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Amsterdam police urgently search for 29-year-old woman after she left with unknown man
Police are urgently looking for a 29-year-old Hajar, who was last seen on Sunday, October 4, near the RAI in Amsterdam-Zuid. Officers report Hajar cycled away with an unknown man toward Buitenveldert. “Police and Hajar’s family are seriously concerned about her well-being,” the officers stated.
Bus and train services uncertain as regional transport strike begins Wednesday
Passengers using regional public transport companies on Wednesday should expect delays and cancelations of trains and buses due to the national strike in regional public transport. But what the exact impact of the strike will be is still unclear on Tuesday, transport companies have said.
Dutch seal rescue center weeks away from bankruptcy
The Dutch seal sanctuary WEC, formerly called the Pieterburen Seal Center, is on the brink of financial collapse. The rescue center for seals in trouble will go bankrupt within two weeks without support, director Bas Wemmenhove said in a statement on Monday.
Netherlands to drop 13-week ultrasound for pregnant women from 2028
The government has decided not to continue the current pilot with the 13-week ultrasound for pregnant women to detect congenital abnormalities, Health Minister Sophie Hermans informed parliament. From January 1, 2028, pregnant women in the Netherlands will no longer have access to this scan unless specifically referred for it, NOS reports.
Terrorism suspect caught near Rotterdam; Planned mass attack on “concrete target”
A 20-year-old man from Capelle aan den IJssel will remain in pretrial detention for an additional 14 days, an investigating judge ruled on Friday. He is suspected of threatening and preparing a terrorist offense, the Public Prosecution Service (OM) reports.“On Monday, October 5, police received a tip indicating that the man had said he wanted to carry out an attack and kill as many people as possible. He is said to have named a possible specific target,” the OM said.
Dutch organization preparing lawsuit after Meta refuses to stop selling AI glasses
Meta sees no reason to withdraw its AI glasses from the market, Alex Himmel, head of Meta’s eyewear division, announced on Monday, while wearing the glasses himself. And so, advocacy group Offlimits is taking legal action to get the glasses removed from Dutch stores. The organization against online sexual abuse confirmed to NL Times that they’re working on summary proceedings and anticipate an emergency hearing, possibly on Wednesday or Thursday.
Young people talk more about mental health, but 1 in 6 lose friends over the openness
Young people are finding it increasingly easier to talk about mental health, though for one-third it still feels like a taboo, according to the annual survey by the EenVandaag Youth Panel, in collaboration with the MIND Foundation. However, the panel also found that 1 in 6 of the people surveyed stopped being friends with someone because they were too open about their mental health.
Second panda cub born at Dutch zoo moving to China at the end of this month
Lang Yue, the giant panda cub born at Ouwehands Dierenpark in July 2024, will move to China at the end of October.
NHG: Buyers of low energy label homes now have to borrow more for sustainability
Buyers of homes with a poor energy rating who want to make use of the National Mortgage Guarantee (NHG) will, from now on, have to borrow more for sustainability measures. The NHG announced on Tuesday that it will automatically add €20,00 to the loan to cover the necessary sustainability measures. The NHG loan limit is also increasing to €500,000, the organization reported.
Albert Heijn outage very likely a cyber attack, experts say
Cybersecurity experts consider it very likely that the “cybersecurity incident” at Albert Heijn was a cyberattack. Hackers likely broke into parent company Ahold Delhaize’s systems, experts told NOS and Nieuwsuur.
Belgian football talent recruited “soldiers” for Overasselt attack
One of the recruiters for the fatal shooting in Overasselt last month, when a large group of heavily armed men entered the village and shot dead a security guard at a suspected drug criminal’s home, is Belgian Joas N.
Participants of Almere Pride Walk threatened, harassed; Police investigating
The police have received several reports of people being threatened and harassed during the Pride Walk in Almere on Friday. Participants in the walk were spat on and verbally abused. The organizer was also nearly hit by a car, Omroep Flevoland reported. The police are investigating, speaking to witnesses and reviewing camera footage.
“IT incident” knocks out site, app of Albert Heijn & subsidiary brands; No online orders
The websites and apps of Albert Heijn and subsidiary brands Etos and Gall & Gall have been down since Sunday evening due to an “IT incident,” Albert Heijn reported on Monday morning. No online orders are possible at this time.
Two killed, two hurt in traffic accident on N233 near Kesteren
Two people were killed, and two were injured in a serious accident on the N233 near Kesteren on Sunday night. The highway was closed for hours while emergency services worked. The accident happened around 11:00 p.m. Two vehicles collided for reasons yet to be determined, De Gelderlander reported. One car ended up upside down on the roadside verge; the other came to a standstill sideways across the road.
Dutch restaurant, cafe bills to rise by 4.5% next year, experts say
Prices at Dutch restaurants and cafes will rise next year by about 4.5 percent, the FoodService Institute Netherlands (FSIN) expects. The institute already sees higher prices this year in the hospitality sector, supermarkets, and specialty stores, which has been making consumers somewhat more critical.When counting the supermarkets and specialty stores in, the expected price increase drops to 3.5 percent. Overall, the revenue from the entire hospitality sector is projected to grow by 3.6 percent.
Transavia to end Rotterdam-Bergerac route, alarming Dutch community in France
Transavia will discontinue its Rotterdam - Bergerac route next spring, a decision that has alarmed the roughly 30,000 Dutch residents of France’s Périgord region and prompted protests. The route, which carries around 42,000 passengers a year, has long been a vital link for the community, De Telegraaf reports.Residents and regular travellers reportedly say the cancellation will cut off an important practical link that has been relied on for years. The situation feels like a “disaster” to some, De Telegraaf reports.
Foreign Minister criticizes deal with Trump that lets Russia profit on diesel sales
Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen criticized the agreement U.S. President Donald Trump reached with Russia on supplying diesel, as European NATO allies have instead been trying to increase the economic pressure on Moscow. “It is not wise to conclude deals of this kind,” the CDA minister said on the television program Buitenhof.
Dutch government allowed to halt controversial Long Covid treatment, court rules
The Minister of Health may require the clinic Excellent Care Clinics (ECC) in Velsen-Noord to stop a long covid treatment in which patients inject themselves with lidocaine at home. The Noord-Holland District Court ruled this on Thursday. There is currently no scientific evidence for this use of lidocaine. The ECC, which specializes in pain treatment, has been using it for pain relief for years. However, a new application of it that was used for the home treatment of long covid is not registered.
