Amsterdam Times

Eindhoven Robotics Conference Showcases Artificial Intelligence and Industrial Automation

Future Pulse 2026 brought technology companies, researchers and policymakers to Eindhoven to examine robotics, artificial intelligence, machine vision and intelligent manufacturing as Dutch industry looks to automate more production proc...

Schiphol Faces Spillover Risk From Continuing European and Transatlantic Air-Traffic Disruptions

Amsterdam Schiphol remains exposed to wider network disruption as air-traffic-control problems in Britain and the northeastern United States affect connecting services and force airlines including KLM to adjust some operations.

ASML Remains at Centre of European Semiconductor Rally as Artificial Intelligence Investment Expands

Investor demand for semiconductor companies continues to focus heavily on ASML as global spending on advanced chipmaking capacity and artificial intelligence infrastructure supports the strategic importance of the Dutch equipment manufac...

CUbIQ and Coherent Demonstrate Quantum Security Technology for Artificial Intelligence Networks

Eindhoven-based CUbIQ Technologies and Coherent have demonstrated a continuous-variable quantum key distribution system designed to protect optical links connecting artificial intelligence computing infrastructure without requiring major...

Netherlands Publishes New Route Map for Transition Away From Fossil Fuels

The Dutch government has set out a more detailed pathway for reducing dependence on oil, gas and coal as it prepares for the next United Nations climate conference, while national projections show substantial additional policy will still...

Netherlands Plans Mandatory Business E-Invoicing and Digital Reporting From 2030

The Dutch government intends to introduce compulsory electronic invoicing and reporting for domestic and cross-border business transactions from July 1, 2030, giving companies several years to adapt accounting and data systems.

Dutch Budget Directs More Funding to Housing and National Infrastructure

The government plans annual measures worth €425 million to increase housing associations’ construction capacity, alongside a one-off €1.5 billion infrastructure investment and €300 million in structural annual infrastructure spending.

Air Products Expands Zero-Emission Hydrogen Logistics at Port of Rotterdam

Air Products is introducing hydrogen-powered delivery vehicles and a Botlek refuelling station supplied partly with certified renewable hydrogen, giving industrial customers another route to reduce emissions from freight operations.

Rabobank Forecasts Dutch Economy to Grow 1.3% in 2026 and 1.1% in 2027

Rabobank expects higher household and government spending to sustain Dutch economic growth, with expanding public expenditure accounting for more than half of projected growth as business conditions remain uneven.

Netherlands Introduces Tougher Anti-Greenwashing Rules From September 27

New European consumer-protection rules taking effect in the Netherlands will tighten requirements for environmental claims and sustainability labels, with the Authority for Consumers and Markets responsible for enforcement against mislea...

ASML Begins Construction of Major New Eindhoven Campus

ASML has broken ground on a new industrial campus at Brainport Industries Campus North, with the multi-phase development eventually expected to span about 350,000 square metres and provide capacity for as many as 20,000 workplaces.

Air Liquide Advances €500 Million ELYgator Hydrogen Project at Rotterdam Port

Air Liquide is building a 200-megawatt electrolyser at Maasvlakte capable of producing about 23,000 tonnes of renewable and low-carbon hydrogen annually and avoiding as much as 300,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions each year.

Amsterdam Begins Largest Electricity-Grid Expansion in City’s History

Liander and TenneT have started building the Nieuwe Hemweg electricity station, a major grid expansion expected to provide about one gigawatt of capacity and create more room for homes, businesses and electrification across Amsterdam and...

European Diesel Shortage Tightens Supplies at Amsterdam-Rotterdam-Antwerp Hub

Diesel stocks at the Amsterdam-Rotterdam-Antwerp storage hub are about 16% below their five-year average as disruptions to Middle Eastern and Russian supplies drive global fuel prices higher and increase costs for transport and industry.

