Business

The online furniture retailer Fonq has officially been declared bankrupt after failing to secure the investment needed to achieve long-term profitability. While administrators are currently exploring a potential rescue deal for the company and its sister brand, Naduvi, approximately 100 employees now face redundancy. Although both websites remain online for the time being, the checkout functions have been disabled, leaving the future of the business and its outstanding customer orders hanging in the balance.

The European Parliament has approved part of the EU‑US trade deal but added safeguards to ensure the United States honors its commitments. MEPs fear new US import tariffs and have introduced a “safety net” that allows EU concessions to be reversed if the US fails to comply.

Six vocational colleges in the southern Netherlands are offering 500 euro vouchers to help new engineering and technology students buy necessary laptops. The initiative is part of a wider national plan to train thousands of new professionals for the growing microchip industry. This financial support aims to remove barriers for students entering a sector with a high demand for skilled workers.

Mortgage rates in the Netherlands have increased due to the Iran conflict. First‑time buyers, as well as buyers in major cities and the new‑build market, are particularly likely to feel the impact, according to ING Research.

Philips has maintained its position as the top Dutch applicant at the European Patent Office, leading the way in medical technology. The company filed over 1,200 patents in 2025, focusing heavily on AI-driven healthcare solutions and sustainable diagnostic imaging. These innovations are part of a broader goal to improve billions of lives globally by the end of the decade.

ASML employees in Veldhoven have protested against 1,700 planned job cuts worldwide. Despite record financial results, unions and staff remain concerned about how the reorganization will affect job security and product quality. The dispute continues as workers call for management to reconsider the scale of the layoffs and the use of external contractors.

Eindhoven has launched a new sustainable facility to wash reusable cups for businesses and events. The project creates local jobs for people who need support while helping the city reduce its plastic waste.

VDL Groep has seen its profits bounce back despite a challenging year for the high-tech and automotive sectors. With a record-breaking order book and a new focus on the defence industry, the Eindhoven-based giant is preparing for a period of renewed growth.