Amsterdam Times

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 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.

The Hague Tribunal Prepares Verdict in Hashim Thaci War Crimes Trial

An international tribunal in The Hague is preparing to deliver its verdict in the war crimes case against former Kosovo President Hashim Thaci, marking a major stage in the long-running prosecution.

International Criminal Court Convicts Former Central African Republic Militia Commander

Judges at the International Criminal Court in The Hague have convicted a former Central African Republic militia commander of war crimes and torture.

Dutch Regulator Demands Transparency on AI-Driven Retail Pricing

The Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets has told retailers to clearly disclose the use of artificial intelligence in dynamic pricing as regulators seek to prevent unfair or opaque price-setting practices.

ASML Shares Rise 3.5% Ahead of October Earnings

ASML shares gained 3.5% in Amsterdam as investors positioned ahead of the semiconductor equipment maker’s October results amid renewed confidence in the global technology supply chain.

Euronext Amsterdam Chief Warns Dutch Wealth Tax Could Deter Retail Investors

Euronext Amsterdam chief executive René van Vlerken says the government’s wealth tax proposals risk discouraging household investment and pushing domestic capital away from the Dutch stock market.

EU Suspends Aid to Sierra Leone Over Dutch Extradition Dispute

The European Commission has halted development funding to Sierra Leone after the country refused to extradite Bolle Jos, a criminal suspect sought by Dutch authorities.

Progressive Parties Move to Remove Abortion From Dutch Criminal Code

Opposition lawmakers in the Netherlands have introduced legislation that would remove abortion from the criminal code and treat the procedure solely as medical care, opening a new political and legal debate.

Netherlands Joins Military Exercises With Ukrainian Forces

The Dutch armed forces will participate in joint training exercises with Ukrainian combat units, deepening bilateral defence cooperation as the Netherlands reinforces its commitment to European security.

Netherlands Unveils 50-Point Plan to Accelerate Housebuilding

The Dutch cabinet has introduced a 50-point housing and infrastructure plan aimed at speeding up residential construction through regulatory changes and targeted municipal support as the national housing shortage persists.

Netherlands Backs EU-Wide Minimum Age for Social Media Use

The Dutch government has endorsed proposals for a mandatory minimum age for social media across the European Union, adding momentum to efforts to tighten digital protections for children.

Drought Threatens Stability of Dutch Peat Dikes

Water authorities in the Netherlands are using emergency irrigation measures as prolonged drought threatens the structural integrity of peat dikes that form part of the country’s flood-defence system.

Low River Levels Disrupt Dutch Inland Shipping as Grounding Risks Rise

Severe drought has pushed water levels on major Dutch rivers so low that standard depth checks cannot be carried out, increasing the risk of vessel groundings on routes linking Rotterdam with Germany’s industrial regions.

Dutch Government Rewrites Wealth Tax Plan After Political Backlash

Finance Minister Eelco Heinen has pledged to overhaul the proposed Box 3 wealth tax reforms, including higher tax-free savings allowances, after the original plan drew strong opposition in parliament.

Dutch Hospitals Restrict Patient Record Access After Cybersecurity Threat

Major hospitals across the Netherlands have blocked external digital access to patient records after detecting a credible cyber threat, underscoring rising concern over attacks on national healthcare infrastructure.

Dutch Government Demands Hundreds of Billions in Cuts to Next EU Budget

The Netherlands is pressing for hundreds of billions of euros in reductions to the European Union’s next budget as the government seeks to limit national contributions while preserving targeted spending on security and strategic autonomy.

Dutch Sports Federations Face Scrutiny Over Transgender and Non-Binary Athlete Rules

An investigative report said at least six national sports federations maintain policies criticized as discriminatory toward transgender and non-binary athletes, renewing debate over inclusion, competitive fairness and rights in Dutch sport.

EU Officials Challenge Dutch Claims Over Sierra Leone Subsidies

European Union officials disputed a Dutch minister’s claim that EU financial subsidies to Sierra Leone had been halted in connection with an international fugitive investigation, creating friction between Brussels and The Hague.

Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten Rules Out Colonial Reparations

Prime Minister Rob Jetten rejected financial reparations for historical colonial injustices after an activist returned a royal ribbon in protest, keeping debate over the Netherlands’ colonial legacy in the national political spotlight.

Dutch Analysts Warn Regulatory Complexity Could Weigh on Foreign Investment

Economic analysts said a complex mix of Dutch and European regulations could weaken the Netherlands’ competitiveness as an investment destination, adding to calls for simpler rules across the European single market.

Rabobank Forecasts Dutch Growth of 1.3% This Year and 1.1% in 2027

Rabobank expects the Dutch economy to expand 1.3% this year and 1.1% in 2027, with household demand helping offset pressures from geopolitical tensions, energy volatility and supply-chain disruption.

Foreign Investment in Netherlands Shifts Toward Software, Clean Technology and Digital Infrastructure

An EY Attractiveness Survey found the Netherlands ranked 10th globally for inbound investment as new projects increasingly moved away from chemicals and construction toward software, digital infrastructure and renewable-energy technologies.

Netherlands Plans National Vape Tax by 2029 as EU Legislation Stalls

State Secretary for Finance Eelco Eerenburg has drafted legislation for a Dutch excise tax on vaping products by 2029 as the government moves ahead with domestic regulation while European Union legislation remains delayed.

Dutch Economy Grows 1.3% as Household and Government Spending Support Activity

The Netherlands economy expanded 1.3% from a year earlier in the second quarter, with household consumption and public spending helping offset weakness in parts of European manufacturing.

Dutch Central Bank Chief Warns Climate Change Is Already Affecting the Economy

De Nederlandsche Bank President Olaf Sleijpen said the economic effects of extreme weather and changing climate patterns are already measurable, urging financial institutions to account for related supply-chain and inflation risks.

ASML Warns AI Chip Demand Remains Strong as Broader Semiconductor Markets Weaken

Dutch semiconductor equipment maker ASML said demand tied to artificial intelligence remains strong while other parts of the chip market continue to show weakness, a divergence that could weigh on near-term industry investment.

Dutch Intelligence Service Ranked Among Europe’s Top Three by Security Analysts

Independent security analysts ranked the Netherlands’ General Intelligence and Security Service among Europe’s three most capable agencies, citing its work in cyber defence and counter-terrorism.

Dutch Museum Visits Exceed 30 Million as Cultural Attendance Hits Record

Museums across the Netherlands recorded more than 30 million visits over the past year, with the national museum association reporting record attendance at heritage and fine-art institutions.

Amsterdam Seeks Government Funding to Save Crack Cocaine Treatment Study

Amsterdam authorities have asked the national Health Ministry to provide emergency funding for a clinical study examining alternative treatments for severe crack cocaine addiction.

Randstad Region Plans Long-Term Integration of High-Speed Rail and Autonomous Transport

Urban planners across the Randstad have published a long-term mobility strategy combining high-speed rail, autonomous public transport and expanded cycling infrastructure to accommodate population growth.

Royal FloraHolland Reports Export Growth Despite High European Energy Costs

Royal FloraHolland says exports of high-value floral and agricultural products continue to grow despite persistent pressure from elevated greenhouse energy costs.

Amsterdam Reports Rising Ketamine Use and Lower Alcohol Consumption Among Young Adults

Public health and municipal authorities in Amsterdam reported increased recreational ketamine use alongside declining alcohol consumption among young adults in the city’s nightlife scene.

University of Amsterdam Bans Laptops and Mobile Devices During Lectures

The University of Amsterdam has prohibited students from using personal laptops and mobile devices during lectures in an effort to improve concentration and classroom engagement.

Netherlands to Introduce Mandatory National Registry for Real Estate Agents

The Dutch government plans to require residential and commercial property agents to join a state-regulated national registry aimed at standardising professional conduct across the sector.