Thousand protesters march through Amsterdam in national pro-Palestinian demonstration
Around 3:30 p.m., approximately one thousand demonstrators, participating in the national pro-Palestinian protest on the Dam in Amsterdam, began their march through the city center. The march was organized by Plant een Olijfboom.
Women’s football faces budget cuts, talent exodus ahead of World Cup playoffs
The Dutch women’s national team is still to qualify for the World Cup, raising concerns. Budgets are shrinking, and talents are relocating abroad in large numbers, NU.nl reports. “We’re lagging behind the rest,” said Leonne Stentler, a former Dutch international.
Northern lights appear in parts of the country, but only on camera
Between the rain showers last night and overnight, the northern lights were visible in some parts of the country. The so-called photographic northern lights were not visible to the naked eye but could be captured through a camera lens. People reportedly had an especially high chance of capturing the lights in the southern half of the Netherlands. Photos of the phenomenon came in from Gelderland, Zuid-Holland, and Limburg, NOS Ooggetuige reported.
Rotterdam-Delft trains still halted until at least Sunday evening after alleged arson
Trains on the route between Rotterdam and Delft will not run again until at least Sunday evening, the rail infrastructure manager ProRail says. It had earlier expected for the arson-related disruptions to be fixed by Saturday evening.Repairs will run until at least 11 p.m. Sunday. However, it has been reported that services might not immediately resume on Monday morning.
Record $500,000 oil tanker rates push up Dutch fuel prices
Freight rates for crude oil tankers have reached record highs, according to research by ING. Demand for vessels is strong while global capacity remains tight, and the resulting surge in transport costs is feeding into Dutch fuel prices. It now costs something like half a million dollars a day to charter an oil tanker - 10 times the 2025 average, according to the bank.
Dutch man fined nearly €900,000, gets 24 months for large-scale laughing gas trafficking
The District Court in ’s-Hertogenbosch has sentenced a 26-year-old man from Veldhoven to a fine of nearly 900,000 euros for trafficking nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas. He was also given a 24-month prison term, of which six months were suspended.The man operated a large-scale nitrous oxide trade with associates. He must pay more than 897,000 euros for profits earned from the illegal activity over the month.
Defense ministry wants to reach young people on TikTok, but government rules forbid it
The Ministry of Defense wants to start reaching young people on TikTok through “targeted media campaigns,” which would counter disinformation about, for example, compulsory service or recruitment. The problem is that the government does not allow government officials to use the popular platform, according to Het Parool.
Feyenoord climb to first place in the Eredivisie after 2-0 win over AZ in De Kuip
Feyenoord beat AZ Alkmaar 2-0 at De Kuip in Rotterdam on Saturday in the Eredivisie. Nacho Ferri and Javi López scored the goals as Feyenoord took all 3 points against one of their main rivals to climb to the top of the table.It was a match that proves the importance of effective finishing. AZ had 57% possession and a similar expected-goals figure, but registered only 2 shots on target and no big chances according to the match statistics. Feyenoord got 6 big chances, by comparison.
Paywalls have become the dominant revenue engine for Dutch newspaper publishers
Newspaper publishers have reportedly enjoyed years of steady revenue growth as an increasing number of readers prove willing to pay for news. Economists at ABN Amro forecast that income from newspaper subscriptions will continue to rise over the next two years, reaching 300 million euros, driven primarily by digital subscriptions.
Netherlands to return 20 looted objects, including 38-carat diamond, to Indonesia
The Netherlands will return 20 cultural objects taken during the colonial era to Indonesia. The artifacts include the 38-carat Banjarmasin diamond that once belonged to the sultan of Banjarmasin. Indonesian Culture Minister Fadli Zon and Dutch Culture Minister Rianne Letschert signed an agreement Friday at the Indonesia House in Amsterdam on the return of the objects. A spokesperson for Letschert said the items are expected to be handed over early next year.
Belgian court praises Dutch police in case of toddler allegedly killed by babysitter
The court of assizes in Ghent on Friday expressed its appreciation for the Dutch police investigation into the abduction and death of the Belgian toddler called Dean. Four officers from Zeeland-West-Brabant and Oost-Brabant police units delivered an extensive presentation of their work in the high-profile case before the court.
Power outage halts trains around Schiphol, cancels services to Utrecht, Venlo, Dordrecht
Due to a power outage, no trains are running around the Schiphol Airport. Services to Utrecht, Dordrecht, and Venlo have also been cancelled. The situation at Schiphol was described as chaotic by an RTL reporter present, as the disruptions are expected to last at least until 4:00 p.m.
Video: Arson near Delfshaven railway bridge halts all trains between Rotterdam, Delft
A fire near the Delfshaven railway bridge, which was reported at around 2:30 a.m. on the night of Friday into Saturday, has caused all the rail services between Rotterdam and Delft, more specifically Delft Campus, to be suspended. This was reported by the Dutch rail infrastructure manager ProRail.
MP’s want to set minimum amount for mandatory wages for interns
Several parties in the Tweede Kamer, the lower house of Dutch parliament, want the government to set a minimum amount for its proposed mandatory internship allowance. The issue emerged during an education debate on Thursday. Education Minister Rianne Letschert announced in July that she intended to make internship allowances legally mandatory for students in secondary vocational, higher professional and university education, but did not propose a minimum payment.
French-inspired bouillon restaurants rapidly gain popularity across the Netherlands
A significant new restaurant trend is taking over the Dutch culinary scene: the rapid rise of “bouillon” restaurants. Inspired by the classic 19th-century Parisian dining concept, these establishments focus on serving high-quality, traditional French bistro dishes at low prices, driving massive volume to offset razor-thin profit margins. A report from RTL describes the concept as increasingly popular in the Netherlands.
Researchers raise doubts about WWII account of imprisonment in Dachau concentration camp
Two researchers have independently raised doubts that Dutch Second World War veteran Willem Wilbrink (99) was ever imprisoned in the Dachau concentration camp, as he has told at countless commemorations and in his biography. Looking at the researchers’ findings, the Dutch Dachau Committee has concluded that the Arnhem man’s accounts are likely untrue, RTL Nieuws reports.
PSV beat Heerenveen 2-0 in first game after the international break
PSV pick up a 2-0 win against Heerenveen in the first Eredivisie game after the international break. A goal from Guus Til and an own goal from Marcus Linday gave Peter Bosz’s side the win, which could put them at the top of the table by the end of the weekend. PSV played in a special Coen Dillen-themed kit to mark the 100th birthday of the club legend, nicknamed Het Kanon (“The Cannon”). The shirt featured a vintage logo, long sleeves and no player names on the back.
