News
Provinces: safety of the Merwede Bridge comes first, concern about consequences
North Brabant and South Holland say they understand the truck ban on the Merwedebrug but warn that it creates major accessibility problems. The ban follows safety concerns about the bridge’s structure, and trucks now face long detours. A nearby alternative route is also closed for renovation, adding further pressure on the region.
News
ASML to award employees €20,000 share package
ASML plans to reward employees with a one-off share package worth €20,000, provided they remain with the company until 2030. The announcement follows another strong quarter for the chip equipment maker, which continues to benefit from growing demand linked to artificial intelligence.
News
Data breach exposes details of more than 41,000 Dutch campers
A cyberattack on Secureholiday has exposed the personal details of more than 41,000 Dutch campers and affected hundreds of campsites across Europe. The company says financial information was not compromised, but some customers later became victims of phishing scams
Mobility
Next week, no trains between Rotterdam and the south for four days
Train services south of Rotterdam will stop for four days next week due to major ProRail works. The project affects both domestic and international routes, including EuroCity and Eurostar services. The disruption follows an earlier suspension caused by a cable‑duct fire.
News
Children can travel for free on public transport across the Netherlands
Children aged 4 to 11 will soon be able to travel free on all public transport across the Netherlands when accompanied by an adult. At the same time, a nationwide discount scheme for travellers aged 65 and over on buses, trams and metros will end.
Governance
Major labor law reform to ban zero-hours contracts
The Dutch Senate has approved a major labor market reform that will officially outlaw zero-hours contracts and restrict revolving-door temporary hiring practices starting in 2028. The legislation aims to give flexible workers greater income security and regular hours, despite concerns from right-wing parties regarding business red tape. The successful vote also secures 600 million euros in European Union recovery funds for the national budget.
News
Nationwide fireworks ban to start this New Year’s Eve
The Netherlands will introduce a nationwide ban on consumer fireworks starting this New Year’s Eve. The decision follows parliamentary approval and final adjustments to enforcement and exemptions. Some parties pushed for a delay, but the proposal was rejected.
Economy
Financial fraud surges significantly across the Netherlands
Financial fraud in the Netherlands experienced a steep 30 per cent increase last year, resulting in total losses of 198 million euros. Criminals are increasingly exploiting instant payment systems and online card data to conduct quick, irreversible thefts. The surge has prompted warnings from the Dutch Central Bank regarding sophisticated social engineering and phishing tactics.
Environment/sustainability
Shallow groundwater contamination more widespread than expected
Shallow groundwater is more widely contaminated than previously understood, according to new research by Vitens. Hundreds of substances, including some long banned, were detected in protection areas. The findings highlight the need to prevent pollution at its source.
Community
Muziek aan de Gender XL returns on Sunday, 28 June
For more than 130 years, the Veldhovens Muziekkorps (VMK) has been a vibrant cornerstone of local culture, continuously bringing generations together through the joy of live...
Travel
More than 100,000 people have bought the NS summer train pass
A new NS discount pass offers people the opportunity to travel unlimited during off-peak hours for 49 euros per month and was introduced at the request of, among others, Progressief Nederland, due to the rising energy prices caused by the Iran war.