Iran war

State Secretary Silvio Erkens has allocated 13.5 million euros to compensate fishermen for the soaring fuel prices triggered by the conflict in Iran, repurposing funds originally intended for European sustainability projects. While the scheme offers relief for rising operating costs incurred since February, it excludes claims for lost revenue from those who stayed in port to avoid high prices. This emergency measure, funded largely by the EU, arrives alongside separate multi-million euro packages aimed at long-term modernisation and support for shrimp, flatfish, and shellfish fishers as the industry navigates a volatile energy market.

Pension funds have benefitted from rising stock prices recently. While the Iran war was a setback to the financial markets, and therefrom to pension funds, the ceasefire has enabled pension funds to be in a strong position to fulfill their financial obligations.

Dutch small businesses are calling on the government to take urgent action to reduce high energy and fuel costs. Many firms are passing on rising expenses to customers, while others risk losses as fuel prices reach record levels.

On Sunday, hundreds of people gathered to protest against military conflict in Iran and the country’s current leadership. The demonstrators called for a democratic future while rejecting both the current religious regime and the return of the monarchy.

Tensions in the Middle East continued to influence financial markets on Friday. The AEX closed slightly higher as rising oil prices and takeover speculation around Besi trading. Meanwhile, companies warned that the conflict highlights Europe’s need for greater energy independence.

The war in Iran is acting as a major brake on the Dutch economy, with Rabobank warning that growth will slow across every sector as energy and transport costs climb. Manufacturing, construction, and transport are expected to be hit hardest, potentially seeing growth stall or even shrink if oil prices reach $150 per barrel. While the healthcare sector remains resilient due to an ageing population, a shift toward more cautious consumer spending is likely to hurt retailers and the hospitality industry, as geopolitical uncertainty forces both businesses and households to tighten their belts.