Dutch retailers launch scam monitor after 1.2 million victims of fake webshops
Dutch online retailers are joining forces against fake webshops after the number of people in the Netherlands scammed by such sham stores rose to 1.2 million last year. This was reported by the industry group Thuiswinkel.org on Thursday.Fraudsters reportedly rely on professional-looking sham stores and copies of established shops. Thuiswinkel.org is launching Thuiswinkel Scam Protection, a system that continuously monitors for scam shops and fraudulent brand domain names.
Man sentenced to 10 years for 2017 killing of Tilburg woman
The court in Breda has sentenced Werner de R., 44, from Tilburg to 10 years in prison for the fatal stabbing of 58-year-old Hennie de Laat in Tilburg in 2017. The victim’s body was found on December 23 of that year by the Hoogvensestraat in Tilburg. She was stabbed in the chest, and her throat had been slit.
Unrest at another gov’t agency will further delay overdue child support payments
People waiting for overdue child support must wait longer for help because of problems at the Landelijk Bureau Inning Onderhoudsbijdragen (LBIO). There is unrest among staff, complaints about the workplace atmosphere and working conditions, a heavy workload, and outdated systems, State Secretary Claudia van Bruggen of Legal Protection wrote in a letter to the Tweede Kamer.Sick leave at the LBIO is high, the D66 official reports.
Dutch bicycle brands Batavus, KOGA, and Babboe to continue under new Singaporean owner
Dutch bicycle brands Batavus, KOGA, and Babboe are set to resume operations under new ownership. The administrators overseeing the bankruptcy of bicycle manufacturer Accell are selling the rights to the three brands to investment company Dutech. The deal also includes Accell’s IT platform and Hungarian operations, as well as potentially some of its staff.
GVB wants to launch self-driving minibuses in Amsterdam within 3 years
Amsterdam public transport company GVB wants to launch self-driving minibuses in the Dutch capital within three years. Eventually, the company also wants to remove drivers from larger city buses. This is an effort to cope with staff shortages and to keep servicing unprofitable routes, GVB director Claudia Zuiderwijk told Parool.
Fake cop sentenced to 4 years for raping international student
The court in The Hague sentenced a 33-year-old man to four years in prison for posing as a cop and raping an international student in her student room in The Hague. The court also convicted him of showing his genitals and masturbating in the elevators and hallways of two other student complexes.
Autumn has well and truly arrived, but temps could again climb to 20°C next week
Autumn seems to have well and truly arrived in the Netherlands, with a wet, windy, and chilly weekend ahead. Still, the KNMI expects some warmer weather next week, with thermometers approaching 20 degrees Celsius on Tuesday and Wednesday.Friday will be very cloudy and rainy with a moderate to rather strong westerly wind in the afternoon. Maximums will range between 14 degrees in the far east and 18 degrees along the coast.
Parliament votes to fly rainbow flag on Coming Out Day as schools join Purple Friday
A parliamentary majority approved flying the rainbow flag on the Tweede Kamer building on Coming Out Day. Parliament approved the decision by roll-call vote on Thursday evening, just hours before the start of Purple Friday, when a record number of schools and higher education institutions will take part in programs to promote acceptance, tolerance, and self-confidence in their communities.
Smoke plume over Amsterdam due to fire at Olympic Stadium; Blaze under control
A fire at the Amsterdam Olympic Stadium caused a lot of smoke over the Dutch capital on Thursday evening. Firefighters had a hard time reaching the source of the fire, and it took over six hours to get it under control. The extent of the damage is not yet known.
Dutch café payment points pressure diners into excessive tipping, expert says
As a growing number of Dutch hospitality businesses continue offering a screen prompt asking customers to pay a 5, 15, or 20 percent tip, some visitors and experts continue to criticize it. The prompt is “cleverly designed” to make the highest tip feel like the normal choice, consumer psychologist Patrick Wessels told Hart van Nederland.
Support for swimming lessons often fails to cover costs for disabled children
A study conducted by the Mulier Instituut has stated that existing financial support for sport and swimming lessons for children with disabilities often does not cover the actual costs or is difficult for parents to access.
Landgraaf to open a temporary asylum shelter on Pinkpop site
The municipality of Landgraaf is going to provide temporary shelter to a maximum of 300 asylum seekers at the Megaland event terrain, where the annual music festival Pinkpop is held. The Limburg municipality said that the request to use the terrain for temporary emergency shelter came from the Ministry of Asylum and Migration. “We are doing this in accordance with the legal requirement from the Asylum Distribution Act.”
Construction firm BAM completes takeover of Gelderland-based A.Hak in €500 million deal
The publicly traded building company BAM is taking over A.Hak, a contracting company specialized in underground infrastructure. The company is valued at over 500 million euros during the takeover.With the purchase, BAM is looking to strengthen its position on the “fast-growing Dutch market for energy and water infrastructure.” A.Hak specializes in the construction of transmission pipelines, for example for gas, water, and electricity.
Man accused of killing wife, hiding body in fridge before fleeing to India faces trial
Avadhootkumar S., 47, will be tried in absentia for allegedly killing his wife in The Hague in 2019. This emerged during a preliminary hearing in the case on Thursday. S. is accused of strangling the 37-year-old woman and hiding her body in a refrigerator at their home on Frambozenstraat.The suspect allegedly fled to his native India with his two children after the killing, later leaving the children with relatives before continuing his journey alone. S. has remained at large ever since.
Asylum agency workers say complaints about unsafe conditions go unheard; Demand change
Staff at Dutch asylum centers who report unsafe conditions get no response inside the Central Agency for the Reception of Asylum Seekers (COA) and have taken their complaints to the Labor Inspector to force the management to act. Too little is done with those reported internally, according to confidential letters from the agency’s works council to its leadership, reviewed by NRC. The message that sends, the council writes, is “that it is better to keep your mouth shut.”
Student association against Amsterdam Univ. cutting essay assignments over AI concerns
The University of Amsterdam is setting fewer essay assignments due to concerns that students are using artificial intelligence to write them. The student association ASVA understands that it is difficult to monitor the use of AI, but feels that students are being robbed of the chance to practice essential academic skills, AT5 reports.
U.S. denies asking Netherlands to block Venezuelan opposition leader’s return
The United States denies having asked the Netherlands or other countries to block the Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado from returning to her country. That is “untrue,” said Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Athens on Wednesday.
