Politics News in English

Dutch government apologizes for role in forced adoptions

The Dutch cabinet has announced formal apologies to mothers and children affected by forced adoptions for the government's role in these past actions. State Secretary Claudia van Bruggen informed the ...

French cement company found guilty of financing terrorism in Syria

The French cement company Lafarge has been found guilty of financing terrorist organizations, including ISIS, by paying 5.6 million euros during the Syrian civil war. This landmark ruling represents t...

Rutte looks forward to 'strengthening' NATO with new Hungarian government

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte spoke with incoming Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar to express his commitment to strengthening the alliance. This diplomatic outreach follows the conclusion of...

Prosecutors demand 30 hours community service for ON presenter Blommestijn on appeal

The Dutch Public Prosecutor's Office has demanded a 60-hour community service sentence, half of which is suspended, in an appeal against Ongehoord Nederland presenter Raisa Blommestijn. Blommestijn wa...

Prosecutors demand 60 hours of community service for Raisa Blommestijn over tweets

The Dutch Public Prosecution Service has demanded a 60-hour community service sentence, with 30 hours suspended, against presenter Raisa Blommestijn in an appeal case. Blommestijn is facing charges of...

Castricum wants farmers to stop using glyphosate over potential health risks

The municipality of Castricum has requested that the farmers' organization LTO urge its members to stop using the herbicide glyphosate due to potential health risks. While LTO Noord has agreed to dist...

Another attack on Red Cross aid workers in Lebanon

A Red Cross center in the Lebanese city of Tyre was attacked on Monday, resulting in one fatality and damage to emergency vehicles. The International Committee of the Red Cross has expressed grave con...

King's Day is coming: these are the new rules in Amsterdam

Mayor Halsema has introduced new regulations for King's Day in Amsterdam to manage overcrowding and illegal alcohol sales, including reinstating passenger limits on boats. Festivals on the city's outs...

Maximum of two terms for prime minister

Hungarian opposition leader Péter Magyar intends to amend the constitution to limit prime ministers to a maximum of two terms. This proposal follows his Tisza party's election victory over nationalis...

Long lines at Schiphol arrivals due to new digital border control

Long queues formed at Schiphol Airport on Monday for arriving passengers due to delays with the new European electronic entry system. The Royal Military Police reported that registering travelers in t...

Children can sign up for the children's council again: 'You learn new things'

The city of Amsterdam is recruiting new members for its children's council, which represents the voices of youth from every district in groups 7 and 8. Council members discuss topics such as outdoor p...

Less than half of the Dutch have an emergency kit at home

Currently, only 44 percent of Dutch households have an emergency kit at home. Justice and Security Minister David van Weel emphasized that more work is needed to improve preparedness among the populat...

US warns ships of imminent blockade

The United States military has issued a warning to seafarers regarding an upcoming maritime blockade in the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. Starting at 16:00 Dutch time, the blockade will apply to s...

Four people taken off ship in IJmuiden

Four stowaways were removed from a ship at the IJmuiden lock complex on Sunday afternoon. Authorities intervened to take the individuals off the vessel as it was positioned within the locks.

Cabinet considers lower road tax due to fuel prices

The Dutch cabinet is considering a temporary reduction in road tax to help motorists cope with high fuel prices during the current energy crisis. This proposal is one of several measures being discuss...

Von der Leyen: No Middle East security if Lebanon burns

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has called for an immediate end to attacks on Lebanon, stating that regional stability is impossible while the country is in conflict. She warned tha...

European Commission to unveil package to tackle high energy prices next Wednesday

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced that a package of measures to address high energy prices will be presented next Wednesday. The proposal follows consultations with all Euro...

House of Representatives to close due to staff strike, Senate remains in session

The Dutch House of Representatives is forced to clear its agenda on Tuesday due to striking civil servants, while the Senate will continue its scheduled debate on asylum laws. This unprecedented closu...

Prosecution does not doubt truthfulness of Weski's 'initial reactions'

The Dutch Public Prosecution Service (OM) stated it does not doubt the truthfulness of statements made by former lawyer Inez Weski immediately following her April 2023 arrest. During her trial, prosec...

Russia wants good ties with Hungary after election result

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that Russia intends to maintain positive relations with Hungary following the election victory of opposition leader Péter Magyar over Prime Minister Viktor O...

Council of Churches calls on Senate for humanity

The Dutch Council of Churches has called on the Senate to prioritize humanity during upcoming debates and votes on new asylum legislation. Representative Derk Stegeman expressed concern over the poten...

Yeşilgöz does not envision participation in Hormuz blockade

Dutch Defense Minister Dilan Yeşilgöz has stated that the Netherlands is unlikely to participate in a U.S.-led blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. She argued that following President Donald Trump's pl...

Incapacitated workers sometimes wait over a year for UWV assessment

Waiting times for disability assessments by the Dutch employee insurance agency (UWV) have increased, with delays exceeding one year in some regions. A spokesperson for the agency confirmed that the c...

AFM urges consumers to build financial buffers against geopolitical uncertainty

The Netherlands Authority for the Financial Markets (AFM) has advised consumers and financial sector companies to build financial buffers to protect against economic uncertainty and geopolitical tensi...

Foundation problems a major blow for homeowners

Pope after Trump criticism: I will continue to speak out for peace

Pope Leo has stated his commitment to continue speaking out against war despite criticism from U.S. President Donald Trump. The Pope made these comments during a flight to Algeria, which marks the beg...

Electric trucks gain ground due to diesel crisis and environmental regulations

Although electric trucks currently represent only 1.5% of the total fleet in the Netherlands, their adoption is expected to increase rapidly due to record-high diesel prices and falling vehicle costs....

Russian rock legend plays for a thousand compatriots at Patronaat; Boris Grebenshikov: 'I don't see myself as an exile'

Russian rock legend Boris Grebenshikov performed for a crowd of one thousand compatriots at the Patronaat venue in Haarlem. During the event, Grebenshikov stated that he does not view himself as an ex...

Hardenberg asylum center remains open, fines exceed €1 million

The asylum seekers center in Hardenberg remains operational despite a municipal order to close it more than a month ago. As of Monday, 280 residents stay at the facility, while total fines for non-com...

Fuel in Germany becomes temporarily cheaper due to government intervention

The German government has announced a temporary two-month reduction in taxes on diesel and gasoline to combat rising fuel prices. This intervention, announced on Monday, is designed to provide immedia...