Netherlands Launches €3.8 Billion Innovation Push for Strategic Technologies

The Dutch government is allocating €3.3 billion to a new National Investment Institution and €500 million to a disruptive-innovation agency designed to help promising technologies move from research into commercial applications.

Dutch Government Commits €7 Billion to Accelerate Housing Construction

Housing Minister Elanor Boekholt-O’Sullivan has unveiled a 50-point action plan backed by €7 billion through 2035, aimed at shortening planning procedures, unlocking stalled projects and moving the Netherlands closer to its target of 100...

Netherlands Bans Trade in Goods From Israeli Settlements in Occupied Palestinian Territories

A Dutch sanctions measure taking effect on September 22 prohibits the import, purchase and sale of goods originating from Israeli settlements that the Netherlands considers unlawful, as well as services that facilitate such trade.

Emmy Stoel Named General Manager of Mandarin Oriental Conservatorium Amsterdam

Mandarin Oriental has appointed Dutch hotelier Emmy Stoel to lead the newly rebranded Conservatorium property in Amsterdam as international luxury hotel groups continue expanding their presence in the Dutch capital.

Dutch Council of State Questions Planned 2.7% Increase in Traffic Fines

The Council of State urged the government to reconsider an inflation-linked increase in traffic penalties, saying administrative fines have risen about 220% since 1994 and questioning whether another increase is necessary and proportionate.

Schiphol Closes Kaagbaan Runway for Maintenance Through September 29

Amsterdam Schiphol Airport has closed the Kaagbaan for scheduled maintenance from September 21 through September 29, shifting more flights to alternative runways as the airport handles about 1,400 movements a day.

Dutch Government Projects 2027 Budget Deficit at 2.9% of GDP

The Netherlands expects its budget deficit to reach 2.9% of gross domestic product in 2027, remaining just below the European Union’s 3% ceiling as the government maintains spending on regional mobility and social programs.

Dutch Water Suppliers Warn PFAS Pollution Is Driving Up Treatment Costs

Vewin says water suppliers in the western Netherlands face rising purification costs because of pollution in rivers and reservoirs, adding pressure for stronger European restrictions on persistent PFAS chemicals.

Greenpeace Finds PFAS Above Dutch Health Guidance in Tap Water Serving More Than a Third of Population

Greenpeace analysis of data from the Netherlands’ ten water suppliers found PFAS concentrations above national health guidance in tap water serving more than one-third of the population, with some of the highest readings in western provi...

NXP Semiconductors Holds Near $228 as Analysts Maintain Long-Term Targets

NXP Semiconductors shares remained around $228 on Nasdaq as analysts including Bernstein maintained longer-term valuation targets for the Dutch automotive and industrial chipmaker.

ASML Continues Major Share Buyback as Semiconductor Investors Track Artificial Intelligence Demand

Dutch chip-equipment maker ASML is continuing its large share repurchase program as investors assess the outlook for artificial intelligence spending and growth across the global semiconductor industry.

Netherlands Adds €327 Million for Ukraine Reconstruction Through 2029

The Dutch government will provide an additional €327 million for Ukraine’s recovery between 2027 and 2029, targeting the energy system, critical civilian infrastructure and private-sector support alongside €878 million already committed ...

Netherlands Extends MQ-9 Reaper Mission on NATO Eastern Flank Through 2027

The Netherlands will keep its MQ-9 Reaper surveillance aircraft in Romania through December 2027, expanding its intelligence role on NATO’s eastern flank as United States participation in the specific mission ends.

Dutch Family-Owned Restaurants and Cafes Face Growing Succession Pressures

Hospitality groups say rising energy costs, labour shortages and regulatory burdens are making it harder for family-run restaurants and cafes across the Netherlands to find new owners willing to take over their businesses.

Almere Introduces Vacancy Tax on Homes Left Empty for Extended Periods

The Dutch municipality of Almere will levy a new tax on homes that remain vacant for at least a year as local authorities seek to return more unused housing to the market.