Hundreds of thousands will soon face higher student loan interest rates
Interest rates on student loans will increase significantly in 2027, affecting around 250,000 former students. Those required to repay their loans within 15 years will see the rate rise by almost one percentage point to 3.28 percent. For borrowers with a 35-year repayment period, the rate will increase by 0.37 percentage points to 2.7 percent.
Two men traveled from Copenhagen for failed assassination attempts in Amsterdam, Haarlem
The Public Prosecution Service (OM) suspects two men of traveling from Copenhagen to the Netherlands to commit assassinations in Amsterdam and Haarlem, it was said during the first preliminary hearing in the case at the District Court in Amsterdam. Police were able to thwart the assassination attempt in Haarlem.
Viral videos of mice at Schiphol spark outrage among travelers
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol is currently under intense scrutiny following viral social media videos showing mice openly running around its departure halls. While the airport has historically dealt with rodent issues, the recent surge has sparked significant passenger disgust and official intervention, the IJmuider Courant reported.
Dutch government making hybrid heatpumps mandatory from 2029
From 2029, the government will make it mandatory for homeowners replacing their central heating boilers to install a smart hybrid heat pump, Minister Elanor Boekholt-O’Sullivan of Housing announced on Wednesday.
Amsterdam residents displeased city is slashing budget for local improvement projects
Amsterdam is dropping its neighborhood budget program that let residents propose community improvement initiatives for their own neighborhood, and then vote on those projects the city should fund. Many residents are disappointed, saying the grants reduced nuisance and strengthened community ties, according to AT5.
Failed asylum seekers who won’t leave will face 6 months in jail amid housing shortage
Failed asylum seekers in the Netherlands who actively obstruct their deportation could soon face up to six months in prison. Asylum Minister Bart van den Brink presented a bill to that effect on Wednesday, on the same day that the Central Agency for the Reception of Asylum Seekers (COA) again warned that asylum shelters were overcrowded, RTL Nieuws reported.
Dutch State to reduce stake in ABN Amro to 10.5 percent
The Dutch State is set to further reduce its stake in ABN AMRO from the current 20.7 percent to 10.5 percent, reported the NLFI, the foundation that manages the State’s interest in financial institutions.The sale of shares will happen via a pre-agreed trading plan executed by BofA Securities Europe. The sale will start in the coming days and will conclude once the maximum number of share certificates has been sold.
Commemmorations of Oct. 7 attacks in Israel in various places in the Netherlands
In several places in the Netherlands, commemorations will be held today to mark the third anniversary of the Hamas attacks on Israel that sparked the ongoing violence in Gaza. The municipality of The Hague is taking extra security measures for the commemoration happening at the Peace Palace on Wednesday.
Cancer diagnoses to jump 23% without intervention; Increase in nearly all cancer types
Without intervention, the number of new cancer diagnoses in the Netherlands will increase by 23 percent from 136,000 in 2025 to 170,000 in 2045. Diagnoses will increase for almost all types of cancer. The number of cancer-related deaths will rise by 24 percent, from 46,000 in 2024 to 57,000 in 2045, the Netherlands Comprehensive Cancer Organization (IKNL) reported in new projections.
Private sector rent increase outpaces inflation, owner-occupied homes; €1,914 per month
Rents in the private sector rose by approximately 2 percent to an average of €1,914 per month in the third quarter of 2026 compared to the previous quarter, housing platforms Huurwoningen.nl and Pararius reported. Compared to a year earlier, the rent increase was 4.4 percent, outpacing inflation and the prices of owner-occupied homes.
Warehouse worker awarded €12,700 for wrongful dismissal over alleged underwear theft
The Zeeland-West-Brabant court awarded a temporary worker employed by Tempo-Team €12,710 for being summarily dismissed without valid grounds. The company fired the man for stealing two pairs of boxer shorts from the clothing warehouse where he worked. But according to the court, the man offered sufficient proof that the underwear already belonged to him.
Sextortion suspect forced teen girl to carve his Roblox username into her body
Prosecutors accused a 20-year-old Purmerend man of extortion and assault for pressuring and manipulating a 16-year-old girl he met on the Roblox platform into violently harming herself, and forcing her the girl in Rotterdam to record videos of herself as a form of sexually abusive content. Mohammed H. also forced the victim to carve the name “Zoro” into her body with a sharp object between April 30 and July 10, which resulted in scarring.
Amsterdam climate company gets €1 mil. gov’t investment for CO2 project in Iceland
State investor Invest International is providing the Amsterdam climate tech company Skytree with €1 million for the development of a CO2 project in Iceland. The company plans to use the loan to build its first facility abroad, which will use geothermal energy to capture CO2 directly from the air.For ten years, Skytree has been developing technology for the so-called Direct Air Capture (DAC). This captures CO2 directly from the air.
More testing needed to reduce hepatitis B and C infections, warns Health Institute
The Netherlands must step up its fight against hepatitis B and C, experts at the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) say. The health institute has drawn up a plan to further reduce the viral infections, calling for more testing of people from countries where hepatitis is relatively more common.
Dutch political parties breaking privacy rules by sharing voter data without consent
Parties from across the political spectrum are violating the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) on dozens of websites by using illegal tracking cookies, with PVV linked to the majority. As a result, people’s personal data, including political preferences, end up with American tech firms such as YouTube and Google without consent, according to Vrij Nederland and the Internet Cleanup Foundation. Researchers from the organizations analyzed 6,168 relevant URLs using the code program Playwright.
EU ruling forces Netherlands to process 140,000 shelved Ukrainian asylum applications
An EU Court of Justice ruling requires the Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) to evaluate over 140,000 previously shelved asylum applications from Ukrainian refugees, placing severe additional strain on the country’s immigration infrastructure, NOS reported.
Police arrest 3 for human trafficking after child’s death in synthetic drug lab incident
The police arrested three people from Venlo on Tuesday in an investigation into the death of a child in Venlo last year. The three are suspected of involvement in the production of synthetic drugs and human trafficking, “specifically, employing a minor for criminal activities,” the police said.
Acceptance of LGBTQIA+ people stalls or declines in the Netherlands, monitor finds
The acceptance of homosexual and lesbian people has not risen in the last two years, while the acceptance of transgender, non-binary, and intersex people has dropped slightly, according to the LGBTQIA+ monitor by Movisie. The knowledge conducts a biannual study, along with Ipsos I&O and advisory bureau Panteia, into the living situation of the LGBTQIA+ community and the way they are thought of in the Netherlands.
Nudes and data of 190 of Dutch woman for sale as “sextortion packages” on dark web
The nude photos and private data of at least 190 Dutch women and 28 Belgian women are being sold on the dark web, RTL Nieuws and VTM Nieuws discovered. These “sextortion packages” include photos, social media profiles, and contact details - everything a criminal needs to blackmail the women.
