Economy News in English

Fewer new mini-cars in the city after city-wide parking permit scrapped

The number of new mini-cars in Amsterdam has significantly decreased following the removal of city-wide parking permits for these vehicles in September. Data shows monthly registrations dropped from o...

Zelensky proposes Easter truce for energy infrastructure

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that his country is open to an Easter ceasefire. He also noted that allies have requested Ukraine to stop attacking the Russian oil sector to avoid furthe...

23-year-old from IJsselstein caught red-handed in bank helpdesk fraud: gang stole 1.7 million euros

A 23-year-old man from IJsselstein was caught red-handed for his involvement in a bank helpdesk and cryptocurrency fraud scheme. He is believed to be part of a criminal group that stole more than 1.7 ...

Fire at Israeli Bazan refinery after attack

An attack on northern Israel has caused a fire at the Bazan refinery near the city of Haifa. While no injuries have been reported so far, there are unconfirmed reports of a potential chemical leak at ...

1.7 million euros stolen in helpdesk scam: eight suspects arrested, including Amsterdam resident

Oil prices record sharpest monthly rise ever

The price of Brent oil surged by approximately 60% in March, reaching over $115 per barrel. This represents the largest monthly price increase ever recorded for the benchmark.

Egg prices have risen sharply in recent years

A study by the Dutch Consumers' Association (Consumentenbond) reveals that egg prices have risen significantly over the past five years. As a result, consumers can expect to pay more for traditional e...

From marshy field to global airport: Schiphol marks exactly 100 years in Amsterdam's hands

Amsterdam is marking the 100th anniversary of acquiring Schiphol Airport from the Ministry of War on April 1, 1926. The airport transitioned from a muddy military field into a global aviation hub, wit...

Farmers pressure cabinet: ‘Follow Germany and open the hunt for the wolf’

Dutch farmers and the agricultural organization LTO Noord are urging the new cabinet to permit wolf hunting to reduce the population to manageable levels. They argue that wolves increasingly target ea...

Australia halves fuel excise duty to lower costs

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced a 50% reduction in fuel and diesel excise taxes for a period of three months. This initiative aims to alleviate the financial burden on citizens ca...

Trump: Iran to allow 20 oil tankers through Strait of Hormuz

U.S. President Donald Trump announced that the United States has negotiated with Iran for the passage of 20 oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz. This deal aims to stabilize global oil prices, whi...

Public transport temporarily free in parts of Australia due to fuel shortage

The Australian states of Victoria and Tasmania have made public transport temporarily free to help residents cope with rising fuel prices caused by the conflict in Iran. This measure is intended to pr...

How John Bijl became the world's largest fern grower thanks to a 'magic box' invention

Vitro Plus, led by John Bijl, has become the world's largest fern grower, controlling 80% of the global market with 40 million mini-plants produced annually. Based in Zeeland, the company’s success ...

While Netherlands waits for EU, other member states work on their own social media bans for children

While the Netherlands waits for European Union regulations, other member states like Austria are implementing their own national bans on social media for children under 14. Several EU countries are pu...

Russian oil tanker expected in Cuba on Monday

A Russian oil tanker is expected to arrive in Cuba on Monday despite the ongoing oil blockade imposed by the United States. Data from maritime monitoring firm Kpler confirms the vessel's scheduled arr...

KLM longs for Airbus A350: ‘Suitable for all geopolitical turbulence’

KLM is investing 7 billion euros in new aircraft, including the Airbus A350, to support long-term growth and navigate current geopolitical challenges. Despite facing difficulties from the pandemic's a...

Lively swapping at the Swapshare in Schalkwijk. ‘Great when someone else is happy with something you no longer use’

The Schalkwijk shopping center hosted a "Swapshare" event where visitors could trade items they no longer used for something new. The initiative encouraged community sharing and provided a lively atmo...

Furnishing caravans and testing tents: camping season begins. 'High fuel prices keep people in their own country'

The camping season has officially begun, with visitors at Camping Bakkum and throughout the region preparing their caravans and campsites for the year. High fuel prices are expected to contribute to a...

Taxi drivers in Duivendrecht feel powerless: ‘But not driving is not an option’

Netherlands considers building strategic gas reserves: 'If it goes well, it doesn't seem important. If it goes badly, you're too late'

The Netherlands is exploring the creation of strategic gas reserves as winter stocks hit their lowest level in a decade. This move comes amid increasing pressure on energy supplies due to the ongoing ...

Bare fields due to closed strait: Fertilizer shortage threatens global agriculture

The conflict involving Iran is causing significant disruptions in the supply of critical raw materials like fertilizer and helium, beyond the primary focus on oil and gas. These shortages pose a threa...

Customers say goodbye to Frank Evers' specialty tobacco shop after 98 years: It’s like a pub here, but for cigarettes

The tobacco specialty shop Vivant Frank Evers in Hillegom is closing its doors after 98 years of business. The shop is merging with a nearby Readshop, where long-time employee Leonie Rodewijk will con...

Wikipedia bans AI over errors: ‘Source turned out to be incorrect’

The English version of Wikipedia has banned the creation of articles using artificial intelligence due to recurring issues with factual accuracy and unreliable sourcing. Editors found that AI-generate...

For the first time in years, unions are attracting young people again: how do they do it?

For the first time in years, trade unions in the Netherlands are seeing an increase in younger members despite a general decline in total membership. Unions are now focusing on specific strategies to ...

Baron leaves behind €42.8 million estate, but battle erupts between his four daughters

Following the death of Baron Rolf Bentinck van Schoonheten, his four daughters have entered a legal battle over his estate, which is valued at 42.8 million euros. The dispute centers on the distributi...

What changes in public transport starting today

Amsterdam's transport operator GVB has launched a new timetable, which includes the discontinuation of tram line 3 and the extension of line 25 to Muiderpoortstation. Several bus routes are also being...

Older unemployed hit hard by increase in retirement age

The Dutch government's plan to raise the state pension age is creating significant difficulties for older unemployed individuals who struggle to find new work. Despite the requirement to work longer, ...

House hunters undeterred by war in Iran and rising energy prices: ‘You have no control over it anyway’

During the NVM Open House Day, home seekers in the Haarlem region reported that they remain undeterred by rising energy prices and geopolitical conflicts. Prospective buyers expressed that since these...

The Greenhouse | Foresight is hard to find in this energy crisis

Climate reporter Jeroen Kraan discusses the onset of a new energy crisis and criticizes the Dutch cabinet for its reluctance to implement energy-saving measures. He warns that the government may be wa...

This potato grower has no surplus, but 'next year it’s your turn'

Potato farmer Jan-Willem Buitenhuis is currently avoiding the impact of the European potato surplus due to a fixed-price contract, while other regional farmers face significant losses. To prepare for ...