Politics News in English
Latest politics headlines from Dutch news, translated into English.
640 million euros paid out in earthquake zone last year
The Institute for Mining Damage Groningen (IMG) paid out nearly 640 million euros in compensation to the earthquake zone over the past year. This figure represents a slight decrease from the previous ...
Uncertainty over large part of Iran's missile arsenal
Despite weeks of airstrikes by the United States and Israel, uncertainty remains regarding the status of Iran's missile arsenal. Sources indicate that US officials can only confirm the destruction of ...
Treasury cannot really handle the blow of war in Iran
The Dutch government's spring memorandum reveals that the national treasury lacks a financial buffer to withstand potential economic shocks caused by a conflict in Iran by 2027. This lack of reserves ...
Wienen: Haarlem cafes allowed to extend opening hours during World Cup in America
Mayor Wienen has announced that cafes in Haarlem will be permitted to extend their opening hours to broadcast World Cup matches held in America this summer. The mayor clarified that current regulation...
Youth Protection files police report after shared client file screenshots
The Amsterdam branch of Youth Protection has filed a police report against an employee for sharing screenshots of a client's confidential file on social media. The employee's contract was terminated f...
Judiciary: Ban on face coverings at protests too invasive
The Dutch Council for the Judiciary has expressed strong criticism of a legislative proposal to ban face-covering clothing during protests. The council argues that criminalizing such attire conflicts ...
Cabinet sleepwalking through energy crisis
The Dutch cabinet is facing criticism for its perceived inaction regarding rising fuel prices that are negatively impacting motorists in the Netherlands. Critics argue that the government incorrectly ...
Hamas receives disarmament plan from Peace Council
The international Council for Peace has proposed a plan requiring Hamas to fully disarm and destroy its Gaza Strip tunnel infrastructure within eight months. Israel maintains that this disarmament is ...
Place fences instead of signs in Korte Houtstraat to enforce cycling ban
A new proposal suggests installing physical fences instead of signs to enforce the bicycle ban in the Korte Houtstraat in Haarlem. The public is invited to share their opinions on this measure as part...
'No-cycling signs don’t work. That’s why we want gates at the end of Korte Houtstraat'
Residents of Korte Houtstraat are requesting physical barriers to enforce a cycling ban that is currently being ignored, creating dangerous conditions in the narrow street. They argue that existing pr...
Badhoevedorp to implement temporary measure to combat parking nuisance, but which one? 'I'm against wrecks in my street, but also against paid parking'
The municipality of Haarlemmermeer is proposing temporary parking measures for northern Badhoevedorp to address local nuisance while a broader policy is developed. Residents will vote on whether to im...
Higher flower and plant prices offset falling sales at FloraHolland: 'Continuing to resist proposed tulip tax'
Royal FloraHolland is actively opposing a proposed VAT increase on flowers and plants, warning that this "tulip tax" could lead to significant revenue losses and job cuts. While higher prices currentl...
Kremlin denies report that Putin asked businessmen for money
The Kremlin has denied reports that President Vladimir Putin requested financial support from wealthy businessmen during a meeting on Thursday. According to a spokesperson, one unnamed businessman vol...
Should another artwork be added to the Velsen council chamber? New council members now have their say
The Velsen municipal council is tasked with deciding whether to commission a new artwork for its council chamber following a renovation in the summer of 2024. After a tapestry was removed, the incomin...
IJburg home closed for three months after discovery of cannabis farm
Amsterdam Mayor Femke Halsema has closed a residence in the IJburg neighborhood for three months following the discovery of a professional cannabis plantation containing 605 plants. Police found the i...
Heerschop to lead Heemskerk coalition formation again, parties want to talk with everyone
Karen Heerschop has been appointed as an independent explorer to lead the coalition formation process in Heemskerk. She previously served as an informateur and formateur for the city's last coalition ...
FVD: no policy to refuse candidates with preferential votes
Forum for Democracy (FVD) has denied having a policy that prevents candidates elected via preferential votes from taking their seats in local councils. The party issued this statement after candidates...
Israel announces intensification of attacks on Iran
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has announced that Israel will intensify its military strikes on Iran. This move follows reports that Iran has not stopped its rocket attacks against Israeli civil...
Free anti-scam doorbell stickers distributed in North Holland
Police and local municipalities in North Holland are offering free doorbell stickers to help residents prevent fraud. This initiative aims to reduce the number of scam victims by providing a visual re...
Cartoonist Jip van den Toorn to deliver 2026 Arondéus Lecture on freedom: 'What are we furious about today? And what are we doing about it?'
Cartoonist Jip van den Toorn will deliver the 2026 Willem Arondéus Lecture on May 7 at the Grote of St. Bavokerk in Haarlem. Organized by the Provincial Council of North Holland, the annual lecture w...
UNICEF: more than 120 children killed and 360,000 displaced in Lebanon
UNICEF reports that 121 children have been killed and nearly 400 injured following Israeli attacks in Lebanon. Additionally, more than 360,000 children are among the one million people currently displ...
Austria also introduces social media ban for young people
The Austrian government has announced plans to implement a mandatory minimum age of 14 for social media platform usage. Digitalization State Secretary Alexander Pröll confirmed the measure, which aim...
Netherlands does not support UN slavery resolution due to legal objections
The Netherlands abstained from voting on a UN resolution that classifies the slave trade as the most serious crime against humanity, citing legal concerns. Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen stated that t...
Yeşilgöz: Private jet trip truly necessary, easyJet doesn't land there
Dutch Defense Minister Dilan Yeşilgöz defended her use of a private jet to visit the frigate Zr. Ms. Evertsen on Cyprus, stating the trip was necessary for its mission in the Mediterranean. Speaking...
BBB members gather in Barneveld but outcome is certain: Mona will not return
Members of the BoerBurgerBeweging (BBB) party are meeting in Barneveld to vote on a motion aimed at reconciling Mona Keijzer with the party leadership. Despite the scheduled vote, a return is consider...
Minister calls ban on Grok undressing feature a good signal
Dutch Justice Minister David van Weel welcomed a ruling by an Amsterdam court to ban the 'undressing' function of the AI chatbot Grok. The minister described the decision as a positive signal for vict...
Coalition without D66 is suddenly a serious option in Amsterdam
Hardenberg asylum center still in use, new penalty for COA
The Central Agency for the Reception of Asylum Seekers (COA) must pay a third consecutive daily penalty of €55,000 for keeping an asylum center in Hardenberg open. The municipality is enforcing the ...
‘Protesting’ crosswalk on Roetersstraat meant to slow down cars: ‘Sometimes they drive 80 km/h here’
Moscow denies accusations of aiding Iran
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has denied allegations that Russia provides intelligence to Iran for attacks on U.S. targets in the Middle East. During an interview with French television, Lavr...