Anti-asylum riots fueled by instigators from outside municipality, mayor says
Instigators from outside the municipality likely fueled anti-asylum protests in Opheusden and Kesteren, reported mayor Jan Kottelenberg of the municipality of Neder Betuwe, which covers the towns. Four police officers required emergency medical treatment for hearing damage following protests against plans to shelter 132 asylum seekers in the area that spiraled out of control last month.
Less than half of Dutch municipalities reported findings of studies into Nazi loot
Following Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and The Hague’s example, 150 other Dutch municipalities launched investigations into the expropriation of Jewish-owned real estate during the Second World War. But only 64 of them have published reports on comprehensive studies, Pointer reported. 30 municipalities have comprehensive reports, but refuse to disclose them.
TU Delft moved student data, medical records to U.S. contractor’s cloud without cleanup
Delft University of Technology moved personal records on more than 267,000 students and alumni to the cloud in November 2025 without copying records that should have been deleted, an investigation by the camous magazine Delta found. Medical statements were among the files copied into a system the supplier Caci BV, the Dutch subsidiary of U.S. defense contractor Caci International, could now open without getting the university permission.
Informal caregivers need more support from the government: SCP
People who care for a loved one need more support from the government, states the Netherlands Institute for Social Research (SCP). The informal caregivers should, for example, be able to take paid leave from the caregiving they have to provide. Minister Mirjam Sterk of Long-Term Care (CDA) will soon present a broad approach to supporting informal caregivers, her spokesperson told the ANP.
Dutch payments company Mollie launches bank transfer service to rival iDEAL and Wero
Payment provider Mollie is introducing a new online payment tool that, according to the FD, is set to compete with iDEAL, Wero, and international players such as Mastercard and Visa. The service, called Pay by Bank, will first roll out in the Netherlands and the Uniter Kingdom. It is then expected to become available in the rest of Europe in the first half of 2027. The system is set to use direct connections with more than 2,500 banks.
Defense urges court to spare shooter’s life sentence in Weiteveen double-murder
Richard K. (53) does not deserve a life sentence for fatally shooting Ineke (44) and Sam (38) in Weiteveen, his lawyers argued Monday. He did not act with premeditation, Justus Reisinger and Renée Vermeulen told the Court of Appeal in Leeuwarden. They also said K. was severely diminished in his criminal responsibility because of disordered thinking.
Parents too drunk to take care of their infant arrested on train at Dordrecht station
Two drunk parents were arrested while on a train at the rail station in Dordrecht in the early hours of Saturday, police reported on Facebook. A child, described as younger than one year old, was with them. The parents were arrested, police said on Monday.
Amsterdam to test 20 km/h speed limit on 300-meter bike path in Zuid to reduce accidents
Amsterdam will test a 20-kilometer-per-hour speed limit on a section of the bike path along Amstelveenseweg in Zuid. The limit will cover the distance of around 300 meters between Eerste Schinkelstraat and Zeilstraat, in the Schinkelbuurt. Crashes often happen on the pass as it is busy and narrow, AT5 reports.
Hackers offer 1 million stolen Flink records to the highest bidder after extortion fails
Cybercriminals are offering stolen personal data from one million customers and over 10,000 employees of the grocery delivery service Flink, RTL reports. The organization, called the LPG Group, reportedly has home addresses and phone numbers that they are offering to the highest bidder.
Outgoing TenneT CEO urges new factories on coast to take advantage of North Sea wind
Outgoing TenneT chief executive Manon van Beek is calling, in an interview with De Telegraaf, for new industrial activity on the Dutch coast. Although the country’s power grid is overloaded, she sees too little electricity demand precisely where large volumes of North Sea wind power come ashore.
Overasselt still unsettled month after violence; Mayor asks gov’t for security funds
A month after the deadly shooting in Overasselt that killed security guard Berry Leenders, the residents remain afraid of renewed violence, De Gelderlander reports. Those living near the home of the alleged target of shooting, Jan G., or his family are particularly concerned. In the meantime, Heumen Mayor Joerie Minses said he wants additional funds from the national government for security measures in Overasselt, he told NOS Nieuwsuur.
Oranje beat Serbia 2-1 to move top of Nations League group
Oranje beat Serbia 2-1 at home in Eindhoven on Sunday, closing Xavi Hernández’s first international window as head coach with another win. It was the second meeting between the teams in eight days; the Netherlands had also won 2-1 in Belgrade on September 27. Teun Koopmeiners and Joshua Zirkzee got the goals in the UEFA Nations League fixture. Xavi surprisingly deployed Koopmeiners as a nominal central defender alongside Virgil van Dijk. In practice, Koopmeiners frequently moved into midfield.
Victim files sex-harassment complain against suspect in ABN Amro worker’s killing
One of the four women who say they were harassed by Adil Q., the man suspected of fatally stabbing a 59-year-old female ABN Amro employee, has formally filed a complaint of sexual intimidation. Q. is accused of killing the woman in the parking lot of the Nieuw-Vennep train station on March 30. He is being held at the Pieter Baan Center for a court-ordered psychiatric evaluation.
Police seize 573 kilograms of fireworks in Rotterdam-area home after anonymous tip
Officers found more than 570 kilograms of fireworks Thursday evening in a home in Hellevoetsluis. A 33-year-old man was arrested following an anonymous tip, police reports. A large cache of fireworks was discovered about 5:30 p.m. Thursday in the middle of a residential neighborhood on the Bliek in Hellevoetsluis. The home and a basement unit were reportedly filled with cardboard boxes containing 573 kilograms of commercial fireworks, as well as homemade ones.
Damen wants €4.7 billion compensation from Germany for cancelling frigate order
Dutch shipbuilder Damen is seeking nearly 4.7 billion euros in damages from the German government for canceling an order of six frigates. This is according to a letter from the company’s lawyer reviewed by NOS.
Video: Man found dead in Bergen op Zoom home; 38-year-old arrested
A man was found dead Sunday morning in a home in Bergen op Zoom, with the police saying he was likely murdered, Omroep Brabant reports. A 38-year-old man from Roosendaal has been arrested in connection with the case.
Lawmakers to weigh ban on animal slaughter without prior stunning
On World Animal Day, the debate over slaughter without prior stunning sparked up again. Silvio Erkens, the state secretary for animal welfare from the VVD, told RTL that it is irritating that the Netherlands does not ban the practice. Partij voor de Dieren is planning on sending an initiative bill to Tweede Kamer that would prohibit slaughter without stunning.
