Politics News in English
Latest politics headlines from Dutch news, translated into English.
Hillegom board installed: young faces and fresh energy. ‘I’ve been able to turn my hobby into my job’
Hillegom has inaugurated a new municipal executive, featuring one of the youngest groups of aldermen in the Netherlands. The installation occurred on Wednesday evening during the presentation of the t...
US federal government eases marijuana policy
The U.S. Department of Justice has reclassified marijuana from a Class I to a Class III drug, easing federal restrictions on the substance. Attorney General Todd Blanche stated that the change will ma...
Fewer cannabis plantations dismantled and far fewer drug waste dumping sites
Health Minister Hermans defends one hamburger a week: ‘People can choose for themselves whether to buy an apple or a banana’
Dutch Health Minister Sophie Hermans defended the updated 'Schijf van Vijf' nutritional guidelines against criticism from right-wing political parties who argue the advice prioritizes climate goals ov...
Amsterdam angry as Schiphol lowers fees due to fuel crisis: ‘A smaller airport only comes about through fair prices’
Zandvoort must take measures against noise nuisance at Theater De Krocht
The North Holland District Court has ordered the municipality of Zandvoort to implement measures within five months to address noise nuisance from Theater De Krocht. The ruling follows complaints abou...
Jetten welcomes Ukraine support package and new Russia sanctions
Premier Rob Jetten welcomed the adoption of a 90 billion euro European support package for Ukraine and new sanctions against Russia. He described the financial aid and measures as a very important ste...
Number of major rail disruptions on the rise
ProRail reported that 586 serious disruptions occurred on the Dutch rail network last year, marking an increase in major incidents. The rail manager also warned that performance targets for 2025, prev...
20th Russia sanctions package finalized after Hungary drops opposition
The European Union has approved its 20th package of sanctions against Russia after Hungary and Slovakia withdrew their opposition. This agreement mirrors previous instances where both countries initia...
UN: 30 million people fall back into extreme poverty due to war
The chief of the UN Development Programme, Alexander De Croo, warns that over 30 million people are falling back into extreme poverty due to the conflict involving Israel, the United States, and Iran....
Hungary and Slovakia receive Russian oil again
Hungary and Slovakia have resumed receiving Russian oil through the Druzhba pipeline following the completion of months of repairs. Deliveries began flowing through the Ukrainian section of the pipeli...
Iran war leads to even more expensive condoms in China, residents want to hoard
The conflict in Iran has caused condom prices to rise in China due to raw material shortages, according to manufacturer Karex. This price hike follows previous increases aimed at boosting population g...
Right-wing bill: scrap housing priority for status holders
Right-wing political groups, including Mona Keijzer and JA21, have submitted a bill to stop Dutch municipalities from prioritizing status holders for social housing. This initiative aims to reinstate ...
Man throws liquid at former Iranian crown prince in Berlin
Former Iranian Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi was targeted in a liquid attack following a meeting with politicians in Berlin. Although his suit was stained with a red substance, Pahlavi remained unharmed a...
Hungary lifts veto: Ukraine to receive 90 billion EU loan
European Union member states have agreed on a 90 billion euro loan for Ukraine after Hungary lifted its blockade on the funding. The first installment of 45 billion euros will be disbursed for 2026 to...
The newcomer's 'customer journey': stroopwafels, the button on the bus and endless stacks of forms
This article examines the complex administrative challenges and bureaucratic hurdles faced by newcomers arriving in the Netherlands. It highlights how individuals can become lost in the very system of...
Master plan for Hart voor Oostpoort adjusted
The city of Haarlem has updated the 'Hart voor Oostpoort' master plan after incorporating feedback from residents concerning traffic, parking, and public green spaces. Key adjustments include retainin...
AIVD concerned about rise in radicalized youth
The Dutch General Intelligence and Security Service (AIVD) has expressed concern over a rising number of young people radicalizing online through jihadist or right-wing extremist ideologies. AIVD chie...
AIVD: Russia increasingly aggressive, China building its own world order
The Dutch General Intelligence and Security Service (AIVD) warns in its 2025 annual report that Russia is adopting an increasingly aggressive stance toward Europe that will persist beyond the war in U...
AIVD sounds alarm more frequently over high-risk individuals and organizations
The Dutch General Intelligence and Security Service (AIVD) issued 93 official warnings regarding risky individuals and organizations in 2025, an increase from 73 the previous year. These alerts were s...
AIVD: Unprecedented threat landscape, national security under pressure
The Dutch General Intelligence and Security Service (AIVD) warns that national security is under unprecedented pressure from a complex and interconnected web of threats. Director Simone Smit stated th...
Velsen council temporarily shelves debate on FVD coalition participation, all parties to meet with independent mediator
The Velsen municipal council has temporarily halted discussions regarding the participation of Forum voor Democratie (FVD) in the local governing coalition after negotiations stalled. An independent m...
Red Cross volunteers attacked in South Lebanon
Red Cross volunteers were attacked on Wednesday during a rescue mission in Tayri, South Lebanon. Four teams were taken to the hospital for medical checks following the incident. The attack occurred in...
UN nuclear watchdog chief warns of new nuclear arms race
IAEA chief Rafael Grossi has warned that current global instability and conflicts could trigger a new international nuclear arms race. In an interview with The Telegraph, he suggested that the prevail...
Photo of family separated by ICE wins World Press Photo
American photographer Carol Guzy has won the World Press Photo of the Year award for her image depicting a family being separated by ICE agents. The winning photograph highlights the emotional impact ...
Data of nearly all Epe residents stolen in data breach
A data hack on March 12 at the municipality of Epe resulted in the theft of personal information belonging to nearly all its residents. Stolen data includes names, addresses, and social security numbe...
Iran receives first revenue from Strait of Hormuz toll
Iran has reportedly received its first revenue from tolls imposed on ships passing through the strategic Strait of Hormuz. This development was announced by a high-ranking Iranian parliamentary offici...
Court action over unanswered FOI requests regarding anti-asylum center protests in Heemskerk and Uitgeest
A Dutch newspaper is taking legal action after the municipalities of Heemskerk and Uitgeest failed to respond to public records requests regarding anti-refugee center demonstrations. The requests seek...
ICC to prosecute former Philippine President Duterte
The International Criminal Court has announced it will prosecute former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte for crimes against humanity. Duterte was extradited to the court in The Hague last year aft...
Senate approves ICE funding, end of shutdown in sight
The U.S. Senate has approved a funding plan for ICE and border security, signaling a potential end to the partial government shutdown. The proposal must now be passed by the House of Representatives t...