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Thursday 31 May 2012
Nedcar workers down tools over redundancy plan
Workers at car maker Nedcar walked out on Thursday afternoon in protest at Mitsubishi's refusal to negotiate a new redundancy regime, news agency ANP reported.
Sports minister rejects calls for match-fixing investigation
Claims that match-fixing in Dutch football is widespread should be investigated by the football association, not the government, sports minister Edith Schippers told MPs on Thursday. 
Ban on commemorating German war dead goes to appeal
Bronckhorst town council is to appeal against a court ruling which banned officials from including German war graves in this year's Remembrance Day commemorations on May 4, Nos television reports.
Russian researcher names new dung fly after Dutch biologist
A newly-discovered species of dung fly Azelia beuki has been named after Dutch biologist Paul Beuk who is also curator of the Maastricht natural history museum.
Spring 2012 was warm and sunny
Despite the chilly weather in April, this spring has been warm and sunny, the KNMI weather bureau said on Thursday.
Parliament to press ahead with burqa, dual nationality ban laws
A majority of MPs on Thursday agreed to press ahead with legislation to stamp out dual nationality and ban the burqa, despite the caretaker status of the government.
Smoking ban at work has saved 14,000 lives, say researchers
The ban on smoking at work which came into effect in 2004 has cut the number of acute heart attacks in the Netherlands by around 12%, according to the Caphri public health research institute at Maastricht University.
Brussels verdict on austerity measures is a warning, says minister
European commission criticism of the package of austerity measures the Dutch government plans to implement is a warning to the next government, finance minister Jan Kees de Jager said on Wednesday evening.
Christian Democrats call for alcohol ban for the under-18s
An increase in the legal drinking age from 16 to 18 would help stem the growth in the number of teenagers drinking them selves into a coma, CDA leader Sybrand van Haersma Buma says in Thursday’s Telegraaf.
Wednesday 30 May 2012
Legal challenge threat may hamper new rules for pension funds
Pension funds are unlikely to take advantage of a change in the law which allows them to change contracts and react more easily to financial market developments, the Financieele Dagblad reports on Thursday.
European cup preps: Oranje beats Slovakia 2-0
The Dutch national football team beat Slovakia 2-0 on Wednesday in the latest of their warm-up matches ahead of the European cup competition in June.
Secret service should get more powers to tap internet links: minister
The military secret service MIVD should be given greater powers to collect information using internet taps, defence minister Hans Hillen told parliament on Wednesday, the NRC reports.
Campaigning prince embarrassed at toilet throwing contest
Crown prince Willem-Alexander is embarrassed about the way he joined in a toilet throwing contest during this year's Queen's Day celebrations in Rhenen.
Ex-Liberian president jailed for war crimes
Liberia's ex-president Charles Taylor was sentenced to 50 years in jail by a UN-backed war crimes court in The Hague on Wednesday.
Amsterdam abuse case sparks 440 investigations, 33 arrests
The Amsterdam daycare child abuse scandal led to 440 follow-up investigations in 52 countries and 33 arrests so far, Dutch police said on Wednesday.
The Netherlands climbs three places in IMD competitiveness report
The Netherlands has risen from 14th to 11th place in the latest edition of IMD business school global competitiveness report, the Financieele Dagblad said on Wednesday.
Rutte tipped by politicians to be the prime minister again
Some 60% of Dutch politicians expect VVD leader Mark Rutte to remain prime minister after the September general election, according to the NRC on Wednesday afternoon.
Brussels criticises Dutch austerity plan, warns of election risk
The European Commission is critical of the five-party agreement on cutting the Dutch budget deficit, saying it may fail to reach eurozone targets and may even be scrapped after the general election, according to media reports on Wednesday afternoon.
British radical involved in Sharia4Holland
British Muslim radical Anjem Choudary is one of the people behind the Sharia4Holland group and was present at Friday’s press conference in Amsterdam, the Parool reported on Tuesday.
Vestia reaches deal with banks to freeze interest rates
Troubled Rotterdam housing corporation Vestia has reached a deal with its banks to stave off bankruptcy by freezing interest rates, Nos television reports.
KPN repeats América Móvil offer is too low
Telecoms group KPN has again stated it believes the €8 offer for 27.7% of its shares by Mexican firm América Móvil is too low.
