Budget deficit shoots up to over 4%, spending cuts inevitable

The Netherlands is already in recession and the budget deficit is set to hit 4.1% next year, according to crucial forecasts from the government's macro-economic policy unit CPB.

Depositing cash money no longer free at ING

Paying cash into an ING bank account is to cost €5 a time - after six free deposits - the AD reports on Wednesday.

Dutch economy virtually halted, recession in 2011 second-half

The Dutch economy will come to a virtual halt next year, with GDP growth falling to 0.2% and unemployment rising to 5.3%, the central bank said in its latest half-yearly statement on Friday.

Limit payouts to directors who quit in dispute: minister

The executives of listed companies should limit themselves to a golden handshake of no more than one year’s salary if they leave a company because of a difference of opinion, economic affairs minister Maxime Verhagen said on Friday.

Next year's bank tax will also tackle excessive bonuses

Draft legislation introducing a new tax on banks next year will also include an extra tax of 5% for banks which pay excessive bonuses to executives, the Volkskrant reports on Friday.

Triple A angst: should we be worried?

Credit rating agency Standard & Poor’s has warned that the triple A status of six European countries, the Netherlands among them, may be about to be downgraded. Should we be worried?, asks the Volkskrant.