News

Chinese automotive brands are steadily expanding their presence in the European market by attracting drivers who are not yet ready to switch to fully electric vehicles. With competitively priced hybrid models, brands such as BYD, MG, and Xpeng achieved a record market share of nearly 12 percent last month, highlighting their growing appeal among European consumers.

An analysis by Greenpeace shows tap water in western Netherlands contains PFAS levels exceeding RIVM health recommendations, particularly in North Holland. Although contamination remains well within the legal European limit of 100 nanograms per liter, regions like Zaandam recorded 14.3 nanograms per liter against a recommended 4.4 nanograms. Authorities confirm tap water remains completely safe to drink and urge governments to tackle chemical pollution at its source.

The Health Council of the Netherlands has recommended against making the 13-week prenatal ultrasound a permanent national screening option, citing high rates of false positives and missed fetal abnormalities. Study data showed 775 false alarms out of nearly 130,000 scans, leading to unnecessary follow-up testing. Health Minister Sophie Hermans confirmed the scan will remain available under a trial framework until at least 2028 while officials assess long-term data.

ASML sells zero chipmaking machines in Europe due to a lack of regional investment and semiconductor factory construction, according to public affairs chief Frank Heemskerk. While foreign powers like the US, China, and India compete for ASML's expansion, Europe struggles to meet its goals under the EU Chips Act. ASML and EU leaders are now exploring measures to boost local tech competitiveness and strengthen regional supply chains.

Booking.com will restrict phone number sharing next week to protect Dutch users from phone number misuse following an April data breach. The move comes as the Fraud Helpdesk reported over 1,000 phishing cases targeting travel platforms this year, with over 90 per cent involving Booking.com. A recent company survey showed that nearly half of Dutch users fail to spot fake booking pages, prompting cybersecurity experts to call for stronger default security measures.

Dry weather is set to return across the Netherlands following a recent period of rain, weather service Weeronline reports. Rain will largely cease from...

Prices of existing owner-occupied homes fell month on month in August for the first time since December 2025. Compared to July, house prices dropped...

Parents will pay a slightly higher contribution for childcare from 2029 than previously planned. The government has decided to reimburse 95.6 per cent of...