News

An annual joint report by the Dutch Payments Association and De Nederlandsche Bank highlights an accelerating digital migration among older shoppers. For the first time in history, Dutch citizens aged 75 and older are conducting the majority of their informal peer-to-peer transfers electronically rather than with cash. This behavioral pivot mirrors a nationwide decline in physical currency, as the total market share of cash transactions across the country has dropped to just 17%.

The Dutch Health Council has again advised against adding the meningococcal B vaccine to the national programme. It cites low infection numbers and concerns about side effects in young children. The advice comes despite a recent outbreak in the United Kingdom.

Students in Dutch higher education continue to report high levels of satisfaction, despite ongoing concerns about study pressure. The latest National Student Survey shows stable results across teaching quality and social climate. Differences remain between universities and universities of applied sciences.

Wildfire risk has reached its highest level in most parts of the Netherlands after a period of dry conditions. Authorities have increased vigilance and restricted certain activities in natural areas. Military exercises involving fire have also been suspended as a precaution.

KLM has extended its flight suspensions to Dubai, Riyadh, and Dammam through mid-summer due to safety concerns surrounding the Middle East conflict. The decision forces the airline to avoid key regional airspace, causing longer flight times and increased fuel costs across its remaining international routes. Affected passengers can claim full refunds or rebook their tickets as the carrier coordinates its next steps with government officials.

The Netherlands has recorded its hottest 26 May since 1901, with temperatures peaking at 30.4°C to mark the year's first official tropical day. The extreme heat arrived more than a month earlier than average and triggered a regional heatwave in the southern province of Limburg. Weather experts note that the country now breaks heat records nine times more frequently than cold records.

he Dutch government has blocked the acquisition of Solvinity, the IT firm running the infrastructure for DigiD, by the US-based company Kyndryl. State Secretary Willemijn Aerdts halted the deal on national security grounds following a formal risk assessment. The decision received widespread praise from parliamentarians who feared American data laws could compromise the privacy of Dutch citizens.

Employers in the Netherlands are still struggling with staff shortages, with many unable to meet workforce plans. The situation is affecting service quality and delivery across sectors. AWVN is urging the government to act and has proposed several measures to ease pressure on the labour market.