News

Industrial activity in the Netherlands picked up slightly in February, with production and business confidence both improving. New orders from abroad fell, but economists expect this decline to be temporary. Rising energy prices and growing defence investments are shaping the outlook for the sector.

ProRail says gas use at train stations has dropped sharply after changing how and when heating is used. The organisation is now exploring alternatives for the few locations that still need warmth. Survey results suggest passengers have not noticed any decline in comfort.

Air France-KLM and other major airlines fell sharply on Monday as the conflict in the Middle East disrupted flights and sent fuel prices soaring. Energy companies, including Shell, benefited from the surge in oil and gas prices. European markets broadly declined as investors reacted to rising geopolitical tensions and uncertainty over how long the crisis may last.

European gas prices jumped sharply after military escalation involving Iran disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a key LNG route. The surge comes as European gas reserves are already at unusually low levels, increasing concerns about supply ahead of next winter. Market analysts warn prices could rise much further if disruptions persist.

The bank Bunq has been ordered to pay more than €314,000 after a mistake allowed a bankrupt customer to access his funds. The customer managed to withdraw or transfer the money before the trustee could intervene. A judge ruled that the bank was responsible for the error and rejected its attempts to blame the trustee.

More than 9.6 million people have been invited to file their 2025 income tax return, with the deadline set for 1 May. The Tax and Customs Administration expects heavy traffic on the first day, as happened last year. Support is available online and in person for those who need help completing their return.

Hackers have released what appears to be the remaining stolen customer data from telecoms provider Odido. The latest file is far larger than earlier leaks and may contain details of more than 6.5 million people. Police are urging customers to stay alert to fraud and not to download the data themselves.

Eindhoven officials are set to meet with housing corporations to address social housing tenants who also own private property. This move follows a court ruling in Amsterdam that allowed a corporation to terminate a lease under similar circumstances. While exact local figures are unknown, the city is looking to improve data sharing to prevent the potential abuse of social housing.