Business

Private sector rents rose by nearly 5 per cent year-on-year in the second quarter, outpacing both inflation and house prices, according to housing platforms Huurwoningen.nl and Pararius. Driven by a persistent property shortage, new tenants faced higher costs—particularly for flats—with average prices reaching €20.94 per square metre. However, despite the annual increase, rents fell slightly compared to the first quarter of the year, marking the first quarterly decline in over two years as buy-to-let investors increasingly sell off vacant properties due to less profitable legislative changes.

After a three‑day economic mission to China, Minister Sjoerd Sjoerdsma says Dutch and European businesses must act faster to keep pace with China’s rapid innovation. While Chinese companies are eager to collaborate, he warns that Europe must strengthen its position amid rising trade tensions.

The Dutch Data Protection Authority (AP) warns that rapidly advancing AI is making phishing and cyberattacks more convincing and more damaging. Criminals are using AI to craft realistic, personalised messages, increasing the risk of account takeovers and large‑scale breaches.

Green shareholder collective Follow This has abandoned its legal threat against energy giant BP following a pivotal shareholder voting clash in April. Activists state that a legal ruling is no longer necessary after investors successfully united to block management's attempts to reduce climate reporting obligations. The group now plans to pivot its strategy toward introducing a fresh climate-focused resolution at the 2027 annual meeting.

Motorcycle sales in the Netherlands rose sharply in the first half of the year, with both new and used markets performing strongly. Trade associations say the motorcycle is becoming more popular for commuting as well as leisure. The BMW R 1300 GS/Adventure led the sales rankings.

Wibra achieved record turnover and rapid store expansion in 2025, driven by strong sales and new openings. The retailer continues to grow in the Netherlands, Belgium, and France, supported by investments in logistics and sustainability. The company marks its 70th anniversary with confidence in further expansion.

Chris Figee will leave KPN later this year to take up a senior role at chip supplier ASMI. He will start with special projects before moving into the Chief Financial Officer position, pending shareholder approval in 2027. Current CFO Paul Verhagen plans to retire in May 2027.

Carbeau, a new spin-off from Avantium, focuses on converting CO₂ into valuable chemicals through electrochemistry. The company has raised €35.2 million and will be based at Amsterdam Science Park, with plans for a pilot plant in Delfzijl. The move strengthens efforts to use CO₂ as a sustainable feedstock.