Living/housing
Eighth extremely hot day of the year is recorded
The Netherlands has now logged eight regionally scorching days of 35°C or higher—its highest number ever—according to Weeronline.
Career
Fastned sets new record for station expansion
Fastned opened a record 28 new fast‑charging stations in the first half of 2026, boosting revenue and reducing net losses while maintaining strong growth expectations.
Economy
Fewer households are choosing fixed energy deals
Dutch households are increasingly shifting away from fixed energy contracts, opting instead for variable and dynamic options as wholesale market volatility continues.
Health
Patients less assertive than expected in doctor consultations
Nivel researchers find that patients speak far less assertively and ask fewer questions during medical consultations than commonly assumed, based on 18,000 recorded interactions. This puts the entire onus on the Healthcare providers to create a space for constructive dialogue.
News
Hundreds gather across the Netherlands to witness partial solar eclipse
Crowds gathered at Dutch observatories and coastal areas on Wednesday evening to view a partial solar eclipse. High demand for the event led to heavy traffic on roads leading to popular beaches and caused long queues at local observatories. Many locations also offered stargazers the opportunity to view the Perseid meteor shower later in the night.
News
Schiphol border checks queues reach two hours
Arriving non-EU passengers at Schiphol Airport are facing queues of up to two hours following the rollout of a new European border system. The new Entry/Exit System requires travellers to register biometric data upon arrival, causing significant delays. While the airport has deployed extra staff to support passengers, responsibility for border control rests with national authorities.
News
Children face higher risk of eye damage during solar eclipse
An ophthalmologist has warned that children and teenagers may be especially vulnerable to eye damage during Wednesday evening’s solar eclipse. Experts urge parents to ensure young people do not look directly at the sun, as retinal damage can occur without immediate pain or symptoms.
News
Dutch fuel prices rise again, widening gap with Belgium
Fuel prices in the Netherlands increased again on Wednesday, making refuelling significantly more expensive than in neighbouring Belgium. The growing price gap means drivers can save more than €40 on a full tank by filling up across the border, while rising oil prices add further pressure on costs.
