Economy News in English

Zita Pels (GroenLinks) forced to stand her ground during housing debate: ‘This is not polarizing’

Kleverparkfestival ends after forty years: 'It’s run its course, our permit became 1500 percent more expensive'

The Kleverparkfestival in Haarlem is being discontinued after forty years due to a 1500 percent increase in permit costs. It is the second event in the city to recently announce its cancellation, foll...

Paying ransom after Odido hack would have been pointless, experts say

Telecom provider Odido refused to pay a ransom to the Shinyhunters hacking group following a data breach, despite facing criticism from affected customers. Cybersecurity experts and insiders support t...

First-time buyers needed to borrow less for Haarlem homes last year

First-time homebuyers in Haarlem required an average mortgage of 429,000 euros last year to purchase a home. This figure indicates that starters in the local housing market needed to borrow less compa...

Israel eases restrictions, people allowed back to work

The Israeli military announced on Thursday that restrictions for citizens are being eased, allowing public gatherings of up to fifty people. Residents are also permitted to return to work, provided th...

Hard anti-immigration policy, but Italy grants 500,000 migrants temporary work permits

Despite its hardline anti-immigration rhetoric, the Italian government plans to grant temporary work permits to 500,000 non-EU migrants over the next three years. This initiative marks a record-high n...

Tourists seek more value for money and stay outside the city more often

A report by Amsterdam&partners reveals that a growing percentage of tourists visiting Amsterdam are opting to stay overnight outside the city or with friends to find better value for their money. This...

Low gas prices at Makro in Duivendrecht: ‘I come from Almere to fill up here’

Iran crisis makes Europe's gas dependence painfully clear once again

The conflict in the Middle East and Iranian counterattacks have caused a sharp increase in European gas and oil prices. The disruption, which includes Qatar halting gas production, underscores the vul...

Groningen province holds cabinet to closure of Groningen gas field

The province of Groningen is holding the Dutch cabinet to the scheduled 2024 closure of the Groningen gas field, despite rising gas prices linked to conflict in the Middle East. Provincial deputy Susa...

Gas price falls after two days of increases: 'Rumors of a deal'

Natural gas prices fell on Wednesday following two days of significant increases, leading to an increase in trading activity. This market shift is expected to ultimately benefit consumers.

Motorists price-conscious about gas prices: 'They're thieves!'

Motorists in Haarlem and Velsen are reacting to significant price differences at local gas stations, with some expressing frustration over high fuel costs. While there is not yet a rush on fuel, drive...

Air France temporarily suspends flights to Cuba: 'Simply no demand'

Air France is temporarily suspending flights to and from Cuba from late March to mid-June due to a significant decline in tourist demand. The airline cited Cuba's ongoing energy shortages and domestic...

Sea level in coastal areas up to 30 centimeters higher than previously thought

Researchers from Wageningen University have discovered that previous scientific studies underestimated sea levels along coastal regions by up to one meter. This indicates that international coastlines...

Adults with city pass can also get swimming lessons for one euro

Starting in September, low-income adults in Amsterdam with a city pass can access swimming lessons for one euro to encourage water safety among those who never learned. The initiative, announced by Al...

Listed companies more often have enough women than private firms

A study by the CPB found that listed companies in the Netherlands have more women on their supervisory boards than other large companies. This trend is driven by the mandatory gender quota that applie...

Fill up your tank soon, advises the Consumers' Association

The Consumentenbond advises consumers to fill their fuel tanks immediately as energy prices rise sharply due to the conflict in Iran. International instability has sparked concerns about future costs ...

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...