News

The Netherlands has recorded its first drop in international student enrolment in nearly two decades. New figures from Nuffic show a slight decline driven mainly by fewer students from Germany and China, even as technical programmes continue to attract more foreign talent.

RaboResearch economists project that Dutch house price growth will stall at zero percent for the remainder of 2026 due to economic fallout from the Middle East conflict. Rising inflation is driving up mortgage interest rates, which reduces household borrowing capacity and dampens demand despite rising wages. Furthermore, grid congestion, high construction costs, and nitrogen restrictions will cause new home completions to drop sharply next year.

Dutch semiconductor startup Qualinx has established the first fully European production chain for microchips by manufacturing at GlobalFoundries' secure facility in Germany. The breakthrough ensures that all data, manufacturing processes, and physical logistics for critical defence and aerospace components remain entirely under European control. This milestone aligns with recent European Commission proposals to fast-track regional self-reliance and reduce dependence on foreign technology providers.

The KNMI has activated a code yellow weather alert for most of the Netherlands today due to predicted severe thunderstorms. Hazards include large hail and wind gusts reaching 60 km/h. This warning follows a day of volatile weather on Tuesday, which resulted in tragic accidents and property damage across the country. Authorities urge residents to remain vigilant and prioritize safety while travelling.

The Netherlands may no longer be able to fully meet its electricity demand by 2030, bringing the risk of shortages closer. High-voltage grid operator...

Gasunie has raised concerns about slow progress in refilling Dutch gas reserves ahead of winter. Low storage levels and rising prices are adding pressure, while decisions on a strategic reserve are still pending. The government says measures are under way, but acknowledges more may be needed.

The Dutch government has decided to keep the air raid siren and develop a modern replacement system. The siren will remain in place alongside NL-Alert to ensure people can be warned in different ways. The move follows concerns about safety, funding, and the limits of the current system.

The city of Nijmegen has joined an NS pilot project to provide 500 residents with six months of free train travel starting this September. The initiative targets individuals who face financial barriers to public transport, aiming to improve regional mobility and gather data on travel habits. If applications exceed the available slots, the municipality will select participants through a lottery system.