Business
Bunq ordered to pay €315,000 after giving bankrupt client access to funds
The bank Bunq has been ordered to pay more than €314,000 after a mistake allowed a bankrupt customer to access his funds. The customer managed to withdraw or transfer the money before the trustee could intervene. A judge ruled that the bank was responsible for the error and rejected its attempts to blame the trustee.
Business
Tax authorities expect busy start to income tax return season
More than 9.6 million people have been invited to file their 2025 income tax return, with the deadline set for 1 May. The Tax and Customs Administration expects heavy traffic on the first day, as happened last year. Support is available online and in person for those who need help completing their return.
Governance
Hackers post more stolen Odido customer data online
Hackers have released what appears to be the remaining stolen customer data from telecoms provider Odido. The latest file is far larger than earlier leaks and may contain details of more than 6.5 million people. Police are urging customers to stay alert to fraud and not to download the data themselves.
Governance
Road between Geldrop and Heeze closed for toad migration
Authorities have announced nightly road closures between Geldrop and Heeze to protect migrating amphibians. The measure aims to provide a safe passage for toads, frogs, and newts as they move toward local breeding waters.
Governance
A58 is closed between Eindhoven and Tilburg on four weekends
Rijkswaterstaat will carry out essential repairs on the A58 this spring, leading to four full weekend closures for traffic heading towards Eindhoven. Diversions via 's-Hertogenbosch will be in place, though drivers are warned to expect delays of roughly half an hour. The works will affect several key junctions and service stations between Tilburg and Eindhoven.
Community
Eindhoven students challenge local politicians in an election debate
Students from Eindhoven’s major educational institutions recently hosted a lively election debate to hold local politicians to account. The discussion tackled urgent issues such as the city's housing crisis, street safety, and the fair treatment of vocational students. With 20,000 student votes at stake, the event highlighted deep divisions between parties on how to manage the city's growth.
Business
The Netherlands launches testing for Dutch AI model GPT-NL
The Netherlands has begun testing GPT-NL, a home-grown artificial intelligence model built to safeguard digital sovereignty. Backed by a €13.5 million government investment, the project aims to provide a secure alternative to foreign AI platforms for Dutch organisations. By using local news archives and forensic expertise, the model is designed to uphold European values and strict privacy standards.
Career
Prime minister seeks to repair ties with unions over pension age dispute
Prime Minister Rob Jetten is attempting to bridge a growing divide with trade unions over controversial plans to raise the state pension age. While the government remains committed to a "sustainable" pension system, unions are furious over what they see as a breach of previous agreements. Early data suggests recent changes have boosted average payouts, but the political battle over future retirement ages continues.
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Police prioritise investigation into Odido data breach
Dutch police have launched a major investigation after hackers stole the personal data of 6 million Odido customers. Authorities are praising the telecom company's refusal to pay a ransom and are warning the public to stay alert for identity fraud. The case highlights the growing risks of sophisticated phishing attacks following large-scale data breaches.
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Odido refuses to pay ransom while hackers begin leaking customer data
Telecom provider Odido has refused to negotiate with hackers following a massive data breach affecting over six million accounts. Despite threats from the ShinyHunters group to leak sensitive customer details daily, the company is following government advice to reject all ransom demands.