BOVAG chair Christianne van der Wal says targeted energy support would be more effective than cutting fuel taxes. She argues that broad tax reductions are costly and limited in impact, while focused measures could better support households and businesses facing rising costs.

The ANWB warns that the eCall emergency system in millions of cars may stop working when the 2G network is phased out. Without a solution, many vehicles could fail inspections, raising concerns about safety and costs.

Philips has advised hospitals to discontinue using specific nebulizer attachments with Trilogy series ventilators due to a malfunction risk. This alert follows three complaints, including one instance of minor injury, involving the devices.

Planned heart surgeries and examinations may be delayed due to a safety recall of a common medical component. While emergency services remain fully operational, dozens of hospitals are managing a shortage of equipment used in cardiac treatments.

The Dutch government is finalising a new package of energy measures, including subsidies for electric vehicle purchases and relief for households struggling with energy costs. Ministers are now consulting with opposition parties to secure support for the proposals before an official presentation on Monday.

Oil prices plunged by approximately 11% on Friday following the announcement that the Strait of Hormuz has reopened to commercial shipping. The strategic waterway, which carries 20% of the world's oil, had been largely closed by Iran during recent hostilities, causing significant market volatility. This de-escalation led US crude to fall to $83.30 and Brent crude to $87.90 a barrel, while European gas prices also dropped by nearly 8% as fears of a prolonged energy supply crisis began to fade.

Dutch start-up Thorizon has signed an agreement to build Europe’s first commercial molten salt reactor in Zeeland, with plans to have it operational by 2034. Unlike traditional nuclear plants, this technology uses liquid salt as both fuel and coolant, which CEO Kiki Lauwers describes as a safer alternative that can even repurpose existing nuclear waste. The project, which has already secured tens of millions in funding from investors and regional authorities, is expected to cover an area the size of several football pitches and provide enough energy to power 250,000 households once connected to the grid.

From January 2027, young workers aged 16 to 20 will benefit from a significant increase in the youth minimum wage as the government implements a long-standing plan to boost pay for younger age groups. Under the new rules, the percentage of the full adult wage that young people are entitled to will rise, with 17-year-olds reaching 50% and 19-year-olds receiving 75% of the statutory rate. While Minister Hans Vijlbrief acknowledged that businesses may face higher costs, he noted that the increase should help employers attract staff. The changes will also extend to vocational (MBO) students on work-study tracks, ensuring more consistent pay standards across the workforce.