Politics

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 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.

Voters in 258 municipalities can now use the Voting Guide to prepare for the 18 March municipal elections. The tool features local issues and was created with the help of regional journalists. Most municipalities use either the Voting Guide or the Voting Compass to help residents compare party positions.

The outgoing head of the Netherlands' largest employers' organisation warns that artificial intelligence will trigger a structural wave of layoffs. While some sectors face staff shortages, experts argue that the country must improve its retraining programmes to help workers adapt to an AI-driven economy.

Plans for a 300-home development in Best have met with strong opposition from local residents. Neighbours fear the loss of green space and increased traffic will harm the area's village-like atmosphere and safety.

Dutch coalition plans to link the state pension age directly to life expectancy are expected to drive up occupational incapacity claims among older workers. While the move is intended to save billions of euros by 2060, experts warn that many people over 60 may struggle to stay in the workforce.

ASML expansion plans include a location at the Brainport Industries Campus.

The European Commission is looking into allegations that Google has been keeping its advertising prices artificially high. This new probe follows a string of multi-billion euro fines against the company for abusing its dominant position in the digital market.