Schiphol's geese escape gassing as bureaucracy bites
Red tape and slow legal processes are threatening plans to gas thousands of geese which live close to Amsterdam’s Schiphol airport, the Volkskrant reports on Wednesday.
Team sport failures shrink Dutch Olympic squad
The Netherlands' team for this summer's Olympics in London is set to be smaller than in recent years, because of the failure to qualify for most team sports, the Parool reported on Tuesday.
Most doctors think terminally ill patients are treated for too long
Almost two in three doctors believe terminally ill patients are treated for longer than they should be, which is often against their best interests, according to research by Dutch medical magazine Medisch Contact.
Amsterdam daycare abuse case sparks 440 investigations
Some 440 police investigations into child sex abuse have been started worldwide as a consequence of the Amsterdam daycare scandal, Nos television reports on Wednesday.
Phase out mortgage tax relief, Brussels tells the Netherlands
The European Commission is poised to recommend the Netherlands phase out tax breaks on mortgages in order to keep house prices from imploding, according to media reports on Wednesday.
Tuesday 29 May 2012
Almost one in five workers has a flexible employment contract
Almost one in five workers in the Netherlands has some form of flexible employment contract, the national statistics office CBS said on Tuesday.
The Netherlands declares Syrian ambassador persona non grata
The Netherlands joined other EU powers on Tuesday in condemning the recent violence in Syria and declared the Syrian ambassador to The Hague as persona non grata.
Ban on breeding from unhealthy dogs to be introduced
Breeding from pedigree dogs with an hereditary disease or inbred disorder is to be banned and DNA tests of puppies and the parents will be needed for recognition of a family tree, the NRC reports.
Asian tycoon bids for part of ING's Asian operations
The son of Asia’s wealthiest tycoon has lodged an indicative bid for part of ING’s $6bn Asian insurance operations, the Financial Times reports on Tuesday.
European football boosts the economy, but what about the eurozone?
The European football championships next month will generate an extra €200m in exports for Dutch industry, ING economists calculate.
Ratification of European rescue fund was 'unlawful', says lawyer
Parliament's decision to ratify the European rescue fund was 'unlawful, negligent and hasty', lawyer Bram Moszkowicz told the court in The Hague on Tuesday morning on behalf of his client, Geert Wilders.
Oranje shirt numbers announced: Huntelaar is No9
Dutch football coach Bert van Marwijk has announced the player’s shirt numbers for this summer’s European Cup, with Klaas-Jan Huntelaar taking the No9 shirt rather than Robin van Persie.
Court to hear Wilders' case against European rescue fund
A court in The Hague will on Tuesday hear Geert Wilders’ arguments that the Dutch parliament should not be able to ratify the formation of a permanent European rescue fund until after the September 12 election.
Whitsun sun causes record-breaking traffic jams
Record-breaking traffic jams were formed on Monday evening as thousands of people endeavoured to get home from beaches and nature spots around the country.
Fewer rent-controlled properties came free last year
Fewer rent-controlled properties came back on the market last year than in previous years, according to research by Nos television in a survey of 160 housing corporations.
Shah's son visits the Netherlands
Reza Pahlavi, son of the former Shah of Persia, is in the Netherlands on Thursday to speak at a closed session of parliament.
New plans will turn pensioners into cheap labour, say critics
New plans by caretaker social affairs minister Henk Kamp will make it cheaper for employers to take on pensioners to the detriment of older workers, reports the Volkskrant on Tuesday.
Endemol and Talpa may merge
There is a fair chance that television production company Endemol will form a new powerhouse producer by merging with competitor Talpa, owned by Endemol’s founder John de Mol, the Financieele Dagblad reports.
Four out of 10 Dutch priests want an end to celibacy laws
Some 40% of Dutch Catholic priests want to be rid of the celibacy rules, according to an anonymous survey of 135 priests by tv programme Altijd Wat.
Election call was huge mistake, says VVD elder statesman
The VVD made a huge strategic mistake in calling an election and forming the five-party alliance to push through austerity measures, Hans Wiegel, elder statesman of the right-wing liberal party VVD and a former minister, says in an interview with Algemene Dagblad on Tuesday.
