Amsterdam Times

Netherlands to Raise Excise Taxes on Vaping Products From 2029

The Dutch Ministry of Finance said higher excise duties on e-cigarettes and vaping liquids will take effect in January 2029 as the Netherlands aligns its taxation policy with forthcoming European Union measures.

Dutch Royal House Study Estimates €500 Million in Historical Slavery-Linked Earnings

An independent study commissioned by King Willem-Alexander estimated that the Dutch Royal House accumulated about €500 million in today’s value through activities linked to colonial rule and the transatlantic slave trade, adding to debat...

Dutch Cabinet Reverses Wealth Tax Changes After Political Backlash

The Dutch government withdrew planned changes to the Box 3 wealth tax that would have increased the burden on smaller private savings, easing pressure on middle-income households after strong parliamentary and public opposition.

Rotterdam Gate Terminal Opens Fourth LNG Storage Tank

The Gate terminal at Rotterdam’s Maasvlakte commissioned a fourth liquefied natural gas storage tank, expanding Dutch import capacity and strengthening energy infrastructure serving northwestern Europe.

Rotterdam Port Study Warns Barge Delays Are Worsening European Supply Chain Congestion

Persistent delays in processing inland barges at the Port of Rotterdam are creating wider logistics bottlenecks across Europe, prompting terminal operators to examine automated scheduling systems for waterway freight.

Low Water on Rhine and Waal Disrupts Dutch Inland Shipping

Severe drought has pushed water levels on the Rhine and Waal low enough to prevent routine depth checks in some areas, forcing inland vessels to carry lighter loads and increasing the risk of disruption across major European freight routes.

Dutch Government Unveils 50-Point Plan to Accelerate Housing Construction

The Dutch housing ministry introduced a 50-point infrastructure and zoning plan aimed at removing local bottlenecks and speeding up residential construction as the country struggles with a persistent shortage of affordable homes.

Major Dutch Hospitals Restrict Digital Records Access After Cyber Threat

Several hospitals in the Netherlands temporarily cut external access to patient portals and internal medical records after detecting credible cyber threats, underscoring growing concern over the security of national healthcare infrastruc...

Dutch Government Demands Deep Cuts to European Union Budget

The Netherlands has called for hundreds of billions of euros in structural reductions to the European Union budget as The Hague adopts a tougher fiscal position ahead of negotiations over the bloc’s next long-term financial framework.

United States Presses Netherlands to Tighten ASML Export Restrictions on China

Washington is increasing pressure on the Dutch government to further restrict ASML’s sales of advanced semiconductor manufacturing equipment to China, putting the Netherlands at the center of tensions between allied security policy and g...

Apeldoorn Apartment Block Evacuated After Major Fire

Emergency crews evacuated a large residential building in Apeldoorn after a serious fire broke out on its lower levels, displacing dozens of residents and prompting a municipal investigation.

Dutch Housing Minister Pledges Greater Transparency on Property Foundation Reports

The Netherlands’ housing minister has promised to release previously withheld structural reports on residential foundations to give homebuyers greater visibility into potential property risks.

Amsterdam University Bans Laptops and Phones During Lectures

A university in Amsterdam has prohibited laptops and mobile phones in lecture halls in an effort to reduce digital distraction and improve student engagement and retention.

Amsterdam Seeks Emergency Funding for Crack Cocaine Treatment Study

Amsterdam’s city council has urged the national health minister to provide funding for a study on crack cocaine addiction treatment, warning that the project could otherwise be abandoned.

Dutch Study Finds Growing Acceptance of Domestic Violence

Researchers in the Netherlands found an increase in the share of people who consider striking a spouse acceptable in some circumstances, prompting renewed calls for domestic violence prevention efforts.

Amsterdam Study Finds Young Residents Drinking Less Alcohol but Using More Ketamine

A municipal health survey in Amsterdam found that younger residents are reducing alcohol consumption while ketamine use is rising, prompting calls for targeted harm-reduction measures.

Dutch Statistics Show 21 People a Day Die From Accidental Falls

An average of 21 people a day are dying from accidental falls in the Netherlands, according to official statistics that highlight growing public health pressures linked to an ageing population.

Dutch Broadcaster Renews Eurovision Song Contest Boycott

The Netherlands’ public broadcaster has confirmed it will continue boycotting the Eurovision Song Contest after criticizing the competition’s governing body following controversies surrounding the previous event.

Curaçao Blocks Diplomatic Flight Linked to Venezuelan Opposition Figures

Authorities in Curaçao denied landing permission for a diplomatic flight connected to Venezuelan opposition figures after what officials described as intervention from higher levels of government.

Five Arrested After Unattended Luggage Disrupts Dutch Railway Stations

Dutch authorities arrested five people after unattended luggage was left at several major railway stations, triggering evacuations, delays and heightened security measures across the network.

Dutch Regulators Fine Providers Over Illegal Advertising of Prescription Weight-Loss Drugs

Health and market regulators in the Netherlands have penalized several clinical providers for advertising prescription-only weight-loss medicines directly to consumers.

Education Cuts Loom as Dutch Government and Unions Remain Deadlocked

The Dutch Education Ministry has warned of structural budget reductions across schools and universities as negotiations with national labour unions over welfare reforms remain stalled.

Dutch House Price Growth Slows to 3.3% as Transactions Decline

Residential property prices in the Netherlands rose 3.3% from a year earlier as transaction volumes fell, suggesting some cooling in a housing market still constrained by limited supply.

Nicaragua Accuses Germany at World Court Over Arms Sales to Israel

Nicaragua has appeared before the International Court of Justice in The Hague to accuse Germany of violating international law through continued military exports to Israel.

Rodrigo Duterte Expected to Face ICC Proceedings in The Hague

Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is expected to face formal proceedings at the International Criminal Court over allegations linked to his anti-narcotics campaign.