Tilburg man arrested after threatening to kill paramedics who responded to his emergency
A 60-year-old man from Tilburg was arrested Saturday night after threatening ambulance workers who had responded to help him after he fell down a staircase, Omroep Brabant reports. Ambulance crews arrived at about 10:15 p.m. on Capucijnenstraat.The man lost consciousness after the fall, police reported. He regained it after the paramedics tested his consciousness with a painful stimulus.
Poll: 83% of Dutch oppose slavery reparations
Eighty-three percent of surveyed Dutch said the Netherlands should not pay reparations from the country’s slavery past.
Queen Beatrix wanted Slavery Monument in Amsterdam to focus on liberation, not victims
Queen Beatrix wanted the National Slavery Monument in Amsterdam to commemorate only the end of slavery, not its victims. Historian Gert Oostindie writes this in the book From William the Silent to Willem-Alexander. For the work he was granted access to the Secret Archives of the King’s Cabinet, which also preserves Beatrix’s personal notes. According to the book, she insisted, “The unveiling shall be devoted to liberation from slavery-not a commemoration of the victims. This must be reflected in the speeches.”
Customers ignore hackers’ demand to pay around €15 or have Flink data leaked to dark web
Hackers who stole customer data from the Dutch grocery-delivery service Flink last week demanded 10 to 15 euros in cryptocurrency from each victim. The hackers threatened to otherwise post the private information on the dark web. Despite the hackers hoping to raise 200,000 euros, no one paid, NOS reports, raising the question of to what extent are people still worried about their data in the age of constant surveillance.
Dutch man, 37, from Hoeksche Waard arrested for drugging, raping, filming partner
A 37-year-old man from the municipality of Hoeksche Waard in Zuid-Holland is suspected of repeatedly drugging and raping his partner. Authorities say he also filmed the assaults and shared the footage in private social media groups.The man was arrested on Monday and appeared on Wednesday before an investigating judge. There, his dentention was extended by another 14 days.
University of Amsterdam apologizes for wartime firing of Jewish staff
The University of Amsterdam has apologized for the forced dismissal of Jewish staff members and resistance fighters during World War II. Vinod Subrananiam, chair of the executive board, offered the apology on Wednesday at the unveiling of a monument in the garden of the Oudemanhuispoort in central Amsterdam.The monument bears the names of 254 UvA students and 28 staff members. All of them died in the war.
Amsterdam man, 43, found dead in Hoofddorp woods; Suspect, 28, arrested
On Friday, the body of a 43-year-old man from Amsterdam was found in a wooded area in Hoofddorp. Police report that the victim was killed in a crime. A 28-year-old man from the municipality of Haarlemmermeer was arrested the same day.The body was found by a passerby on Friday morning in the Haarlemmermeerse Bos in Hoofddorp. The victim was reportedly lying beside a mountain bike trail, near a parking area.
Five men released, remain suspects after unattended bags turn up at 4 train stations
The five men that were arrested on Tuesday over luggage left at train stations in Utrecht and Haarlem have been released. They, however, remain suspects as the investigation continues.
Dutch fugitive Leijdekkers allegedly funnels billions in drug money into Sierra Leone
The alleged money and presence of notorious Dutch drug kingpin Jos Leijdekkers, also known as Bolle Jos, 35, has permeated the economy of Sierra Leone, where he is said to be hiding. According to RTL, Jos has allegedly turned the country into a hub of the international cocaine trade, with billions in drug money following through the local economy each year.
Report on House of Orange colonial role gets positive reception mixed with criticism
Civil-society groups were overall pleased with the report on the role of the House of Orange-Nassau in the Netherlands’ colonial past, but some have voiced criticism. The five-part report, commissioned by King Willem-Alexander, found that the House was “with conviction and without any substantial reservations” involved in the Dutch colonialism. The King said he was moved by the findings.
Amost two-thirds of Dutch support clothing rules in secondary schools; Women more strict
Nearly two-thirds of the surveyed Dutch say that rules on what students should wear at are fine at secondary schools. Most of the 1,000 Dutch adults surveyed by Panel Inzicht, commissioned by AD, think strict uniform rules would be too much. Overall, women were found to be more strict about school uniforms than men.
House hunters can tour over 14,000 homes as Open House Day begins Saturday at 11 a.m
House hunters can visit more properties Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. during the semiannual Open House Day organized by the real estate association NVM. More than 14,000 homes are taking part, up from just under 9,000 at the end of March. According to the organization, the jump reflects a broader rise in homes for sale as rental properties are put on the market.
Dutch government prepares vape tax as EU-wide measure remains pending
State Secretary of Finance Eelco Eerenburg has drafted legislation to introduce an excise tax on vapes. The European Union has considered such a tax for some time, but Eerenberg does not want to wait for an EU-wide decision. The level of the tax has not yet been determined.
Four arrested over alleged 8.5 million euro VAT fraud involving alcohol-free drinks
Four men aged 33, 39, 54, and 68 from Enschede, Hengelo, and Leeuwarden have been arrested by the Fiscal Intelligence and Investigation Service (FiOD) on tax evasion charges. They are connected to several companies that are allegedly guilty of VAT fraud in the trade of alcohol free drinks.
Economic impact of climate change can no longer be denied: Dutch central bank pres
It is no longer possible to deny the economic impact of climate change, says De Nederlandsche Bank (DNB) President Olaf Sleijpen during a speech in Frankfurt. “We see it, we feel it, we can measure it. This has nothing to do with ideology; this is reality.”Sleijpen referred to the millions of tons of grain that were lost due to the heat this summer. Nearly 9 million tons of grain were lost in Europe this summer because of the heat, according to Coceral, the European association representing the grain trade.
Young adults moving out from parents’ homes choose Amsterdam more than any other city
In 2024, more than 174,000 people aged 18 to 30 left their parents’ homes, with The Hague drawing in a disproportionately large share of non-students, according to Statistics Netherlands (CBS). Most young adults leaving their parents, as well as those who moved specifically for study, chose Amsterdam.
Rotterdam mayor closes venue over concert by convicted rapper JoeyAK
Event venue Villa Thalia in Rotterdam will be closed for 24 hours following an order by the city’s mayor, Carola Schouten, the municipality has announced. This means that the performance by rap musician JoeyAK, which was scheduled to take place at 11 p.m., will not take place.
