The latest news from the Netherlands

'Dutch presence in Afghanistan will continue'

04-12-2009 - The people of Afghanistan will need international support for many years to come, said defence minister Eimert van Middlekoop during the presentation of medals to 200 soldiers who have taken part in recent international peace-keeping missions. ...more

Postal workers threaten Christmas strike

04-12-2009 - Postal workers employed by TNT Post will go on strike before Christmas if management does not agree to their demands for a 1.5% pay rise and a good social plan for thousands of employees who face losing their jobs, reports NRC Handelsblad on Friday. ...more

More people see immigration as problem

04-12-2009 - Some 45% of the Dutch population believe immigration is a problem, up from 36% last year, according to a report by the US research organisation German Marshall Fund, reports Trouw on Friday....more

Call for higher police chief salaries rejected
04-12-2009 - A call for higher police chief salaries as a way of cracking down on expense claims was categorically rejected by home affairs minister Guusje ter Horst on Friday, reports Trouw. ...more

'Higher pension age should start earlier'
04-12-2009 - The government’s economic policy advisor CPB has joined the council of state in criticising the cabinet’s timetable for increasing the age for state pensions from 65 to 67. ...more

First death of man with mutant swine flu virus
04-12-2009 - A man in the northern city of Groningen has become the first patient infected by a mutant strain of the swine flu virus to die in the Netherlands. ...more

• Randstad sees positive trend continuing - 04-12-2009
• De Jong is most common Dutch name - 04-12-2009
• PSV through to second round Europa League - 04-12-2009
• Nigerian villagers try to sue Shell in Holland - 03-12-2009
• Disappointment in Turkey over cancelled trip - 03-12-2009
• Dutch frigate picks up pirates - 03-12-2009