Economy

The Supreme Court has ruled that taxpayers who failed to object to the Box 3 levy on time will not receive compensation, despite the tax later being declared unlawful. The decision affects more than a million people hoping for a refund.

Dutch consumer confidence has improved for the first time in months, rising from deep lows. CBS reports that consumers feel less negative about the economy and their willingness to buy, although confidence remains far below long‑term norms. Falling oil prices and easing inflation pressures may be helping sentiment recover.

The Netherlands has firmly rejected a proposed €1.9 trillion EU budget, with Prime Minister Rob Jetten warning that Europe cannot build a modern economy using a financial blueprint from the 1990s. Ahead of a deadlocked EU summit, Jetten insisted that the 2028–2034 budget must prioritise security and competitiveness over outdated agricultural subsidies, vowing not to rush into a deal that leaves Dutch taxpayers with an unacceptable bill.

Funda will introduce new paid packages for home sellers and roll out features that make browsing properties easier, while giving sellers more control over how their listings appear.

A new CPB study finds that rising energy and fuel costs from the Middle East conflict have only a small effect on disposable incomes for most households, though lower‑income and high‑consumption households face larger losses.

The Sociale Verzekeringsbank has urged the Dutch parliament to simplify the personal healthcare budget system to protect vulnerable citizens from overwhelming bureaucracy. Current regulations classify 14,000 budget holders as formal employers, forcing them to manage complex payrolls and staff reintegration procedures. The agency is now calling for a legislative exemption to strip away these corporate duties so patients can focus purely on their care.

Dutch pump prices have fallen to a three-month low as renewed hopes for peace in the Middle East cool global oil markets. The price of diesel dropped by nearly 3 per cent to 2.274 euros per litre, while petrol eased to 2.457 euros, moving further away from the historic record highs recorded in May. However, despite a month of steady declines, motorists continue to pay roughly 20 cents more per litre than they did before the outbreak of regional conflict in February.

A large share of young workers want to work more hours but are limited by part-time contracts. Research shows this untapped potential equals nearly 120,000 full-time jobs. The gap is especially visible in sectors already facing staff shortages.