Eyewear chain pulls Meta glasses off Dutch store shelves over social concerns
Hans Anders has suspended the sales of Meta’s AI and camera glasses for an indefinite period, a spokesperson for the optician’s chain has confirmed after a report from the AD. The reason for this is the “public and political discussions about smart glasses” and “the questions about the conditions in which this technology can be used.” “The glasses are currently not available in our stores or webshop,” the spokesperson stated.
PM Jetten rules out reparations as activist returns royal ribbon over colonial study
There will be no reparations as a result of the study into the colonial role played by the Orange family, Prime Minister Rob Jetten has said in his weekly press conference. The prime minister said a multi-year program has been underway since the government issued its apology for the Netherlands’ history of slavery.
Rabobank, ABN Amro to significantly reduce maximum mortgage amount for older clients
Rabobank and ABN Amro are both tightening their mortgage lending criteria for older borrowers. Both banks will factor in post-retirement income and life expectancy more heavily when assessing mortgage applications.
Gazan Maastricht University student faces no criminal investigation over October 7 video
A Gazan student at Maastricht University who appeared to suggest in a video that he had been involved in the October 7 attack on Israel will not face further criminal investigation. The Public Prosecution Service (OM) and police found no reason to investigate the matter further.After reviewing the video, authorities concluded that no criminal offenses had been committed, including involvement in a terrorist attack, glorification of terrorism, or incitement.
Cops not prosecuted for fatally shooting knife-armed man in mental crisis in Rozenburg
Three police officers involved in the fatal shooting of a man having a mental health crisis in Rozenburg in November last year will not face prosecution.
Dutch television turns 75 as survey reveals viewers’ most unforgettable moments
Today is the 75th anniversary of the first official nationwide television broadcast in the Netherlands. The first official broadcast took place on Tuesday, October 2, 1951, at 8:15 p.m. from Studio Irene in Bussum.
Study: Orange family backed colonialism and earned almost €576 million from it
The House of Orange-Nassau was “with conviction and without any substantial reservations” involved in Dutch colonialism. This is the conclusion of a three-year study into the royal family’s role in the Netherlands’ colonial history between 1600 and 2025. The research was commissioned by King Willem-Alexander.
EU opens applications for free train passes for 18-year-olds
On Thursday, the European Union opened applications for free travel passes that let 18-year-olds explore Europe, including the Netherlands. The offer is part of DiscoverEU, a program under Erasmus+. Applications close at midday Central European Time on Oct. 15, and friends can apply together. According to the European Commission, those selected receive a pass for the most environmentally friendly transport available, usually rail, though other modes may be used in some cases.
Dutch leading growing skeptism of social media; 70% call it a risk to democracy
Skepticism of social media is growing worldwide, but nowhere as fast as in the Netherlands. Some 70 percent of Dutch people consider social media harmful to democracy, and 93 percent believe that social media platforms manipulate their users, the Volkskrant reported, based on a study by Pew Research.
Lots of rail and roadworks scheduled in Netherlands this weekend
Those heading out and about using the train or road in the Netherlands this weekend had better check their travel planner and navigation apps first. ProRail has maintenance work planned that will affect train traffic on no fewer than 14 routes this weekend.
Finance Min. pushed to again adjust Box 3 tax plans only 48 hours after presenting them
The Tweede Kamer, the lower house of the Dutch parliament, has shot down the government’s plan to tax small savers and investors in Box 3. So, only two days after the Cabinet presented its new plans to fund this headache dossier, it is back to the drawing board for Finance Minister Eelco Heinen (VVD), Trouw reported after the second day of the parliamentary debate on government finances.
Dutch man suspected of drugging and raping partner, sharing footage online
A 37-year-old man from Hoeksche Waard in Zuid-Holland is suspected of having drugged and raped his partner on several occasions. The man allegedly filmed the incidents and shared the footage in closed social media groups. He was arrested on Monday and appeared before the presiding judge on Wednesday, who decided to extend his pre-trial detention by 14 days.
Katwijk approves permits for $3 billion Eli Lilly pharmaceutical plant
The American company Eli Lilly has received the green light to build a $3 billion pharmaceutical plant in Katwijk. The municipal council has approved its permit application. Eli Lilly, one of the world’s largest pharmaceutical companies, plans to manufacture diabetes and weight-loss medicines in Katwijk, bringing around 500 jobs to the site near Valkenburgse Meer.
At least 6 Dutch sports federations discriminate against trans & non-binary athletes
At least six Dutch sports federations require trans and non-binary athletes to apply for a waiver or undergo a medical assessment to compete in the sport, Pointer discovered. Football, golf, handball, speed skating, cycling, and rugby have these barriers for trans and non-binary athletes wishing to participate. That is discriminatory, Rabin Baldewsingh, the National Coordinator against Discrimination and Racism (NCDR), told the program.
EU irritated by Dutch Min.’s claim that it halted Sierra Leone subsidies over Bolle Jos
The European Commission is annoyed that Dutch Justice Minister David van Weel publicly claimed that it halted Sierra Leone’s development aid because of Bolle Jos. Van Weel told Dutch media that the decision was made because Sierra Leone refuses to extradite the Dutch drug trafficker.
Oranje come back from 2-0 down to salvage draw against Greece in UEFA Nations League
Oranje managed to salvage a point away against Greece on Thursday after a poor first half in Thessaloniki. Xavi’s side drew the UEFA Nations League game 2-2, coming back from 2-0 down at halftime thanks to goals from Virgil van Dijk and Tijjani Reijnders. It leaves the Dutch side second in Group B after three games behind Greece, who are top with seven points. Xavi’s side face Serbia on Sunday to end the international break.
“Request from higher up” made Curacao refuse Venezuelan opposition leader’s flight
Curaçao’s aviation authority refused landing permission for a private aircraft carrying María Corina Machado, Venezuela’s main opposition leader and 2025 Nobel Peace Prize laureate, after what its director described as a “request from higher up,” NOS reports.
Air France-KLM and Lufthansa submit final bids for 44.9% of Portugese airline TAP
Air France-KLM and Lufthansa have both submitted improved final bids for a major stake in Portuguese carrier TAP Air Portugal. This was reported by the state holding company Parpública. The final decision is expected in mid-October.The Franco-Dutch and German airline groups are competing for a stake of at least 44.9 percent in TAP, which was nationalized during the covid-19 pandemic. Both are reportedly in part drawn in by TAP’s routes to Africa and South America.
