News

ING says the Dutch economy is now less exposed to high energy prices than in 2022. Energy‑intensive industries have shrunk, while sectors like machinery and chip manufacturing have grown, making the overall economy more resilient to a new energy shock.

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. 

PostNL will shift from next‑day to two‑day delivery for standard mailbox mail beginning July 12, a move the company says is essential to keep the postal system reliable and financially sustainable as letter volumes continue to decline. The Dutch cabinet approved the change last year.

The founder of Amac is opening a massive, self-funded Apple Museum in Utrecht to celebrate the tech giant's 50th anniversary. The museum offers a chronological journey from Steve Jobs' garage to the latest gadgets, aiming to become a global knowledge hub for tech enthusiasts.

The political party GroenLinks-PvdA has proposed a temporary nine-euro monthly travel pass to combat rising fuel costs and encourage off-peak train use. While the plan has received broad support from the NS and various political groups, debates continue regarding how to fund the initiative long-term. This 'climate ticket' aims to fill empty train seats during quiet periods while providing financial relief to commuters throughout the summer.

The Consumentenbond has warned that 'organic' potting soil often contains peat, which contributes significantly to carbon emissions and habitat destruction. Gardeners are encouraged to look for specific peat-free labels or follow advice from Natuurmonumenten to ensure their hobby remains truly sustainable. This shift comes as major retailers like Intratuin begin to phase out peat-based products in favour of greener alternatives.

Recent research reveals that over a third of Dutch children were infected with whooping cough following the lifting of pandemic restrictions. While vaccines continue to prevent severe illness, health officials are now calling for closer monitoring as immunity levels fluctuate.

Four dedicated local politicians in Veldhoven have been awarded royal honours for their extensive service to the community. The group includes some of the town's longest-serving representatives, ranging from experienced alderpeople to well-known local figures.