Monday 28 May 2012
Missing light aircraft found, passengers seriously injured (update)
Rescue workers have found the wreck of a light aircraft which went missing on the Tweede Maasvlakte near Rotterdam port. The four passengers are alive but seriously injured and it took some time to free them from the aircraft, according to media reports.
Beachgoers urged to take the train
Dutch Rail has put on extra trains on Monday to cope with the expected large numbers of people heading for the country’s beaches.
Sharia4Holland spokesman arrested over Wilders threat
Amsterdam police have arrested the 29-year-old spokesman for radical Islamic group Sharia4Holland for making threats against MP Geert Wilders.
Sunday 27 May 2012
Support drops for ruling VVD but opinion polls differ widely
The anti-Islam PVV has outstripped the ruling VVD Liberals in the latest weekly Maurice de Hond opinion poll and would be the second biggest party if a general election was held tomorrow.
Sharia4Holland under investigation
The police and public prosecution department are to launch an investigation into radical Islamic fringe group Sharia4Holland, Nos television reports.
Oranje loses second European cup warm-up to Bulgaria 1-2
The Netherlands lost their latest warm up match ahead of the European championships to Bulgaria, 1-2.
Friday 25 May 2012
Oranje's squad to be named on Saturday, ahead of Bulgaria friendly
Dutch national football coach Bert van Marwijk will name his 23-man squad for the European Cup on Saturday, head of the friendly against Bulgaria in Amsterdam.
Austerity package formally published to mixed reactions
While most of the details had already leaked out days ago, the five-party agreement to cut the budget deficit in line with EU rules was finally presented to parliament on Friday.
IT, football and money trade dominate Dutch self-made rich list
This year's Quote magazine self-made rich list featuring young millionaires is dominated by IT, football and money traders but together, the top 100 are €500m worse-off.
Refugee camp eviction was 'disproportional', says judge
Local officials who used emergency powers to break up an impromptu camp by failed asylum seekers went too far in doing so, a court in Groningen ruled on Thursday.
Minimum wage for 15-year-olds rises four cents
The minimum wage for 15-year-olds doing holiday jobs will go up four cents this year to €2.52 per hour, the social affairs ministry has decided.
KLM to cut costs, boost income to generate €1.1bn
The Dutch arm of airline group Air France-KLM will have to contribute €1.1bn to the company's reorganisation, group president Peter Hartman said in Brussels on Thursday, the Financieele Dagblad reported.
Terror suspect extradition halted pending new psychiatric probe
Justice minister Ivo Opstelten has ordered an independent investigation into the mental health of a Dutch-Pakistani man due to be extradited to the US on terror charges, the Volkskrant reports on Friday.
More than 40,000 sign petition to keep Fortuyn's killer in jail
More than 40,000 people have signed a petition calling on the justice ministry to refuse to grant an early release to the man who shot dead populist politician Pim Fortuyn.
Government policies and spending cuts boost jobless total
The sharp 24,000 rise in the jobless total in April is partly due to government policies and cuts in spending, the Financieele Dagblad reports on Friday.
Commuters hard hit by austerity package, students benefit
Commuters whose employers pay their expenses for travelling to and from work will lose hundreds of euros a year when the benefit is taxed from next year, according to media reports on Friday.
No Eurovision song contest for the Netherlands yet again
The Netherlands has failed to qualify for the finals of the Eurovision 2012 song contest for the eighth year in succession.
Thursday 24 May 2012
New job for former Labour leader Job Cohen
Job Cohen, who stepped down as Labour party leader earlier this year and left politics, has a new job as chairman of the police scientific research institute.
Arnhem kangaroo is captured
A kangeroo which has been spotted in woods near Arnhem for the past two weeks was captured on Thursday, news agency ANP said.
Police chief calls for more effective bullets
Police officers should be given more effective bullets so they can down a suspect with a single shot, Gelderland police chief Henk van Zwam told website nu.nl on Thursday.
Tobacco firm Philip Morris lobbies local council
Tobacco giant Philip Morris is urging local politicians in Bergen op Zoom to lobby against the planned rise in tobacco taxes, television show EenVandaag reports on Thursday.