Hundreds of Dutch women, girls filmed with Meta glasses on creep sites; Lawsuit planned
In recent months, hundreds, maybe even thousands, of Dutch women and girls have been secretly filmed using Meta’s AI camera glasses. Footage of unsuspecting victims on beaches, shopping streets, or in the bathroom circulates on Telegram groups and “creepshot” websites and platforms. Offlimits, an organization that fights against online sexual abuse, is working on a lawsuit. Other Dutch organizations are also taking measures.
Spain closes youth care home run by Dutch couple after reports of abuse
The Spanish authorities have ordered Huize Soria, a Dutch-run youth home in Aspe, Alicante province, where Dutch minors with behavioral problems were placed, to stop providing youth care after an inspection found that it did not have the authorization required to operate as a social-services/youth-care center following reports of abuse, NOS reported.
Flight crew member caught smuggling 18 kg of cocaine at Schiphol Airport
Dutch Customs discovered 18 kilograms of cocaine inside the luggage of an airline crew member at Schiphol on Tuesday. The drugs were found during a routine customs check. The crew member was arrested by Customs.The crew member had three pieces of hand luggage checked by customs officers. A scan of the luggage showed irregularities, after which customs officers conducted a further inspection.
Water authorities warn flea and tick treatments can harm water quality
In anticipation of World Animal Day, the water boards of the Netherlands have urged pet owners to be responsible when using products against fleas and other parasites. Some products have materials that can damage the water quality. “We are certainly not against protecting pets against fleas and ticks, because that is important too. But we are calling on people to do this in a way that the water is also protected,” said Dutch Water Authorities board member Sander Mager.
More young adults use drugs in Amsterdam’s nightlife, not alcohol; Gambling on the rise
Young adults aged 18-27 who go out in Amsterdam drink less alcohol but use more drugs, such as ketamine or 3-MMC, according to a new report from Jellinek. The addiction center’s annual survey of nightlife participants also found that young adults in an MBO vocational study also consume less alcohol and cannabis than in previous years, but they do use snus and vape more frequently, and show higher rates of gambling.
24-year-old man dies after stabbing at Alkmaar asylum reception center
A fatal stabbing took place on Wednesday at the Central Agency for the Reception of Asylum Seekers (COA) reception location on Robonsbosweg in Alkmaar. The victim, a 24-year-old man, was seriously injured and taken to hospital. He subsequently died from his injuries. A 22-year-old man was arrested immediately after the incident.Police received the first report at around 5:35–5:38 p.m. It has not been established publicly whether the two men were residents of the Robonsbosweg reception location itself.
Amsterdam museum visits fall 5.2% as visitors spend less, stay for shorter time in city
In the first half of this year, Amsterdam museums drew 5.2 percent fewer visitors than in the same period a year ago. According to the foundation that promotes the Amsterdam metropolitan region, Amsterdam&partners, the drop highlights a broader trend of visitors spending less time and money in the city.
Dutch scientists develop clitoral reconstruction 40 years after first penis procedure
Four decades after men, it is now also possible for women to have reconstructive surgery after losing part of their sexual organs to cancer. Researchers at Radboudumc have developed a clitoral reconstruction procedure for women who have lost part of their clitoris because of vulvar cancer, the Nijmegen hospital reported on Thursday. The first penile reconstruction happened in 1987.
Amsterdam housing market cooling off, could spread to other cities
The Amsterdam housing market is cooling down, and the rest of the Netherlands will likely follow suit, Parool reported from ABN Amro’s Housing Market Monitor, which is set to be presented on Thursday.
Europe stops aid to Sierra Leone over refusal to extradite Dutch drug fugitive Bolle Jos
The European Commission has halted all aid to Sierra Leone over the African country’s refusal to extradite Dutch drug trafficker Jos Leijdekkers, Minister David van Weel of Justice and Security told the Telegraaf.
Imprison violent crime convicts far from home: Trade union after prison guard’s killing
The fatal shooting of a prison guard in Amsterdam-Noord demonstrates that violent crime convicts should serve their sentences far from their home areas. If this doesn’t happen, they’re more likely to end up in the same social circles as prison staff after their release.
Landlords warn higher Box 3 tax hikes will trigger another rental home sell-off
Vastgoed Belang, the trade association representing private landlords, thinks it is unacceptable that the tax on assets in box 3 will be raised for landlords. “For private landlords, the tax burden will rise by over 31.2 percent as a result,” the organization said in response to the Cabinet’s plans presented on Tuesday. In addition, the trade association are concerned about the ministry’s plans in which it intends to alter way the value of the rented homes is calculated.
Foreign-born people aged 55+ face higher poverty risk than those born in the Netherlands
The number of people aged 55 and older born outside of the Netherlands rose sharply between 2012 and 2024, according to Statistics Netherlands (CBS). Compared to Dutch-born people of the same age, that group is more likely to live in poverty, with those born in Indonesia twice as likely to be poor. The CBS also clarified that a part of the poverty gap also reflects a shorter average stay in the Netherlands. This means that the people have not received the full state pension.
Prosecutors seek five years for driver accused of killing 4-year-old in Maastricht crash
The Public Prosecution Service (OM) has recommended a five-year prison sentence for Janus K., 30, over a fatal crash in Maastricht on March 27 that killed a 4-year-old boy. The boy’s mother was seriously injured in the collision. Prosecutors are also seeking a five-year driving ban.The crash happened at 7:10 p.m. on Dorpstraat in the Heer neighborhood. Prosecutors say that K. was driving at 112 kilometers per hour in a 50-kilometer-per-hour zone and had been drinking alcohol.
Delft startup’s lamp targets side-on crashes that make up to 71% of bike accidents
Tens of thousands of Dutch cyclists end up in emergency rooms after crashes in the dark each year. Cyclists usually rely on front and rear lights to stay visible, but, according to earlier research from SWOV, the national road-safety research institute, 71 percent of bicycle accidents happen from the side. A Delft startup, Ziemi, reports that it is now selling a small lamp that lights a rider’s moving legs instead of the road.
Rail workers’ union urges action over growing violence on Dutch trains
The VVMC rail workers’ union is raising the alarm over an increase in violent incidents on the Dutch rail network and has sent an urgent letter to politicians calling for action. Both the number of incidents and their severity have been increasing every year, according to the union.
Utrecht delays FVD committee member’s swearing-in amid far-right ties debate
The swearing-in of a Forum voor Democratie (FVD) member of a committee in Utrecht’s provincial parliament was postponed on Wednesday. Provincial representative Olivia Butterman of the Partij voor de Dieren had asked for the appointment of committee members to be removed from the agenda. “As far as we are concerned, no committee members with close ties to far-right organizations or networks should be sworn in,” Butterman said.