she will remain with the company to focus on product development, sh...

Construction begins at former Halfords location on Beverwijk’s Breestraat

C. Nelis Bouw en Ontwikkeling has started the construction of a new apartment complex at Breestraat 108 in Beverwijk. The project is being developed on the site formerly occupied by a Halfords store.

The clash between rich boomers and spoiled millennials: ‘They bought houses for insane prices’

Household budgets hundreds of euros lighter due to energy crisis

Rising energy prices driven by geopolitical conflict are putting a significant financial strain on household budgets. A family of four with a car is estimated to pay over 600 euros more annually due t...

Croatia and Hungary set gasoline price caps, other countries hesitate

Croatia and Hungary have implemented price ceilings on fuel in response to significant price increases driven by the conflict in the Middle East. These are the first European countries to intervene in...

Longer waiting lists for social care and youth services in Haarlemmermeer, risk of delays due to lack of expertise

The municipality of Haarlemmermeer is experiencing longer waiting lists for youth care and social support services due to a staff shortage caused by measures against false self-employment. These delay...

Meta loses appeal: viewing friends' posts by default on Instagram remains possible

Meta has lost an appeal in a Dutch court case brought by the privacy organization Bits of Freedom regarding Instagram and Facebook timelines. The ruling ensures that users can continue to see posts fr...

Bits of Freedom wins appeal over freedom of choice on Instagram

The Amsterdam Court of Appeal ruled in favor of Bits of Freedom in a case against Meta, ensuring Dutch users retain the right to choose how their Instagram and Facebook timelines are displayed. This d...

Renovation of Belgian Palace of Justice rises to 600 million euros

The renovation of the 140-year-old Palace of Justice in Brussels is projected to exceed 600 million euros. The historic building has been under scaffolding for more than 40 years as modernization effo...

Gambling company receives record €25 million fine in the Netherlands

The Netherlands Gambling Authority (Ksa) has imposed a record-breaking fine of nearly 25 million euros on the operator of the gambling website Kaasino for offering illegal services. This penalty repre...

New development Nieuw-Vennep West: 4,580 homes, schools, sports and green spaces on the way

The municipality of Haarlemmermeer, the Dutch government, and regional partners have finalized plans to build 4,580 homes in Nieuw-Vennep West. The development project, which includes schools and spor...

More senior housing under construction, but not nearly enough to solve shortage

Amsterdam built 480 elderly homes last year, nearly reaching its annual target of 500, though local officials estimate that 1,239 homes are actually required annually to resolve the shortage. The init...