Top rated

Dutch Data Protection Authority (AP) warns of high error rate in automated parking fines

A study by the Dutch Data Protection Authority suggests that automated scanning cars may be wrongly fining half a million drivers each year. The technology often fails to recognise legal activities, such as loading goods or displaying disabled permits. The watchdog is now calling for a return to traditional patrols to prevent further financial errors.

De Hypotheker: Rising interest rates make homebuyers think twice

Rising mortgage rates, fuelled by the conflict in the Middle East, have led to a cooling of the Dutch housing market, with the average mortgage amount stalling for the first time in three years. Data from De Hypotheker shows that while existing homeowners are staying active by porting their lower interest rates to new properties, first-time buyers are increasingly being squeezed out. The market is also becoming highly fragmented; activity has plummeted in areas like Utrecht, while provinces such as Zeeland and Groningen have seen a surprising surge in interest, highlighting a shift towards a more stabilised yet regionally divided property market.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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...