Politics

The Dutch House of Representatives has passed a major reform to the wealth tax system, with actual asset growth set to be taxed from 2028. The move follows years of legal challenges against the previous method of taxing assumed profits. However, further changes are already being requested to ensure that investors only pay tax when they sell their assets.

A major cyber attack on Dutch telecom provider Odido has exposed the personal details of 6.2 million account holders. The company has secured its systems and is advising customers to remain alert for potential phishing attempts and fraudulent calls using the stolen information.

New European migration rules could lead to asylum-seeking children being held at a detention facility in Zeist from mid-June. Organisations are urging the Dutch government to consider the mental and physical health risks to minors and to implement more humane monitoring alternatives.

The City of Eindhoven has been fined 25,000 euros for illegally collecting sensitive data on its Islamic community in 2018. Mayor Dijsselbloem has apologised for the study, which he admitted was stigmatising and damaged public trust.

The D66 and CDA have finalised their list of ministers and state secretaries for the new government under Rob Jetten. The appointments bring together experienced civil servants, former parliamentarians, and local leaders to tackle pressing issues like the nitrogen crisis and climate change. With a multi-billion euro fund restored for agriculture and a firm focus on digital sovereignty, the new cabinet is preparing to take office.

The European Commission has escalated its antitrust case against Meta over new WhatsApp rules that block rival AI tools from reaching users. The EU has issued a formal Statement of Objections and is weighing interim measures that could force Meta to reopen access while the investigation continues. The outcome could reshape how major tech platforms are allowed to control access to AI services in Europe.

D66 has nominated Elanor Boekholt-O’Sullivan, the first female lieutenant general in the Dutch armed forces, as Minister of Housing and Spatial Planning. She has a long record of leadership within the Ministry of Defence and will soon receive the Aletta Jacobs Prize. Her nomination follows the recent announcement of two other D66 ministerial candidates.

The CDA has named its candidates for the new coalition government, bringing together a mix of experienced European diplomats and private sector leaders. The lineup includes a new Foreign Minister and a deputy prime minister to serve alongside Rob Jetten.