MPs ratify European rescue fund
Dutch MPs voted by a wide margin on Thursday to ratify the establishment of a permanent European rescue fund.
IQ test for household help dropped
Plans to restrict the provision of household help to people with a light mental handicap have been dropped, Nos television reported on Thursday.
Unemployment rises to 6.2%
The official Dutch unemployment rate rose to a six-year high of 6.2% in April, the national statistics office CBS said on Thursday.
School year repeats should be replaced with extra classes: union
Pupils who fail to pass some school subjects and have to repeat a year should be given extra tuition in the subjects they need help in instead, according to the CNV teaching union.
Refugee camp cleared because of health concerns, 117 arrested
The camp set up by failed asylum seekers outside the Ter Apel refugee centre in Groningen was cleared by police on Wednesday evening because of fears about the health of the campers and risk of fire.
Raise drinking age and stop beer discounts, says health board chief
Supermarkets should be banned from selling beer and other alcoholic drinks at a discount and the legal drinking age should be raised to 18, according to the regional health board chief in Thursday's Metro.
Wednesday 23 May 2012
Amsterdam remains best place to live
Amsterdam remains the most attractive place to live in the Netherlands, followed by Utrecht and Den Bosch, according to the latest Atlas voor Gemeenten, the Parool reports on Wednesday.
One in 10 popular Dutch swimming areas do not meet EU rules
One in 10 popular Dutch inland swimming locations does not meet Brussels' standards although bathing water quality has improved since 2010, according to a new European Commission report.
Household spending drops again in March
Consumers spent less on goods and services in March and the decline was larger than in previous months, the national statistics office CBS said on Wednesday.
Another housing corporation boss is arrested in fraud probe
The head of Breda-based housing corporation Laurentius has been arrested in connection with an investigation into controversial property transactions, Nos television reports on Wednesday.
Labour leader aligns himself with the 'fine partner' Socialists
Labour leader Diederick Samsom says he hopes the PvdA will be able to form a left-wing coalition with the Socialists after the September general election.
There are 500 Mauros, says Unicef; don't forget the families, says minister
Some 500 refugee children in the Netherlands have lived here so long they would be given residency permits if parliament approves new rules, representatives of Defence for Children and Unicef told television show Nieuwsuur on Tuesday evening.
MPs call for answers on Holland's dubious phone tapping record
MPs are to debate the fact that one in 1,000 Dutch telephones is tapped with justice minister Ivo Opstelten.
Dual nationality and burqa bans are still on the cards, says minister
It is up to MPs to decide whether to drop the proposed bans on dual nationality and the burqa, not the cabinet, home affairs minister Liesbeth Spies told parliament on Tuesday evening.
Under-16s face charges for possessing beer under new law
The senate on Tuesday evening passed legislation which makes it a criminal offence for the under-16s to be in possession of alcohol in public places.
A majority of MPs support the European rescue fund plan
A majority of MPs are set to vote in favour of the European rescue plan, despite opposition from some parties and voters in general.
Phase out mortgage tax relief over 30 years, say lobby groups
The tax break on mortgages should be phased out gradually over 30 years, rather than scrapped for some new mortgages, according to recommendations drawn up by home owners lobby group VEH, housing corporations and tenants' groups.
Tuesday 22 May 2012
Election first before ratifiying Brussels rescue fund, say voters
Six out of 10 Dutch voters think parliament should not ratify the treaty to set up a permanent European rescue fund until after the September general election, according to a poll for television programme EenVandaag on Tuesday.
Rapper faces new trial for threatening PVV leader Geert Wilders
A Rotterdam rapper who wrote a text apparently threatening PVV leader Geert Wilders should be retried on the same charges, the High Court ruled on Tuesday.
No change to mortgage guarantee, says minister
The national mortgage guarantee scheme will not be limited to those starting out on the housing ladder in the foreseeable future, home affairs minister Liesbeth Spies said on Tuesday afternoon.
OECD warns the Netherlands on austerity plan
The Dutch economy will improve slightly over the next two years, the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) said on Tuesday in its half-yearly report.
Freelance numbers rocket
The number of people working for themselves has shot up over the past ten years, from 200,000 in 2002 to 728,000 in 2012, according to the central statistics agency CBS.