Dutch Court Convicts Two Men Over Violence Linked to Engelen Asylum Centre Protests

A court in Den Bosch convicted two men over an assault connected to protests against a planned asylum facility for unaccompanied minors in Engelen.

Dutch Parliament Debates Hospital Access to Abortions Between 22 and 24 Weeks

The Netherlands is debating the provision of abortions between 22 and 24 weeks in specialised hospitals, with the issue drawing renewed political scrutiny over existing medical and legal safeguards.

Drenthe Adds €20 Million to Voluntary Livestock Farm Closure Programme

The Dutch province of Drenthe has increased funding for voluntary livestock farm closures as part of wider efforts to reduce nitrogen emissions and ease pressure on protected natural areas.

More Than 40,000 Join Amsterdam Climate March Calling for Faster Fossil Fuel Phase-Out

Tens of thousands of demonstrators marched in Amsterdam ahead of the national budget presentation, calling on the Dutch government to reduce support for fossil fuels and accelerate the shift toward renewable energy.

Amsterdam-Based Deribit Plans Major Upgrade for Institutional On-Chain Trading

Cryptocurrency derivatives exchange Deribit has announced a technical upgrade using zero-knowledge virtual machine technology as it seeks to expand advanced blockchain trading infrastructure.

FrieslandCampina Expands in Indonesia Through Ultrajaya Partnership

Dutch dairy cooperative FrieslandCampina has formed a strategic partnership with Indonesian beverage producer Ultrajaya as it seeks to increase its presence in the growing Southeast Asian consumer market.

Schiphol Cleaning Staff Strike Over Pay and Working Conditions

Contracted cleaners at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol have begun a week-long strike seeking higher wages and safer working conditions, putting additional pressure on passenger facilities at the major European hub.

Schiphol Closes Kaagbaan Runway for Maintenance Through September 29

Amsterdam Airport Schiphol has temporarily closed the Kaagbaan runway for scheduled maintenance, requiring greater use of alternative runways and changing flight patterns around the airport.

Dutch Universities Deepen Industry Partnerships to Ease Engineering Talent Shortage

Technical universities are expanding cooperation with companies including ASML, NXP and Philips as shortages of skilled engineers constrain growth in the Netherlands’ high-tech manufacturing sector.

Dutch Technology Industry Pushes Back Against Strict Implementation of EU AI Rules

Technology executives and startup founders in the Netherlands are urging policymakers to avoid implementing European artificial intelligence rules in ways they say could weaken investment and innovation in Amsterdam and Eindhoven.

Port of Rotterdam Advances Smart Hydrogen Hub for Industry and Shipping

The Port of Rotterdam and regional partners are developing a hydrogen demonstration hub combining electrolyser technology, battery storage and renewable electricity to support lower-carbon maritime and industrial operations.

Dutch Mortgage Lending Rises 5% as First-Time Buyers Rely More on Public Support

Mortgage issuance in the Netherlands increased 5% in the first half of the year to more than €84 billion, while municipal starter loans surged as younger buyers struggled with high property prices and limited housing supply.

Dutch Regulators Warn of Rising Leverage Behind European Equity Rally

Financial authorities and market analysts in the Netherlands are warning that increased use of borrowed money could amplify market losses if interest-rate expectations or global economic conditions deteriorate.

Terneuzen Remains Under Study for New Dutch Nuclear Power Plant

The Dutch government is continuing to assess Terneuzen in Zeeland as a potential site for new nuclear generation as policymakers consider how atomic power could complement offshore wind and support energy-intensive industry.

European Gas Prices Swing Sharply on Amsterdam Market Amid Supply Concerns

Natural gas futures on the benchmark Dutch TTF market fell more than 7% to around €73 per megawatt-hour during volatile trading as uncertainty over global energy supplies continued to affect European markets.

Rotterdam Port Works Through Container Backlogs After Worker Strikes

Container terminals at the Port of Rotterdam are clearing operational backlogs following industrial action that delayed truck handling and forced shipping companies to adjust cargo schedules.