Amsterdam Times

Report Finds More Than 100 Dutch Women Were Forced Into Cross-Border Prostitution Networks

New research by the Dutch Centre for Human Trafficking says more than 100 girls and young women from the Netherlands were coerced into prostitution networks operating in Belgium and Germany, prompting renewed calls for closer cross-borde...

Eindhoven University Calls for a Unified European Semiconductor Innovation Network

Eindhoven University of Technology has urged the European Union to better integrate leading technology hubs across the continent, arguing that closer collaboration is essential to remain competitive in advanced chip development.

NATO Defence Innovation Accelerator Completes Brainport Eindhoven Technology Program

NATO's Defence Innovation Accelerator has concluded a mentorship program in Brainport Eindhoven connecting international startups with Dutch partners to advance dual-use technologies including artificial intelligence, autonomous systems ...

Dutch Minimum Wage Rises as Social Housing Rents Also Increase

The Netherlands has raised the statutory minimum wage alongside higher social benefits and pensions, while allowing social housing rents to increase by up to 4.1 percent in the latest round of mid-year economic adjustments.

Syrian Airlines Resumes Direct Damascus-Amsterdam Service

Syrian Airlines has restarted direct passenger flights between Damascus and Amsterdam after nearly 14 years, reflecting the gradual reopening of air links following the fall of the Assad government.

Thai Airways Restores Direct Bangkok-Amsterdam Flights After 28-Year Absence

Thai Airways has resumed nonstop passenger flights between Bangkok and Amsterdam for the first time since 1998, strengthening tourism, business travel and cargo links between Southeast Asia and Europe.

Dutch Cabinet Maintains Nitrogen Emissions Policy Despite Political Pressure

The Dutch government has reaffirmed its commitment to existing nitrogen reduction measures after a contentious parliamentary debate, leaving restrictions affecting agriculture and construction projects in place.

Rotterdam's APM Terminals Maasvlakte II Restricts Rail Capacity During Major Expansion

Rail operations at APM Terminals Maasvlakte II will remain constrained until mid-2027 as expansion work continues, prompting logistics companies to prepare for longer transit times and greater use of inland barges.

Rotterdam LNG Bunker Prices Fall as Shipping Through the Strait of Hormuz Recovers

Liquefied natural gas bunker prices at the Port of Rotterdam have declined after commercial shipping resumed more normal operations through the Strait of Hormuz, easing supply concerns across European energy markets.

Dutch Intelligence Services Keep National Terrorism Threat Level Elevated

The Netherlands' security and intelligence agencies say the country's terrorism threat remains high, with authorities continuing to monitor radicalized networks and the impact of international tensions on domestic security.

Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger Begin Formal Withdrawal From the International Criminal Court

The International Criminal Court in The Hague confirmed that the three military-led Sahel states have formally started the process of leaving the court, marking a significant setback for its jurisdiction in West Africa.

KLM Suspends Flights Across Parts of the Middle East Over Security Concerns

KLM has suspended services to several Middle Eastern destinations and continues avoiding the airspace of Iran, Iraq and Israel, forcing longer routes for passenger and cargo operations between Amsterdam and Asia.

European Commission Cuts Netherlands Growth Outlook Amid Grid, Housing and Nitrogen Constraints

The European Commission expects the Dutch economy to grow by 1.0 percent in 2026 and 1.1 percent in 2027, citing electricity grid congestion, nitrogen permitting restrictions, weak private investment and housing pressures as persistent o...

ASML Shares Rally as AI Chip Demand and Middle East Ceasefire Lift Market Sentiment

ASML's market value climbed toward a 52-week high after easing geopolitical tensions reduced supply chain concerns and renewed industry support highlighted the Dutch company's central role in expanding global semiconductor manufacturing.

Dutch Government Joins United States-Led Pax Silica Alliance to Deepen Semiconductor Cooperation

The Netherlands has formally joined the United States-led Pax Silica alliance, with the government saying the partnership will strengthen the country's semiconductor industry, attract artificial intelligence investment, create high-tech ...

Zeeland Ports Begin Autonomous Freight Rail Trials

The North Sea Port network has launched the Benelux region's first commercial autonomous freight rail trials to improve cargo movement between Dutch and Belgian ports and inland European markets.

Dutch Engineering Firms Win Flood Protection Contracts in Asia

A consortium of Dutch water management companies has secured major international contracts to design flood defence and coastal protection systems for vulnerable Asian cities.

Heineken Accelerates Global Water Conservation Programme

Heineken has committed to achieving net-zero water use across its major brewing facilities by 2030 as it responds to increasing drought risks in key production markets.

Rijksmuseum Reports Record International Visitor Numbers

The Rijksmuseum says international attendance has reached record levels as digital initiatives and major exhibition partnerships continue to boost cultural tourism.

Dutch Parliament Advances Bill to Limit International Student Enrolment

Lawmakers have moved forward with legislation that would restrict international student admissions at research universities, citing housing shortages and capacity constraints despite concerns from academic leaders.

Philips Resolves Remaining European Respiratory Device Litigation

Royal Philips has reached a final settlement covering outstanding European claims related to its respiratory device recalls, allowing the company to focus on its healthcare technology business.