Dutch and Iraqi ministers to meet to discuss Ter Apel protest camp
The failed asylum seekers living in a camp outside the Ter Apel refugee centre in Groningen will be offered accommodation until June 15, immigration minister Gerd Leers said on Tuesday.
Consumer confidence falls again
Consumer confidence fell back in May by six points to -38, after a slight improvement in April, the central statistics agency CBS said on Tuesday.
DSM to open new research labs
Limburg-based chemicals group DSM announced on Tuesday it is to invest €100m in two new research laboratories which will create 700 new jobs.
Polish-Dutch freight rail link opens
The railway link between Rotterdam and Poznan in Poland opened on Monday when the first freight train left the Polish city.
Police are not more trigger-happy, says research
Police agents do not pull their guns more often than in the past, a police studies professor told news agency ANP on Tuesday.
Shell's remuneration policy in the spotlight
Shell's generous remuneration policy for senior executives will be in the spotlight at today's shareholders meetings in The Hague and London, the Financieele Dagblad reports on Tuesday.
Mexx's owner considers IPO
The new owner of Dutch fashion chain Mexx is considering a possible stock exchange launch for the group within three to five years time, the Financieele Dagblad reports on Tuesday.
Eight supermarket bosses arrested on tax evasion charges
Eight men aged 43 to 62 from the Rotterdam area have been arrested after a string of raids on private homes and supermarket branches.
Immigration minister plans speedier and tougher asylum process
Immigration minister Gerd Leers is planning to tighten up the procedure for vetting asylum seekers and make it faster by cutting out several layers of the current process, he told the Volkskrant in an interview on Tuesday.
Dutch opposition to Brussels' emergency fund increases
Dutch MPs are due to debate the establishment of the permanent European emergency fund on Tuesday, but several parties say they will not back the plan.
Monday 21 May 2012
Students go to court over €3,000 'fine' for slow students
The three big Dutch student organisations went to court on Monday in an effort to have government plans to charge slow students higher fees overturned.
Arts council says who should get cash as 25% culture budget cuts bite
A number of top Dutch orchestras, theatre groups and dance troupes will get no government subsidies over the next four years, the arts council confirmed on Monday.
More companies break health and safety rules
Some 64% of companies visited by social affairs ministry inspectors in 2011 were breaking the rules on health, safety or working times, according to the inspectorate's annual report.
Victor Muller reduces stake in luxury car maker Spyker
Entrepreneur Victor Muller has reduced his stake in luxury car maker Spyker to under 30%, so avoiding being forced to bring out a bid for all the shares outstanding.
Amsterdam daycare abuser jailed for 18 years, plus psychiatric prison
Robert Mikelsons, the main suspect in the Amsterdam daycare abuse case, was on Monday sentenced to 18 years in jail plus psychiatric prison for an undetermined time.
Amsterdam court to rule on daycare sexual abuse case
Judges will on Monday announce their verdicts in the Amsterdam daycare sexual abuse case, in which care worker Robert Mikelsons is accused of molesting 67 children.
Students borrow €365 a month and are not financially astute
Around one third of college and university students have a student loan, averaging €365 a month, but at the same time they forget to claim other cash they are entitled to, according to research by family spending institute Nibud.
Mortgage guarantee should be limited to first time buyers
The national mortgage guarantee scheme, which pays off the debt if people default on their payments, should be limited to first-time buyers, the scheme's organisers say in Monday's Financieele Dagblad.
GroenLinks in trouble after leadership chaos, budget cut support
Support for the left-wing green party GroenLinks has slumped to just four seats, according to the latest Maurice de Hond opinion poll. The party, one of the signatories to the new austerity pact, has 10 seats in the current parliament.
'Liverpool approaches Frank de Boer'
English football club Liverpool has made Ajax coach Frank de Boer their number one target to take over from Kenny Dalglish, the Sun newspaper reports.
Vitesse wins Europa League place, Willem II back in premier league
Arnhem football club Vitesse qualified for next season's Europa League at the weekend with a 5-2 aggregate victory over RKC.
Friday 18 May 2012
Frisian as a university subject under threat
The only Dutch university degree course in Frisian language and culture may disappear because of a shortage of students, the Volkskrant reports on Friday.
