Politics News in English
Latest politics headlines from Dutch news, translated into English.

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...

Pentagon reports 140 soldiers wounded in war
The Pentagon reported that approximately 140 U.S. service members have been injured during the conflict with Iran. Most of the injuries are described as minor according to a spokesperson speaking to R...

British warship en route to Mediterranean after Cyprus attack
The British navy ship HMS Dragon has departed Portsmouth for the Mediterranean Sea to strengthen regional defenses following a drone attack on a UK base in Cyprus earlier this month. This deployment f...

Zelensky reports deployment of Ukrainian drone experts in Middle East
Ukrainian military experts are being deployed to Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia to assist in defending against Iranian drone attacks. President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed the miss...
Amsterdam business owners concerned about safety in the city: ‘Never seen it this bad’

Daan Wijnants (VVD) wants higher littering fines, including for deposit hunters: "I don't feel sorry for them at all"
VVD leader Daan Wijnants has proposed stricter measures and higher fines to combat Amsterdam's waste problem ahead of the municipal elections. He specifically called for a 250 euro fine for deposit hu...

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...

Trump administration withdraws autism drug recommendation
The Trump administration has retracted its recommendation for using leucovorin to treat autism, citing a lack of sufficient evidence for its effectiveness. This decision marks a reversal of previous g...

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 ...

'China wants to erase us': Tibetans claim their land with an ancient world map
Dutch Tibetans unveiled an ancient European world map showing Tibet during a demonstration at Amsterdam's Dam Square on March 10. The protest aimed to counter Chinese efforts to erase Tibet's history ...

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...

Canada steps up security at US and Israeli embassies
Canada has increased security measures at U.S. and Israeli embassies and consulates throughout the country. This decision follows a shooting incident at the American consulate in Toronto.

BBB switches to Meloni’s more right-wing group in European Parliament
The Dutch party BBB is moving its affiliation in the European Parliament from the center-right EPP to the more right-wing European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) group. This group includes Italian...

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...

Israel wants 'no endless war' with Iran
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar stated that the country is not seeking an endless war with Iran. The declaration emphasizes that Israel does not want to remain in a state of prolonged military co...

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...

Dutch Parliament votes against disability care cuts
The Dutch House of Representatives has voted against the new cabinet's proposed budget cuts for disability care. The motion passed with a narrow majority of 75 to 74 votes, effectively blocking the pl...

Minister wants to end residence permits for fake parent fraud
Asylum Minister Bart van den Brink announced plans to revoke the residence permits of migrants who obtained them through fraudulent parentage claims. The minister stated during a parliamentary session...
Sportpark Brasa in Amsterdam-Southeast to go ahead despite resident protests: space for hockey and American football
D66 parliamentary leader Paternotte: maternity leave cut off the table
D66 parliamentary leader Jan Paternotte has announced that the proposed reduction in benefits for women on maternity leave will be scrapped. He emphasized that policy should not discourage women from ...
No second parking referendum in Haarlem, judge rules: 'Vote is not well-founded'
A judge has ruled that a second parking referendum will not take place in Haarlem for now, rejecting a request from Edwin Vermaire of Haarlem Betaald Parkeren. The court in Amsterdam determined that t...

Want to attend the major AT5 final debate at Meervaart Theater? Sign up now!
AT5 will host a live final debate on March 17 at Theater Meervaart in Amsterdam featuring eleven political parties ahead of the municipal elections. Members of the public can apply for tickets to atte...

PVV and Markuszower Group disagree on one in five motions
The Markuszower Group has voted differently from the PVV on more than 20% of motions since its split from the party. Data from the Dutch House of Representatives reveals that the two groups disagreed ...

Allies scrape together more Patriot missiles for Ukraine
Allies, including the Netherlands, are providing 35 additional Patriot interceptor missiles to Ukraine to help defend against Russian bombings. These resources were sourced from national stockpiles to...