News

The KNMI has expanded its code orange extreme heat warning to include the northern provinces of Drenthe, Friesland, and Groningen starting Friday at midnight. While the rest of the Netherlands has been under a code orange warning since Wednesday, the northern region will transition from code yellow, while the Wadden Islands will enter a code yellow alert. Meteorologists have also extended the duration of the national warnings until at least Friday midday, with a strong likelihood that the extreme heat alerts will continue through Saturday.

Dutch Foreign Trade Minister Sjoerd Sjoerdsma has rejected a proposed US bill, the Match Act, which threatens to force the Netherlands into cutting off ASML's chip technology exports and maintenance services to China. Following talks in Washington, Sjoerdsma asserted that export controls must rely on voluntary cooperation rather than American coercion, warning that unilateral mandates threaten Dutch economic sovereignty. While the US pushes for sweeping bans, the Netherlands maintains its stance on reviewing semiconductor sales through targeted, case-by-case assessments to protect global supply chains.

Shallow groundwater is more widely contaminated than previously understood, according to new research by Vitens. Hundreds of substances, including some long banned, were detected in protection areas. The findings highlight the need to prevent pollution at its source.

Public transport services in Amsterdam, Rotterdam and The Hague are gradually returning to normal after a morning strike. Operators warn that full schedules may take several hours to restore. Travellers are advised to check updates before setting out.

International child abduction cases linked to the Netherlands rose by over 25% in 2025, according to new data. Spain and Syria stand out in recent trends, while family conflict remains a key factor behind many cases. The report also highlights a lack of awareness about the legal risks.

The RIVM has issued a smog alert for the central and southern Netherlands, warning of poor air quality on Wednesday and Thursday due to a build-up of air pollution on hot, windless days. The pollution will severely impact areas including Utrecht, Flevoland, and Noord-Brabant before shifting south on Thursday. Health officials advise vulnerable groups—such as children, the elderly, and asthma patients—to remain indoors and avoid strenuous activity during the late afternoon and early evening when pollution levels peak.

Dutch supermarkets and parcel services have implemented safety protocols to support delivery staff during an impending regional heatwave. Companies like DHL, PostNL, and Jumbo are adjusting shift patterns, shortening routes, and offering flexible hours to keep workers out of the sun during peak hours. With a code orange warning active across central and southern regions, employers are also distributing extra water, sunscreen, and ice lollies to combat dangerous working conditions.

National railway operator NS will scale back services on major routes this week to prevent heat-related technical failures as temperatures approach 30 degrees Celsius. The company plans to run fewer trains on busy corridors, including routes to Schiphol Airport, and will swap out heat-sensitive double-decker models on other lines. Passengers must also navigate a nationwide rail strike on Wednesday morning, prompting officials to urge travellers to check schedules and carry water.