Warmer weather on its way, but showers set to continue
The weekend will be warmer than recent days but there will still be heavy showers at times, particularly on Sunday, weather forecasters say.
Wilders takes Dutch state to court to head off EU emergency fund
Geert Wilders is taking legal action against the Dutch state in an effort to stop the Netherlands supporting the European financial emergency fund.
Van Haersma Buma wins CDA leadership contest in single ballot
Sybrand van Haersma Buma was on Friday elected the new leader of the Christian Democrats after taking more than 50% of the vote in a party membership ballot.
Dutch gas companies set sights on Israel
Large natural gas reserves discovered under the Mediterranean sea close to the Israeli city of Haifa are proving a draw to Dutch firms, news agency ANP reports on Friday.
Staunch Protestant woman, 71, investigated for care home abuse
Social workers and police are investigating claims of abuse at a children's home in the Bible belt region of Staphorst, regional paper De Stentor reports on Friday.
Labour voters don't back austerity deal, healthcare plans unpopular
Now the details have leaked out, a majority of Labour party voters no longer support the austerity package finalised by the five-party coalition earlier this week, according to a poll for television programme EenVandaag.
Minister questioned over Dutch ambassador to Albania
Foreign minister Uri Rosenthal has been asked to comment on a discussion in Albania about the Dutch ambassador's support for homosexuality, Nos television reports.
Thousands will lose jobs if road projects are halted
Some 3,600 people will lose their jobs over the next two years if the government presses ahead with a partial freeze on new road projects.
Refugee protest camp grows (update)
Over 300 failed asylum seekers are now said to be living in a protest camp, set up outside the Ter Apel refugee centre in Groningen, news agency Novum said on Friday.
Thursday 17 May 2012
Unions, opposition and health sector criticise austerity package
The package of austerity measures worked out by the government with the help of three smaller parties will hit working people hard, Agnes Jongerius, leader of the FNV trade union federation, said on Thursday.
Austerity package details leaked, spending power cut by 2%
The five-party agreement aimed at reducing the Dutch budget deficit to below 3% represents extra tax income and spending cuts to the tune of €16bn, the Telegraaf reports on Thursday.
Wednesday 16 May 2012
Football club finances improve
Six professional clubs remain on the Dutch football association’s watch list because of their problematic finances, the KNVB said on Wednesday.
House sales down almost 20% in April
Just 8,236 houses changed ownership in April, a drop of 18% on a year ago, the land registry office Kadaster said on Wednesday.
Healthcare spending rose 3.2% last year
Spending on healthcare rose 3.2% last year, compared with 2010, the national statistics office CBS said on Wednesday. In total, €90bn was spent on healthcare and welfare services, the CBS said.
Little support for Hedwige polder flood plan
A compromise plan to flood part of a polder in Zeeland to compensate for lost nature has failed to win majority support in parliament, news agency ANP said on Wednesday.
Football fans warned to behave in Ukraine and Poland
Dutch football fans are being given a special booklet drawn up by the Dutch football association and foreign ministry with dos and don'ts for June's European football championships in Poland and Ukraine.
Minister yes, but MP no
Social affairs minister Henk Kamp and his deputy Paul de Krom, justice minister Ivo Opstelten, foreign minister Uri Rosenthal and transport minister Melanie Schultz are not standing for parliament in the September 2012 general election.
Customers can continue to smoke in small bars, judges rule
Efforts by anti-smoking campaigners to reinstate a smoking ban in small cafes and bars failed on Wednesday when judges in The Hague ruled the law does allow exceptions.
Turkish singer goes back home after Schiphol questioning
A Dutch concert by popular Turkish singer Arif Sag was cancelled this weekend after he gave up and returned home after lengthy questioning by officials at Amsterdam's Schiphol airport.
Four teenagers held over video showing sexual assault
Four boys, two aged 13, have been arrested in Tilburg in connection with an internet film which appears to show a 14-year-old girl being sexually assaulted.
Jewish groups may refuse to sign ritual slaughter covenant
Jewish organisations are considering refusing to sign the covenant on ritual slaughter currently being worked out by religious groups and government officials, Trouw reports on Wednesday.
