Amsterdam Times

Ronald Koeman Steps Down as Netherlands Coach After World Cup Exit

Ronald Koeman resigned as head coach of the Netherlands following the team's penalty shootout defeat to Morocco in the knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, prompting the Dutch Football Association to begin its search for a successo...

Netherlands Raises Minimum Wage and Introduces New Consumer Protection Rules

The statutory minimum wage increased to €14.99 an hour on July 1 alongside higher pensions and social benefits, while new legislation banned unsolicited commercial cold-calling and introduced stricter standards for the childminding sector.

Netherlands Introduces Distance-Based Truck Toll to Support Zero-Emission Transport

A nationwide per-kilometre charge for heavy freight vehicles has replaced the previous flat-rate road tax, with revenue earmarked to help fund the transition to electric and hydrogen-powered commercial transport.

Amsterdam Orders Student Housing Provider to Cut Excessive Rents

The City of Amsterdam has instructed student housing operator HiCondo to lower rents on hundreds of apartments after finding violations of national rent regulations, warning that failure to comply within four weeks could result in substa...

Amsterdam Rents Rise Faster Than Property Prices as Landlords Sell Rental Homes

Private-sector rents in Amsterdam increased by more than 7% in the first quarter of 2026 while housing prices softened, as higher taxes and the Affordable Rent Act encouraged investors to reduce their rental property holdings.

Dutch Financial Intelligence Unit Gains New Powers to Freeze Suspicious Transactions

New legislation allows the Financial Intelligence Unit to order banks, payment providers and cryptocurrency platforms to freeze suspected illicit transactions for up to five working days, with longer freezes possible following requests f...

Port of Rotterdam Faces Growing Congestion as Global Shipping Is Rerouted

Container terminals in Rotterdam are experiencing heavy yard congestion and longer delays as shipping lines divert cargo away from the Middle East, increasing pressure on European supply chains and driving higher Asia-Europe freight rates.

Netherlands Urges US Lawmakers to Exempt ASML From Expanded Semiconductor Export Controls

The Dutch trade minister has asked members of the US Congress to oppose proposed export restrictions that would extend controls on ASML's deep ultraviolet immersion lithography systems, warning the measures would harm Europe's largest te...

South Korean Chip Investment Strengthens Long-Term Outlook for Dutch Semiconductor Equipment

Major semiconductor investments announced by Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix are expected to support long-term demand for Dutch lithography equipment despite near-term geopolitical restrictions on exports to China.

Schiphol Cuts Ground Handling Providers to Improve Operations and Working Conditions

Schiphol Airport has awarded seven-year contracts to dnata, KLM and Viggo, reducing the number of ground handling companies from six to three in an effort to improve reliability, coordination and labor conditions.

Rotterdam Container Congestion Worsens as Crane Shortages Delay Barges

Crane availability constraints at the ECT terminal are causing barge delays of up to 48 hours, adding pressure to European supply chains already disrupted by vessels rerouting around southern Africa.

Rotterdam Rail Capacity Reduced During Maasvlakte II Terminal Expansion

Rail operations at APM Terminals on Maasvlakte II will remain restricted through mid-2027 while major expansion works are completed, prompting logistics companies to adjust schedules and shift more cargo to inland waterways.

Commercial Truck Distance Toll Replaces Eurovignette Across Dutch Roads

The Netherlands has introduced a distance-based charging system for trucks over 3.5 tonnes, replacing the Eurovignette with tolls linked to distance travelled and vehicle emissions to encourage cleaner freight transport.

Banks Gain Authority to Freeze Suspicious Transactions for Up to Five Days

Dutch financial institutions can now temporarily block suspicious transactions for up to five days when instructed by the Financial Intelligence Unit, giving investigators more time to track cross-border money laundering and terrorist fi...

Dutch Growth Forecast Cut Below One Percent Amid Trade Uncertainty

National economic projections now expect the Dutch economy to expand by just 0.8% in 2026 as global trade tensions, elevated energy costs and weaker domestic demand weigh on investment and consumer spending.

Dutch Central Bank Warns Budget Deficit Will Exceed European Union Limit in 2026

De Nederlandsche Bank forecasts the budget deficit will reach 3.3% of gross domestic product next year, driven by military pension reforms, increased defense spending and slower economic growth.

