Environment/sustainability

Enexis invested a record-breaking €1.9 billion in the electricity grid throughout 2025, laying over 1,600 kilometres of cabling and constructing hundreds of substations across the northern and southern Netherlands. However, the operator warns that demand is still outstripping the pace of expansion, leaving the network at full capacity in many areas and resulting in a business waiting list of over 10,000 applications. Chief Executive Rutger van der Leeuw has cautioned that households may also face delays in the future, as the immense cost of these upgrades—exceeding daily tariff income by over €2 million—continues to place significant strain on the company’s finances.

Eindhoven officials have launched a study into the possible reconstruction of a neo-Gothic city hall demolished in the 1960s. The move follows a successful public petition and a meeting between residents and city leaders to discuss restoring the historic landmark. Authorities are now weighing the costs and practicalities of bringing the 19th-century building back to the city centre.

Dutch business investment fell by 2.6 per cent in December 2025, marking a third consecutive monthly decline driven largely by a slump in the aviation and road transport sectors. Despite reduced spending on lorries and vans, growth was recorded in passenger cars, buildings, and defence equipment. Looking ahead, the CBS "investment radar" suggests a less unfavourable climate for early 2026, bolstered by rising industrial capacity and stronger goods exports.

KLM is recruiting temporary staff and deploying new digital tools to tackle a surge in customer claims following a chaotic start to 2026. Severe winter weather at Schiphol Airport led to hundreds of cancelled flights in January and February, costing parent company Air France-KLM an estimated €90 million.