News

A new bird flu outbreak has been confirmed at a poultry farm in Uithuizermeeden, Groningen, where approximately 39,000 laying hens are being culled. This latest case brings the total number of birds lost since October to over 2 million across 45 different locations.

The D66, VVD, and CDA coalition plans to raise an additional €5 billion by increasing income tax rates, offsetting a shortfall in healthcare funding. While households and businesses will save a combined €7.3 billion on health insurance premiums, the government will recover these costs by raising the first two income tax brackets by 0.93 percentage points by 2030.

The incoming Jetten cabinet's policies are expected to slightly increase poverty in the Netherlands, according to the CPB Netherlands Bureau for Economic Policy Analysis. While poverty was projected to reach 2.5 per cent by 2030 under existing policies, the new coalition's plans will push that figure to 2.7 per cent.

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.