Dutch Government Expands Foreign Investment Screening to Cover AI, Quantum and Biotechnology

The Netherlands will broaden its national investment screening regime from 2027 to include artificial intelligence, biotechnology, quantum technology, advanced materials and other sensitive sectors in line with the European Union's updat...

ASML Shares Fall as Planned Export Controls Threaten China Service Business

ASML shares came under pressure after confirmation that the Netherlands will align with proposed US-backed technology controls that could restrict software updates and maintenance for advanced chipmaking equipment already installed in Ch...

Netherlands Joins US-Led Pax Silica Alliance to Strengthen Semiconductor Supply Chains

The Netherlands has formally joined a United States-led technology partnership focused on semiconductor security and artificial intelligence hardware, reinforcing its strategic role in Western chip supply chains while tightening controls...

Dutch Municipalities Miss Legal Deadline to Provide Required Asylum Shelter Capacity

The July 1 deadline under the Distribution Act has passed with municipalities still well short of the required 101,500 asylum shelter places, creating an immediate political challenge for Prime Minister Rob Jetten's minority government.

Netherlands Raises Minimum Wage and Social Benefits as Broad Income Reforms Take Effect

The Dutch government has increased the statutory minimum wage to €14.99 an hour from July 1 while raising state pensions, disability payments, youth benefits and social assistance, alongside revised income tax thresholds aimed at easing ...

Amsterdam Museums Record Strong International Visitor Growth

The Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum have reported record international attendance, with favourable exchange rates attracting more visitors from the United States and Asia.

Vion Restructures Dutch Pork Processing Operations

Vion Food Group is consolidating slaughterhouse operations as nitrogen reduction policies continue to reduce the size of the Dutch livestock sector.

Royal FloraHolland Uses Digital Technology to Improve Supply Chain Efficiency

Royal FloraHolland is expanding digital tools, including artificial intelligence, to optimise logistics and reduce costs as Europe's largest flower auction responds to higher energy prices.

Just Eat Takeaway Reviews Asset Sales to Focus on Core European Markets

Just Eat Takeaway is exploring the sale of non-core international businesses as it concentrates on its most profitable European operations following pressure from investors to improve returns.

Philips Finalises Remaining US Sleep Device Litigation Settlements

Philips has completed the remaining financial settlements linked to its global sleep apnoea device recall, allowing the company to focus on its healthcare technology and medical imaging businesses.

Heineken Adjusts European Pricing as Consumer Spending Softens

Heineken is revising its pricing strategy across Europe and increasing its focus on alcohol-free products and emerging Asian markets as inflation continues to weigh on premium beer demand.

Adyen Expands Point-of-Sale Business Across Europe

Dutch payments company Adyen has accelerated deployment of point-of-sale terminals for major retailers, benefiting from growing demand for integrated online and in-store payment systems.

Booking.com Faces Renewed European Digital Markets Act Scrutiny

Amsterdam-based Booking.com is under increased regulatory oversight as the European Commission enforces the Digital Markets Act, with new rules expected to reshape competition and platform operations.

Fastned Expands European Electric Vehicle Charging Network

Dutch charging company Fastned has secured new concessions in Germany and France, strengthening its presence in Europe's fast-growing electric vehicle infrastructure market.

Dutch Railways Reduce Services Amid Staff Shortages and Track Maintenance

Nederlandse Spoorwegen will cut services on several major routes as persistent staffing shortages coincide with extensive infrastructure work around Utrecht Centraal.

KLM Expands Sustainable Aviation Fuel Supply Agreements

KLM has signed long-term agreements with European biofuel producers to secure sustainable aviation fuel supplies and meet future European Union blending requirements.

Schiphol Airport Faces Summer Delays as Capacity Pressures Mount

Amsterdam Schiphol Airport continues to experience widespread delays and cancellations as operational constraints and European air traffic control disruptions affect peak summer travel.

Rotterdam Port Operations Disrupted by Climate and Anti-Arms Protests

Demonstrations targeting fossil fuel infrastructure and alleged arms shipments have caused delays at the Port of Rotterdam, prompting freight rerouting and heightened security measures.

Amsterdam Moves to Tighten Rules on Foreign Property Investors

Amsterdam's city council is advancing proposals to restrict non-resident institutional investment in residential property and curb short-term rentals in an effort to improve housing availability.

Rabobank Reports Diverging Trends Across Dutch Housing Market

Rabobank says house prices in Amsterdam have largely levelled off while values continue to rise in less expensive regions, reflecting affordability pressures and shifting buyer demand.