Politics

The Dutch cabinet wants to introduce cheaper off-peak train fares this summer, backing a €49 subscription proposal to boost public transport use.

ASML is joining forces with major European tech companies to push for stronger EU semiconductor policies, warning that Europe’s limited share of its sales is a “huge red flag.”

Protesters demonstrated outside the Senate in The Hague, urging senators to vote against proposed asylum laws. They cited criticism from official bodies and warned that the measures would be ineffective and inhumane. The chair of VluchtelingenWerk Nederland said asylum policy has become increasingly politicised.

The Party for the Animals says it was caught off guard by reports that it has been sidelined in The Hague’s minority coalition. Other coalition parties say trust has broken down over disagreements on relocating waste companies. The move comes amid parallel talks to form a new city coalition after recent elections.

Oil prices plunged by approximately 11% on Friday following the announcement that the Strait of Hormuz has reopened to commercial shipping. The strategic waterway, which carries 20% of the world's oil, had been largely closed by Iran during recent hostilities, causing significant market volatility. This de-escalation led US crude to fall to $83.30 and Brent crude to $87.90 a barrel, while European gas prices also dropped by nearly 8% as fears of a prolonged energy supply crisis began to fade.

MPs Esmah Lahlah and Don Ceder have introduced a private member's bill aimed at legally mandating the reduction of child poverty. The proposed legislation would require the government to halve the number of children living in poverty by 2035, with the eventual goal of total eradication. Rather than prescribing specific measures, the bill establishes a statutory duty for the cabinet to develop coherent policies, monitor progress transparently, and make necessary adjustments if targets are missed, ensuring the issue remains a priority regardless of the political climate.

The Dutch economy is facing renewed pressure as the Iran conflict drives up global energy prices. Fresh projections from the Central Planning Bureau show that inflation will rise faster than previously expected, wiping out the modest purchasing‑power growth households were set to gain this year.

Prime Minister Rob Jetten says talks with President Donald Trump were frank and constructive, even if major differences remain. The meeting covered global conflicts, NATO, and defence spending, against a backdrop of tension over Iran and Europe’s role on the world stage.