News

Global oil demand showed signs of recovery in June as the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz—following a fragile, short-lived peace deal between the US and Iran—helped boost global supply by 4.1 million barrels per day to 98.8 million. The rebound included a record-breaking production high of 4.1 million barrels per day from the United Arab Emirates, though overall Gulf exports remain well below pre-war levels. However, the IEA warns that the market outlook has been clouded once again after US President Donald Trump declared the agreement over this week following renewed hostilities in the region.

Dutch corporate bankruptcies fell by 4 per cent year-on-year in June to 302, representing 12 fewer failures than the same period last year but an increase of 15 from May. According to Statistics Netherlands (CBS), the overall bankruptcy rate per 100,000 companies dropped to 8.1 from 8.6 a year earlier, though the transport and storage sector suffered a severe spike, jumping to 39.2 per 100,000 firms. This latest data follows a broader historical trend that peaked in 2015, hit a record low in 2021, and has been on a slight downward trajectory since late 2024.

Frans Timmermans, Johan Remkes and Thom de Graaf have been appointed as Ministers of State by the King, replenishing the ranks of the prestigious advisory body following a recent decline in numbers. Though primarily an honorary lifetime distinction awarded for exceptional service to Dutch society, Ministers of State remain available to provide high-level counsel to the government and represent the Cabinet on the world stage. The three veteran politicians—spanning prominent careers across the GroenLinks-PvdA alliance, the VVD and D66—bring the total number of living Ministers of State to nine.

The European Commission has concluded that Meta breached EU digital rules under the Digital Services Act, accusing the tech giant of employing "addictive" design features—such as infinite scrolling and personalised recommendations—that deliberately hook children and vulnerable adults. According to regulators, these features induce a user urge that effectively places the brain on "autopilot," while Meta has allegedly failed to act on data showing minors using the apps late at night. The firm now has the opportunity to defend its practices but faces a potential fine of up to 6 per cent of its global annual turnover if it fails to implement satisfactory changes.

Dutch industrial output rose by 4.9 per cent year-on-year in May, matching April's growth rate and marking three consecutive months of expansion for the sector. According to Statistics Netherlands (CBS), nearly 40 per cent of manufacturing sectors saw an uptick in activity—led primarily by the machinery and food industries—even as the chemical and transport equipment sectors contracted. This stabilizing trend triggered a sharp bounce in manufacturer confidence for June, with the sentiment index climbing to a near four-year high of plus 1.3 as firms grew increasingly optimistic about upcoming business activity.

Private sector rents rose by nearly 5 per cent year-on-year in the second quarter, outpacing both inflation and house prices, according to housing platforms Huurwoningen.nl and Pararius. Driven by a persistent property shortage, new tenants faced higher costs—particularly for flats—with average prices reaching €20.94 per square metre. However, despite the annual increase, rents fell slightly compared to the first quarter of the year, marking the first quarterly decline in over two years as buy-to-let investors increasingly sell off vacant properties due to less profitable legislative changes.

After a three‑day economic mission to China, Minister Sjoerd Sjoerdsma says Dutch and European businesses must act faster to keep pace with China’s rapid innovation. While Chinese companies are eager to collaborate, he warns that Europe must strengthen its position amid rising trade tensions.

This year, almost 2,100 women are walking the longest distance of the Nijmegen Four Days Marches—a share that continues to grow. With walkers ranging from age 11 to 81 and participants from 77 nationalities, the event remains one of the Netherlands’ most diverse and celebrated walking traditions.