Politics News in English
Latest politics headlines from Dutch news, translated into English.
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...
Netherlands also asks Israel not to expand death penalty
The Netherlands has joined Germany, France, Italy, and the United Kingdom in calling on Israel not to expand the use of the death penalty. Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen announced the country's suppor...
Elected district council member not allowed to take seat on behalf of Leefbaar
Patricia Reichman, an elected district council member for Leefbaar Rotterdam in the Blijdorp-Bergpolder-Liskwartier area, will not be allowed to represent the party in her seat. The party spokesperson...
Ukraine apologizes to Finland for fallen drones
Ukraine has apologized to Finland after two drones crashed on Finnish territory on Sunday morning. The drones were reportedly intended for targets in Russia and were not aimed at Finland.
Spain closes airspace to US aircraft attacking Iran
Spain has closed its airspace to United States aircraft involved in military strikes against Iran, according to reports from El País. This move follows the Spanish government's earlier refusal to all...
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 ...
Number of asylum seekers in Ter Apel falls, but remains above 2,000
The number of asylum seekers at the Ter Apel registration center decreased to 2,053 over the weekend, though it remains above the 2,000-person limit. According to the Central Agency for the Reception ...
Haarlem Model United Nations shows playing diplomat can lead to dilemmas: ‘Hard to represent a country you disagree with’
Students participating in the Haarlem Model United Nations (HMUN) face ethical dilemmas when tasked with representing countries whose policies they personally disagree with. The event highlights the c...
Council of State does not reject ban on glorification of terrorism
The Dutch Council of State has issued a mild advisory on a proposed bill that would ban the glorification of terrorism, choosing not to reject the plan. The advisory body requested that Justice Minist...
Russia expels British diplomat over espionage allegations
Russia has ordered a British diplomat to leave the country within two weeks following accusations of espionage by the FSB security service. The British chargé d'affaires in Moscow was summoned to pro...
Regime text messages and death threats: Iranian asylum seekers feel unsafe even in the Netherlands
Iranian asylum seekers in the Netherlands report receiving death threats and intimidating messages from the Iranian regime, which targets dissidents even after they have fled abroad. These individuals...
Is the 'Mona Keijzer brand' strong enough to start her own party?
Mona Keijzer has officially split from the BBB party, leading to speculation about whether she will start her own political party or join another group. Observers and residents in her hometown believe...
Martin Bosma is an ‘ordinary’ MP again, but he still can't get used to it
Martin Bosma has returned to his role as a regular Member of Parliament for the PVV after serving as the House Speaker. While he has resumed his political challenges against opponents, he admits to mi...
Cabinet to allow doctoral degrees at universities of applied sciences
Dutch Education Minister Rianne Letschert has proposed a new law to introduce doctoral degrees for students at universities of applied sciences (HBO) following practice-oriented research. The legislat...
Many cyclists dismount and walk through Korte Houtstraat: 'I don't feel like an argument every time'
The Korte Houtstraat has officially implemented a cycling ban following requests from residents for physical barriers, which the municipality rejected to ensure emergency vehicle access. Many cyclists...
America suffered a heavy defeat and Mart Smeets wonders: Does Donald Trump see his USA winning the World Cup?
Mart Smeets reflects on the history of controversial World Cup tournaments and the recent performance of the United States team. He points out that controversy is a common element in international foo...
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...
NYT: US used untested missiles in attack on Iranian school
The Pentagon reportedly used missiles that had not been combat-tested during a lethal strike on an Iranian sports hall and school on February 28. These findings, reported by The New York Times, are ba...
HRW: Iran used illegal cluster bombs in attacks on Israel
Human Rights Watch reports that the Iranian government has repeatedly used illegal cluster bombs in attacks on Israel since February 28. These attacks have resulted in at least four civilian deaths, w...
Court: Mayor was allowed to fine Haarlem business for oversized terrace
A judge has ruled that Haarlem Mayor Jos Wienen was authorized to impose a penalty on restaurant Markd for maintaining an oversized terrace on Damstraat. The court confirmed that the mayor acted withi...
Toos & Henk - March 30
Cartoonist Paul Kusters offers a daily perspective on current events through his comic series, Toos & Henk. New installments are published every week from Monday through Saturday.
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...
China resumes flights to North Korea after six years
Air China resumed flights between Beijing and Pyongyang on Monday after a six-year suspension. This development, confirmed by tracking data, restores a key air link between the national capitals of Ch...
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...
Amnesty warns of human rights violations at World Cup
Amnesty International has warned of serious human rights risks associated with the 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The tournament, scheduled for June and...
UNIFIL peacekeepers injured in southern Lebanon attack
Several UNIFIL peacekeepers were wounded during an attack in South Lebanon. The incident was confirmed by a UNIFIL spokesperson to Lebanon's state-run National News Agency.
Person injured in fight at asylum seekers' center in Southeast
A man was injured and hospitalized following a fight involving four people at an asylum seekers center on Hogehilweg in Amsterdam-Zuidoost. Emergency services responded to the scene after 9:30 PM, but...
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...
Abbenes to get second-hand bicycle bridge with poem on the side
The municipality of Haarlemmermeer is installing a second-hand bicycle bridge over the Hoofdvaart canal near Abbenes. The bridge will feature a poem on its side written by local polder poet Leo Richar...