News

The Dutch chemical sector is facing growing pressure due to high energy costs and limited government action, according to Rotterdam mayor Carola Schouten. Industry groups warn of declining competitiveness and increasing reliance on cheaper imports from abroad.

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.

Early record-breaking pollen concentrations have led to a difficult start for hay fever sufferers this year. Experts warn that birch pollen is expected to peak soon, making it essential for many to start medication early. These simple lifestyle changes and precautions may help reduce the severity of seasonal symptoms.

The latest NVM Open House Day drew 52,000 visitors, showing a clear rise in interest compared with previous editions. Nearly 9,000 homes opened their doors, with major cities leading participation and Amsterdam recording the highest average asking prices. The NVM says supply is growing, although the market remains firmly priced.

A few hundred people gathered in The Hague on Saturday to call for diplomacy in the Iran conflict. The organisers want the Dutch government to take a clearer stance and push for an immediate halt to attacks. Nearby, a separate group marked the birthday of former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte.

Stocks in Amsterdam fell for a second day as tensions in the Middle East weighed on investor sentiment, while oil prices continued to climb. Concerns over supply disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz added to market pressure. Meanwhile, merger talks in the drinks industry lifted shares in Paris.

Commuters should prepare for overnight closures on the N2 bypass at the end of March. The works, which focus on installing new safety barriers near the High Tech Campus, will involve several slip road closures and signposted diversions.

Prime Minister Rob Jetten has rejected calls to delay government spending on security and innovation, arguing that global instability makes these long-term investments more critical than ever. Despite soaring fuel prices and mounting pressure to provide immediate financial relief to households, the latest Spring Memorandum reveals that the Cabinet has almost no fiscal breathing room left. Jetten warned that halting current projects to fund short-term aid would be a mistake, leaving the government to navigate a difficult balancing act between its ambitious coalition goals and the urgent needs of struggling families.