Elections 2026
PRO, CDA, and D66 coalition for Eindhoven
Informateur Mary Fiers has proposed a stable three-party coalition to lead Eindhoven following the recent municipal elections. The recommended partnership focuses on tackling housing and social issues through a fresh, more transparent approach to local governance.
Business
Collective labour agreement wages rise 4.5%
CLA wages in the Netherlands rose 4.5% in the first quarter of 2026, CBS reports. Wage growth is slowing, but real wages remain positive for the tenth quarter in a row, with private‑sector employees seeing the strongest increases.
Elections 2026
New Eindhoven city councillors sworn in
Eindhoven has welcomed 23 new city councillors in a ceremony that highlighted the city's shifting political landscape. The new council features a slight increase in female representation and a diverse range of advocates for housing, disability rights, and labour.Â
Business
Dutch online abortion pill service pauses due to high demand
A new online service had to pause applications for abortion pills after being overwhelmed by demand. While some medical groups have expressed concern over the lack of face-to-face consultations, recent international research suggests that telemedicine for early pregnancy termination is just as safe as traditional clinic visits.
Career
Unilever job security remains uncertain
Unilever has reached a multi-billion pound agreement to sell its food division to the American company McCormick. While the move aims to integrate global research and production, it has raised questions about the future of 1,000 employees in the Netherlands. Trade unions are currently seeking further details on how the merger will affect specific roles within the Rotterdam headquarters.
Economy
ING expects further rise in inflation after a mild advance in March
ING expects inflation in the Netherlands to rise further in the coming months. This follows what the bank describes as a relatively mild increase...
Economy
Consumers’ Association price survey: egg prices reach record highs
Egg prices in the Netherlands have reached a record level after rising 38 percent in five years. A new survey links the increase to bird flu and reduced supply. The study also highlights unexpected price differences between supermarkets and pack sizes.
Health
Hay fever cases expected to increase next week
Early record-breaking pollen concentrations have led to a difficult start for hay fever sufferers this year. Experts warn that birch pollen is expected to peak soon, making it essential for many to start medication early. These simple lifestyle changes and precautions may help reduce the severity of seasonal symptoms.
News
A few hundred people at pacifist demonstration at Malieveld
A few hundred people gathered in The Hague on Saturday to call for diplomacy in the Iran conflict. The organisers want the Dutch government to take a clearer stance and push for an immediate halt to attacks. Nearby, a separate group marked the birthday of former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte.
Health
Staff shortages put Dutch maternity care under pressure
A new report reveals that many families in the Netherlands are receiving less maternity care than recommended due to severe staff shortages. The decline in support hours is particularly pronounced among vulnerable groups and in specific regions such as Zeeland and South Limburg. Experts are now calling for a more flexible approach to ensure all newborns get a healthy start.
Economy
Privacy watchdogs challenge bank access to personal records
Dutch privacy and consumer advocates are pushing back against a plan to give banks direct access to the national personal records database. While the government claims the move will streamline anti-money laundering efforts, critics warn of a "disproportionate" breach of data protection laws. The debate highlights the tension between financial security and individual privacy rights in the digital age.