Environment/sustainability

A major heathland fire on the Oirschotse Heide is under control on one side but still spreading on the other. Around 130 firefighters are working through difficult conditions as smoke drifts toward nearby villages and investigators prepare to examine whether military exercises played a role.

April 2026 ranks among the sunniest and driest on record in the Netherlands, raising early concerns about drought, wildfire risk, and pressure on nature and agriculture.

The wildfire risk is increasing across the Netherlands, with more regions now at the highest alert level. Dry conditions and wind make fires more likely and harder to control. Authorities urge people to act carefully to prevent outbreaks.

Police figures show that over 400 Extinction Rebellion activists were detained during recent protests on the A12 motorway. The total includes those who reached the road and hundreds more stopped by officers beforehand. Several drivers also face mandatory retraining after intentionally creating traffic jams to support the demonstration.

Police have intervened to clear a climate protest that blocked the A12 motorway near Utrecht on Saturday. While some activists left the scene voluntarily, others chained themselves to barriers, forcing officers to dismantle sections of the guardrail. The protesters were moved onto coaches after ignoring police warnings to leave the area.

The European Union and the United States are set to sign a preliminary agreement this Friday to strengthen cooperation on critical minerals, which are essential for manufacturing products like smartphones and electric car batteries. Aimed at reducing a heavy global reliance on Chinese supplies, the deal between European Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is expected to include incentives like minimum price guarantees. By supporting non-Chinese suppliers, the partnership seeks to secure more resilient supply chains for these vital raw materials.

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.

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.