Governance

More than 1,400 kilos of cocaine have been seized in Rotterdam after customs officers found drugs hidden in three containers. Authorities say the intended recipients were likely not involved, and the drugs have been destroyed.

The mediator for Eindhoven’s post-election negotiations has recommended that the previous three-party coalition return to power to ensure stability. The report identifies housing, administrative execution, and social cohesion as the most urgent challenges for the city over the next four years.

Informateur Mary Fiers has proposed a stable three-party coalition to lead Eindhoven following the recent municipal elections. The recommended partnership focuses on tackling housing and social issues through a fresh, more transparent approach to local governance.

Eindhoven has welcomed 23 new city councillors in a ceremony that highlighted the city's shifting political landscape. The new council features a slight increase in female representation and a diverse range of advocates for housing, disability rights, and labour. 

Prime Minister Rob Jetten has met with ASML CEO Christophe Fouquet to discuss the future of the Dutch semiconductor industry. The talks focused on maintaining a world-class business climate and the strategic importance of the Eindhoven region.

The Dutch parliament has voted to raise the minimum age for legal firework organisers from 16 to 18 years old. This decision comes as the country prepares for a broader ban on consumer fireworks during the next New Year celebrations. Additionally, new guidelines will encourage local councils to keep approved displays away from wildlife habitats to protect nature.

Dutch small businesses are calling on the government to take urgent action to reduce high energy and fuel costs. Many firms are passing on rising expenses to customers, while others risk losses as fuel prices reach record levels.

The Dutch Cabinet has approved a new bill granting police expanded powers to collect and monitor personal data from public social media accounts to prevent public order disturbances. Minister David van Weel argued the legislation "brings the police into the 21st century," pointing to recent violent riots at the Malieveld as evidence that authorities need better tools to track online-organised unrest. While current rules only allow officers to view public information, the new law will permit the formal extraction and use of this data; however, the powers do not yet extend to private or closed groups, though future plans to include them are already under consideration.