Environment/sustainability
Eindhoven hosts the first City Nature Challenge
Eindhoven is joining the global City Nature Challenge this week, inviting residents to document local wildlife and plant species. By uploading sightings to a digital platform, participants will help researchers gain a clearer picture of the city's urban biodiversity. The event is organised by a partnership of local nature groups, the municipality, and students from Fontys University.
Health
Catharina Hospital recognised as the top speciality centre for strokes in young adults
Catharina Hospital has earned official recognition as a specialist centre for treating strokes in younger adults. By focusing on the unique causes of strokes in younger patients, the hospital aims to provide better long-term recovery and prevent future occurrences. The specialist team offers tailored support to help patients navigate the significant impact a stroke has on their work and family life.
Mobility
Cabinet pushes for cheaper off-peak train fares
The Dutch cabinet wants to introduce cheaper off-peak train fares this summer, backing a €49 subscription proposal to boost public transport use.
Business
ASML teams up with European tech giants
ASML is joining forces with major European tech companies to push for stronger EU semiconductor policies, warning that Europe’s limited share of its sales is a “huge red flag.”
Business
ABN AMRO lowers DIY sector growth
ABN AMRO has cut its growth outlook for the Dutch do‑it‑yourself sector to 2 percent in 2026, down from 3 percent, as the Iran war, higher inflation, and weaker consumer confidence weigh on home‑improvement spending. More homeowners are taking on small repairs themselves, while rising costs and online competition squeeze margins at DIY chains like Hornbach, Gamma, Karwei, and Praxis.
Economy
Owner‑occupied homes more expensive
Owner‑occupied homes in the Netherlands were 5 percent more expensive in March than a year earlier, marking a further easing of price growth. Average prices now exceed €494,600, while sales volumes rose sharply compared to last year.
Economy
Geldmaat launches trial offering of banknotes
Geldmaat is testing the introduction of 100‑euro banknotes in 46 ATMs across major Dutch cities. The six‑month trial, launched with De Nederlandsche Bank, aims to assess demand for higher denominations amid rising inflation.
News
Protesters urge senators to reject asylum laws
Protesters demonstrated outside the Senate in The Hague, urging senators to vote against proposed asylum laws. They cited criticism from official bodies and warned that the measures would be ineffective and inhumane. The chair of VluchtelingenWerk Nederland said asylum policy has become increasingly politicised.
News
PvdD says it was sidelined in The Hague coalition
The Party for the Animals says it was caught off guard by reports that it has been sidelined in The Hague’s minority coalition. Other coalition parties say trust has broken down over disagreements on relocating waste companies. The move comes amid parallel talks to form a new city coalition after recent elections.
Living/housing
Student cities urged to relax rules to allow more shared housing
Dutch student cities could ease housing shortages by relaxing rules on shared housing, according to the National Student Union. After reviewing policies in fifteen municipalities, the union says simpler rules and fewer permits could allow more student rooms to be added. The recommendations come as several cities form new local coalitions.
News
First NS chief conductors at work with bodycams
The Dutch railway company NS has started rolling out bodycams for its chief conductors, following trials that showed the devices help prevent escalation. About 3,500 staff members are expected to use them by the end of this year, with footage available for evidence if incidents occur. The move is backed by the government as part of wider efforts to improve safety on public transport.