The Hague Arbitration Panel Issues Major Sovereign Debt Ruling

An international arbitration tribunal based in The Hague has delivered a multibillion-dollar ruling in favour of European infrastructure investors in a sovereign debt dispute involving a Latin American country.

International Criminal Court Expands Global War Crimes Investigations

Prosecutors at the International Criminal Court in The Hague have issued new subpoenas as part of widening investigations into alleged war crimes involving senior military officials.

Dutch Researchers Develop Livestock Feed to Reduce Emissions

Researchers at Wageningen University have successfully tested a feed additive that significantly cuts methane and nitrogen emissions, offering farmers a potential tool to meet environmental targets.

Dutch Government Commits to Major Randstad Rail Expansion

The Ministry of Infrastructure has unveiled a long-term investment programme to expand high-frequency rail links between Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague and Utrecht to support growing demand.

Amsterdam Bans Fossil Fuel Advertising on Public Property

Amsterdam has introduced a ban on advertising for fossil fuels, petrol and diesel vehicles, and high-emission aviation services across municipal property and the city's public transport network.

Schiphol Airport Cuts Night Flights to Meet Noise and Climate Goals

Amsterdam Airport Schiphol has announced stricter reductions in overnight flights, prioritising environmental targets despite opposition from airlines and cargo operators.

Rotterdam Technology Project Faces Political Scrutiny Over Cost Overruns

Rotterdam's city council is facing calls for accountability after the cost of a municipal technology infrastructure project increased from €16 million to more than €44 million.

Universal Music Group Expands Dutch Headquarters

Universal Music Group is enlarging its operations in the Netherlands following sustained growth in digital streaming revenue and continued investment in music publishing and AI-driven audio technologies.

Ahold Delhaize Opens Fully Automated Distribution Centre

Retail group Ahold Delhaize has launched its first fully autonomous fulfilment centre, using artificial intelligence and robotics to improve efficiency and address labour shortages.

Booking.com Defends European Business Model Amid Regulatory Scrutiny

Booking.com executives have reaffirmed the company's commitment to its Amsterdam headquarters and compliance strategy as European regulators intensify scrutiny of digital market practices.

TomTom Wins Mapping Contracts With European Carmakers

TomTom has secured agreements to provide high-definition mapping technology for advanced driver-assistance systems used by three leading European automotive manufacturers.

Dutch Intelligence Warns of Cyber Espionage Targeting Quantum Research

The Dutch General Intelligence and Security Service has warned that foreign state-backed cyber campaigns are targeting quantum computing research in Delft to obtain sensitive intellectual property.

Prosus Shifts Investment Toward European Artificial Intelligence Startups

Technology investor Prosus is reallocating hundreds of millions of euros from traditional e-commerce holdings into early-stage European artificial intelligence companies, signalling a broader change in investment priorities.

Rabobank Launches Climate Finance Programme for Small Businesses

Rabobank has introduced a multi-billion-euro lending programme offering discounted financing to small and medium-sized businesses investing in verified emissions reduction and circular economy initiatives.

Amsterdam Continues to Attract International Investment Funds

New data from the Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets show that British and American alternative investment managers continue relocating European operations to Amsterdam following Brexit.

Adyen Expands Digital Payments Services Across Major European Retailers

Amsterdam-based payments company Adyen has broadened its unified commerce platform with leading European retailers, strengthening its position in the continent's digital payments market.

North Sea Offshore Wind Projects Face Rising Costs and Supply Delays

Dutch energy regulators have warned that shortages of specialist installation vessels and higher raw material prices could delay several major offshore wind projects until late 2027.

TenneT Calls for Integrated Cross-Border Electricity Market

Dutch grid operator TenneT has proposed a unified electricity balancing market linking the Netherlands, Germany and Belgium to improve grid stability as renewable energy generation continues to expand.

Shell and Eneco Launch Major Green Hydrogen Facility in Rotterdam

Shell and Eneco have begun commercial operations at a 200-megawatt electrolyser in the Port of Rotterdam, marking a significant milestone in the Netherlands' transition toward low-carbon industrial energy.

Port of Rotterdam Expands Hydrogen Import Infrastructure for European Industry

Port authorities have signed long-term agreements to increase green hydrogen import capacity, reinforcing Rotterdam's ambition to become a key energy gateway for Germany's industrial sector.

Dutch Households Face Pension Increases and Higher Social Housing Rents

New nationwide financial measures have taken effect, combining modest pension increases with social housing rent rises of up to 4.1% as policymakers seek to balance household finances with persistent inflationary pressures.

Dutch Labour Unions Threaten Nationwide Strikes Over Early Retirement Talks

The Federation of Dutch Trade Unions has warned of industrial action across logistics and manufacturing unless the government and employers agree to extend early retirement arrangements for workers in physically demanding occupations.

Dutch Council of State Clears Path for Proposed Ban on Goods From Israeli Settlements

The Council of State has concluded that a proposed ban on imports from disputed Israeli settlements can proceed, bringing the Dutch government closer to implementing a measure with significant diplomatic and legal implications.