Economy News in English
Latest economy headlines from Dutch news, translated into English.
New row between Budapest and Kyiv over blocking Russian energy
Hungary and Ukraine are engaged in a new dispute regarding the supply of Russian fossil fuels. The Hungarian Foreign Minister has accused Ukraine of conducting several attacks on a pipeline that trans...
From Drachten to Arnhem: Zaanstad pursues suspicious window cleaners across the Netherlands
Since 2024, inspectors from Zaanstad have been conducting a nationwide investigation into rogue window cleaning companies suspected of fraud, illegal labor, and permit violations. Supervisors have tra...
Economic uncertainty remains 'very high' due to global tensions
The Dutch economy continues to grow steadily despite significant uncertainty caused by the conflict in the Middle East. The CPB advises that higher energy prices do not necessitate immediate governmen...
Gloomy forecasts: purchasing power stagnates, economic growth slows, inflation rises due to gas and oil
New forecasts from the Netherlands Bureau for Economic Policy Analysis (CPB) indicate that the Dutch economy is slowing down, with purchasing power expected to stagnate next year. Rising government de...
Alarming report: Middle East war causes largest oil market disruption ever
The International Energy Agency (IEA) reported that the conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran is causing the largest disruption to global oil supplies in history. This assessment, rel...
100 Dutch ships stuck in Persian Gulf, owners not yet evacuating crews
Dutch shipowners are currently choosing not to evacuate the crews of approximately one hundred ships stationed in the Persian Gulf and Middle East. A spokesperson for the Royal Association of Netherla...
Houses still very expensive, but prices rising more slowly
House prices in the Netherlands are rising at a slower pace this year due to an increase in available housing from rental sales and new construction. However, economists anticipate that price growth w...
New quality mark for unique businesses in the city center
Amsterdam has introduced a new quality mark called 'The Seal of Amsterdam' to honor local entrepreneurs who contribute to the city's unique character. The award recognizes business owners with a stron...
Rail traffic between China and North Korea resumes after six years
Passenger train services between China and North Korea have resumed for the first time in six years, according to Chinese state media. The cross-border rail link was originally suspended in 2020 due t...
'Pay later via this company? Never again!' Sleepless nights over Klarna and debt collection agency tactics. Calls for action grow louder
Swedish finance company Klarna is facing criticism for pressuring consumers and violating its own regulations through its 'buy now, pay later' services. Dutch politicians, regulators, and consumer org...
Study: More low-income households than affordable homes for the group
A recent study in the Amsterdam Metropolitan Region reveals a significant mismatch between household incomes and housing costs, with low-income households far outnumbering available affordable homes. ...
Record release from emergency reserves fails to calm oil market: prices continue to rise
Oil prices continued to rise on Thursday despite an announcement by International Energy Agency members to release 400 million barrels from emergency reserves. As part of this coordinated effort to st...
Belgium strikes: flights cancelled and transport chaos expected
Nationwide strikes in Belgium against austerity measures have led to the cancellation of all flights at Charleroi and Brussels airports. Authorities have also warned of significant transportation chao...
Many Dutch entrepreneurs see Trump's policies as biggest risk
Dutch entrepreneurs doing business internationally identify US President Donald Trump's trade policies as their most significant geopolitical challenge. Approximately half of these business owners rep...
Experts: accelerate energy transition and keep Groningen gas as a safety net
A group of 22 safety and energy experts recommends that the Netherlands accelerate its energy transition to reduce reliance on foreign energy imports. The experts suggest maintaining the Groningen gas...
Housing associations slam municipality: Bloemendaal is not a state within a state
Housing corporations Brederode Wonen and Pré Wonen have criticized the municipality of Bloemendaal for failing to increase its social housing stock. The organizations emphasized that Bloemendaal must...
Forty North Holland and Flevoland council groups demand end to expat tax breaks: 'Excessive pressure on housing market'
Forty local council factions from North Holland and Flevoland, led by Haarlem's PvdA, are calling on the Dutch Parliament to end the 30% tax break for expats. The group argues that the incentive place...
The most expensive petrol is in Wieringermeer, the cheapest in Amsterdam. These are the most affordable gas stations in North Holland
As fuel prices rise significantly, a report by Noordhollands Dagblad identifies Amsterdam as having the cheapest petrol in the province of North Holland. The study highlights the most affordable gas s...
US releases 172 million barrels of oil from strategic reserve
The United States will release 172 million barrels of oil from its strategic reserve over a 120-day period starting next week. U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright announced the move, which marks a sign...
Faster green transition makes the Netherlands more resilient to war
A group of 23 experts in energy and security argues that the Netherlands must accelerate its transition to sustainable energy to enhance national security and independence. They warn that in a world o...
Fuel tax cut would solve nothing structurally: ‘Inefficient blunt instrument’
In response to rising fuel prices caused by the conflict in Iran, Dutch politicians are increasingly calling for a reduction in gasoline excise duties. However, TNO researcher Peter Mulder warns that ...
Increasing share of Amsterdam region residents' income spent on housing costs
Netherlands once again doing too little to improve nature
A new report released on Thursday indicates that the Dutch government is failing to take sufficient action to improve nature quality in the Netherlands. Although some progress has been made, it remain...
Trump says he will release oil from US strategic reserve
US President Donald Trump has announced plans to release oil from the United States' strategic reserve. He expects that this action will help lower fuel prices for consumers.
Volkswagen misses out on billions, and that is good news for car buyers: Prices are going down
Volkswagen Group reported a 44 percent drop in profits to 6.9 billion euros, marking its worst performance since the emissions scandal. Despite the financial decline, the company remains stable, and c...
Anti-money laundering checks cost banks 1.6 billion in 2024, but results are unclear
An investigation by the Netherlands Court of Audit reveals that anti-money laundering checks cost banks 1.6 billion euros in 2024, though their effectiveness remains unclear. The report highlights tha...
Box 3 overhaul raises eyebrows in Parliament
The Dutch House of Representatives is expressing frustration and skepticism following Finance Minister Eelco Heinen's announcement that the recently approved wealth tax (box 3) legislation must be adj...
Scammers target 6,000 Bastion Hotels guests with stolen information
Scammers targeted approximately 6,000 guests of the Bastion Hotels chain with phishing messages after obtaining their personal information. The data breach was triggered when an employee clicked on a ...
Saving energy is simple, says tipster Saskia. Defrosting in the fridge is cheaper
Saskia Buurman from Soest has provided simple energy-saving tips to the Ombudsteam to help people manage rising energy costs. Her suggestions include effortless methods such as defrosting food inside ...
Middle-income earners squeezed in Amsterdam rental market
Middle-income earners in Amsterdam are increasingly struggling in the rental market due to rising prices and a declining supply of private rental properties. A biennial housing report by the city indi...