News

Dutch business investment fell by 2.6 per cent in December 2025, marking a third consecutive monthly decline driven largely by a slump in the aviation and road transport sectors. Despite reduced spending on lorries and vans, growth was recorded in passenger cars, buildings, and defence equipment. Looking ahead, the CBS "investment radar" suggests a less unfavourable climate for early 2026, bolstered by rising industrial capacity and stronger goods exports.

Seventeen political parties will contest the Eindhoven municipal elections on 18 March 2026. The official candidate lists highlight a significant number of international and bicultural residents standing for office. News Brainport is keen on the region's social diversity and civic participation. So, we have done a round-up of the internationals running in the municipal elections 2026.

The Dutch chip-machine giant ASML is under investigation for allegedly breaching international labour guidelines after refusing to negotiate with an Irish trade union. The case highlights a growing conflict between the company and labour representatives in both Ireland and the Netherlands.

Investors are seeking to hold Philips CEO Roy Jakobs personally liable as part of an ongoing legal battle over the company’s sleep apnea device recall. The move comes as shareholders in both the US and the Netherlands pursue compensation for significant losses following a drop in share value.

The D66 party has named 41-year-old Eelco Eerenberg as the new State Secretary for Finance. The appointment follows the withdrawal of Nathalie van Berkel, who stood down after inaccuracies were discovered in her CV. Eerenberg, currently an alderman in Utrecht, brings extensive experience in local government and finance, having previously served as a councillor and administrator in Enschede.

Belgian firm Sparkx is set to launch Europe’s largest indoor sports amusement park in Nieuwegein next autumn. Covering over 7,500 square metres at De Beursfabriek, the site will offer visitors the chance to try fifty different sports, from basketball to wingsuit simulators. This expansion into the Dutch market follows Sparkx’s rapid success in Belgium and is expected to create 125 new jobs.

KLM is recruiting temporary staff and deploying new digital tools to tackle a surge in customer claims following a chaotic start to 2026. Severe winter weather at Schiphol Airport led to hundreds of cancelled flights in January and February, costing parent company Air France-KLM an estimated €90 million.

The Netherlands and Belgium have signed an agreement to investigate a faster rail connection between Eindhoven and Brussels. The project aims to reduce travel times and improve logistics, including freight routes such as the (IJzeren Rijn) — Iron Rhine. While the plans are moving forward, officials are still seeking the necessary funding to make the passenger link a reality.