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

Dutch Cabinet critical of US decision to ease Russia sanctions
The Dutch cabinet has criticized the United States' decision to temporarily ease oil sanctions against Russia. Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen stated that international pressure on Russia should be inc...

Hegseth: Iran's Supreme Leader likely mutilated
U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth announced during a Friday press conference that Iran's recently elected supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, is injured and reportedly mutilated. Hegseth provided n...
How the Rotterdam city council became a springboard to The Hague: ‘First I was in charge of the Lijnbaan, then the whole of the Netherlands’
Several prominent national politicians, including Minister Vincent Karremans and Stephan van Baarle, gained essential experience in the Rotterdam city council before transitioning to national politics...

British government seeks quick start to 'golden age' for nuclear energy
The British government aims to accelerate the construction of nuclear power plants by significantly overhauling existing regulations. This plan includes easing nature conservation rules, a move that h...

Haarlem must refill its filled-in canals with water
A proposition suggests that the city of Haarlem should refill its previously filled-in canals with water. The article invites readers to share their opinions and vote on the matter.

Renouncing US passport much cheaper after legal battle
The US government has significantly reduced the fee for renouncing citizenship from $2,350 to $450 following a legal dispute. This change provides financial relief to Dutch Americans seeking a certifi...

Cuba confirms talks with US over possible deal
The Cuban Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that Cuba and the United States recently held discussions aimed at finding common ground for potential collaboration and shared interests. Cuba expresse...

Brussels not considering easing EU sanctions against Russia
The European Commission and the European Council have stated they will not ease sanctions against Russia despite the United States' decision to lift certain oil export restrictions. European leaders e...

Four suspects arrested after explosion at Rotterdam synagogue
Four individuals have been arrested on suspicion of involvement in an explosion at a synagogue in Rotterdam. The incident occurred at the A.B.N. Davidsplein location during the night between Thursday ...

Politics on the Amstel: Will the coalition stay in power or will Amsterdam change course?
Journalists from AT5, Het Parool, and De Telegraaf discuss the final week of political campaigning in Amsterdam, covering topics such as tourism, the cannabis ban, and local community issues. The revi...
Controversial bill: minor criminals to be allowed as crown witnesses
The Dutch government plans to expand the crown witness regulation to allow smaller criminals to testify against major crime figures. Minister of Justice David van Weel is moving forward with the contr...

French soldier killed by Iranian drone
A French soldier was killed and several others were injured during a drone attack in Iraqi Kurdistan on Thursday evening. Colonel François-Xavier de la Chesnais confirmed that the attack was carried ...

Municipality intervenes in rental of student complex in Zuidoost
The municipality of Amsterdam has imposed fines totaling €45,000 on the manager of a large student complex in the Zuidoost district. The enforcement action consists of multiple orders subject to per...

Bolsonaro admitted to hospital again
Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has been hospitalized after experiencing chills and vomiting. His son, Flávio Bolsonaro, reported the news on social media, stating that the former leader wa...

Turkish ship passes Strait of Hormuz with Iran's permission
A Turkish-owned cargo ship successfully passed through the Strait of Hormuz after receiving permission from Iranian authorities. According to Turkey's Transport Minister, Abdulkadir Uraloglu, fourteen...

UN chief in Beirut for ‘solidarity visit’
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has arrived in Beirut for a solidarity visit to support the people of Lebanon. He emphasized that the Lebanese population did not choose the ongoing war but was ...

Municipality imposes penalty on student housing provider for excessive deposits and unclear service charges
The municipality of Amsterdam has imposed penalty payments on the manager of the HiCondo student housing complex for charging excessive deposits and unclear service costs. The housing provider faces f...

Why are Haarlem's Waarderpolder and Reinaldapark being designated as residential locations again?
Haarlem aims to construct 15,000 new homes by 2035 across seven designated development zones, though debates persist regarding building in the Waarderpolder business park and Reinaldapark. City archit...

Merz criticizes US sanctions relief for Russia
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has criticized the United States' decision to ease sanctions against Russia, calling the move a wrong decision regardless of the reasoning behind it.

IJmond and North Sea Canal Area environmental services investigate merger following recommendation
The IJmond and Noordzeekanaalgebied environmental services in North Holland are exploring a potential merger following recommendations from advisor Onno Hoes. A decision on the merger's added value is...
Jaitsen Singh (81) transferred to the Netherlands after 41 years in US prison

Dutch troops withdrawn from Erbil in Northern Iraq
Dutch soldiers stationed in Erbil, Iraq, have been evacuated due to deteriorating security conditions in the region. Defense Minister Dilan Yeşilgöz announced the withdrawal on Friday following a dr...

Turkey: NATO systems shot down third missile from Iran
NATO air defense systems have intercepted a third ballistic missile launched from Iran targeting Turkey. The Turkish Ministry of Defense reported that the missile was successfully downed over the east...

Brabant wants to continue with Adema as King's Commissioner
The Provincial Council of North Brabant has nominated Ina Adema for a second six-year term as the King's Commissioner. Adema, who has served in the role since 2020, awaits final approval from the Dutc...

At least four US tanker aircraft crew members killed in Iraq
At least four crew members of a U.S. tanker aircraft died when the plane crashed in western Iraq on Thursday. While the Islamic Resistance in Iraq claimed the incident was an attack, the U.S. Central ...

Health ministers still considering what disability care motion 'means'
Health Minister Sophie Hermans and colleague Mirjam Sterk are evaluating the impact of a parliamentary motion against budget cuts in disabled care. They intend to determine how this decision will infl...

Iran recovers bodies from Sri Lanka after Iranian ship sinks
Iran is repatriating the bodies of 84 crew members from the sunken warship IRIS Dena from Sri Lanka this Friday. The vessel was destroyed last week by a U.S. attack off the Sri Lankan coast.
For the first time there is a chance to defeat Orbán, says Budapest mayor during brief Amsterdam visit

Israeli Ambassador: synagogue arson very disturbing
The Israeli ambassador to the Netherlands, Zvi Aviner Vapni, described the arson attack on a synagogue in Rotterdam as very disturbing. He called for a firm stance against hatred and emphasized the im...

Iranians take to the streets for Jerusalem Day despite war
Thousands of Iranians participated in anti-Israel demonstrations across various cities to mark the annual al-Quds Day, also known as Jerusalem Day. The large-scale protests took place despite the ongo...