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Ahold Delhaize files police report following cyber security incident
Supermarket group Ahold Delhaize has filed a formal police report after a malicious cyber incident disrupted operations for more than a week.
News
Dutch government to make hybrid heat pumps mandatory by 2029
Housing Minister Elanor Boekholt-O'Sullivan has confirmed that the Netherlands will mandate hybrid heat pumps for boiler replacements starting in 2029. Reinstated under the D66-VVD-CDA coalition agreement, the policy aims to lower long-term energy bills and cut emissions. To support homeowners, the government offers subsidies and green loans, while temporary exemptions will apply to apartments, historic monuments, and areas transitioning to district heating networks.
News
Dutch government plans shared transport system to improve regional access
The Dutch government wants to combine different transport services into a shared mobility network that anyone can use. Officials hope the approach will improve access to hospitals, schools and other facilities in regions where public transport is becoming less available.
Education
Secondary schools push for greater freedom to choose between paper and digital text books
Dutch secondary schools are demanding more freedom and flexibility when choosing between physical textbooks and digital learning tools. The Secondary Education Council backed regulator calls to end forced package deals imposed by educational publishers. Schools are now developing their own learning materials to boost choice and cut costs for pupils.
Living/housing
New restaurants awarded Michelin stars as De Librije retains top rating
The latest Michelin Guide for the Netherlands sees two establishments gain a second star, while seven new venues earn their first. De Librije in Zwolle successfully retained its three-star status following a challenging year for the team. The country's total count of starred restaurants remains unchanged at 119.
News
Netherlands demands deeper cuts to EU budget before year-end deal
The Netherlands is pushing for major reductions to the EU’s proposed 2028-2034 budget and warns that no deal will be reached by year-end without them. The dispute centres on spending priorities, with funding for defence and innovation competing against support for agriculture and less-developed regions.
News
Heatwaves cost Dutch economy €9.2 billion in lost productivity
Heatwaves are causing significant economic losses across Europe, with the Netherlands among the worst-hit countries. Allianz Trade estimates that reduced productivity, higher energy costs and operational disruptions cost the Dutch economy €9.2 billion last year, highlighting a less visible consequence of extreme weather.
Sports
Major brawl between football fans in Eindhoven
A large brawl erupted near the Eindhoven Strijp-S station on Saturday afternoon between VVV-Venlo fans and suspected PSV supporters, though police intervened to stop the violence and no arrests were made.
Top rated
Major Italian bank defrauded of millions via AI deception
Scammers used WhatsApp impersonation and AI voice deepfakes to steal 95 million euros from Italy's Intesa Sanpaolo private banking division, of which about 36 million euros remains missing despite international recovery efforts.
News
High PFAS levels detected in western Dutch tap water
An analysis by Greenpeace shows tap water in western Netherlands contains PFAS levels exceeding RIVM health recommendations, particularly in North Holland. Although contamination remains well within the legal European limit of 100 nanograms per liter, regions like Zaandam recorded 14.3 nanograms per liter against a recommended 4.4 nanograms. Authorities confirm tap water remains completely safe to drink and urge governments to tackle chemical pollution at its source.
Governance
Parents to pay higher share of childcare costs from 2029 under revised plans
Parents will pay a slightly higher contribution for childcare from 2029 than previously planned. The government has decided to reimburse 95.6 per cent of...