Netherlands

Germany will introduce a tax on sugary beverages in 2028 to fight obesity and fund healthcare initiatives. The decision follows a significant political shift and mirrors similar financial measures being planned in the Netherlands.

Dutch business investment fell by 2.6 per cent in December 2025, marking a third consecutive monthly decline driven largely by a slump in the aviation and road transport sectors. Despite reduced spending on lorries and vans, growth was recorded in passenger cars, buildings, and defence equipment. Looking ahead, the CBS "investment radar" suggests a less unfavourable climate for early 2026, bolstered by rising industrial capacity and stronger goods exports.

KLM is recruiting temporary staff and deploying new digital tools to tackle a surge in customer claims following a chaotic start to 2026. Severe winter weather at Schiphol Airport led to hundreds of cancelled flights in January and February, costing parent company Air France-KLM an estimated €90 million.

Germany’s leadership has joined a growing international movement to curb children's access to social media due to developmental concerns. This shift could provide the necessary momentum for the Netherlands and the wider EU to establish a firm, enforceable minimum age for digital platforms.