Fewer people set to go on holiday as recession continues to bite
Some 10.8 million of the Dutch 17 million population will head off on holiday this year, down 400,000 on a year ago, according to new research by the tourism board.
Bad debts in the Netherlands pressure ABN Amro's first quarter
ABN Amro booked underlying net profit of €486m in the first quarter of this year, down 17% on the first three months of last year.
It’s a deal: five party coalition finalises Dutch austerity package (update)
The minority coalition and three other parties have finalised their plans to cut the Dutch budget deficit to below 3%.
Tuesday 15 May 2012
Longest ice rink goes bankrupt
The longest ice rink in the Netherlands was declared bankrupt by a court in Zwolle on Tuesday, despite having earlier been given a postponement on paying its debts.
Minister, police unions return to the negotiating table
The police are to stop their industrial action and restart talks with caretaker justice minister Ivo Opstelten, police unions and the minister said in a statement on Tuesday afternoon.
Persgroep buys VNU Media
Flemish media concern De Persgroep is buying VNU Media, owners of job vacancies sites Nationale Vacturebank and Intermediair and technology site Tweakers.
Unique Marilyn Monroe memorabilia unearthed - in Scheveningen
A box of papers and photographs from the 1950s, bought by the owner of a shop in the seaside town of Scheveningen, has turned out to contain a unique collection of Marilyn Monroe memorabilia, the Volkskrant reports on Tuesday.
Opta again in trouble with the European Commission
The European Commission is considering taking further action against telecom watchdog Opta for its pricing policy on calls made between different networks.
Is it okay to call a policeman an ant-f******? The high court says yes
A homeless man has been cleared by the High Court of insulting a police officer by calling him a mierenneuker - literally ant-fucker - a term used in popular speech to describe people who stick obsessively to the rules.
Kangaroo on the loose near Arnhem
Experts from Arnhem zoo will on Tuesday try to catch a kangaroo which has been spotted in woods close to the city for the past few days.
Minister to get tough on white-collar crime, subsidy abuse
White-collar criminals will be subject to much tougher punishment, including prison sentences, if a motion being introduced to parliament on Tuesday by caretaker justice minister Ivo Opstelten is passed.
The Hague hit by wildcat bus strikes
Public transport in The Hague is being affected on Tuesday by wild-cat strikes by bus drivers at the city's transport company HTM.
Dutch economy shrinks by 1.1% in the first three months
The Dutch economy contracted by 1.1% in the first quarter of this year as the recession continues, the national statistics office CBS said on Tuesday in a provisional estimate.
André Kuipers' relief crew on its way to space station
The Russian rocket that will bring André Kuipers back to Earth was successfully launched on Tuesday morning, say press reports.
Dutch ecological footprint grows
The Netherlands needs six times more land than it actually has to provide all the goods and services it uses, according to the latest Living Planet Report complied by the World Wildlife Fund.
Benefit fraud will be boosted by new law, say researchers
Social security fraud will become more attractive if a new law is passed, according to Henk van Deún, chairman of the national organisation for benefit investigators in Tuesday's Volkskrant.
Former ING directors go to court for higher pensions
A group of 10 former senior executives at financial services group ING have gone to court demanding their pensions be topped up, the Telegraaf reports on Tuesday.
Children's ombudsman wants better monitoring of children in poverty
One in ten of Dutch children grows up in poverty, according to children's ombudsman Marc Dullaert in the first edition of the Netherlands Children's Rights Monitor.
Traffic jam trap police to stay silent
The lawyer for a suspected petrol thief caught in a police-made traffic jam has accused the public prosecutor of hampering his attempt to get at the truth.
Complaints website crashes on first day of exams
Over 10,000 complaints were received by the school pupils' union LAKS on Monday, the first day of final exams, causing the website to crash.
Dutch austerity package to cut budget deficit welcomed in Brussels
The austerity package put together by the five-party coalition was well received in Brussels during a fringe meeting of EU finance ministers, Jan Kees de Jager told reporters on Monday evening.
Monday 14 May 2012
Amsterdam stock exchange closes under 300 points over Greek fears
Amsterdam stock exchange's blue-chip AEX index closed under 300 points on Monday, in line with developments elsewhere in Europe as concerns mounted over Greece.
More parents don't get married
Children under the age of five are increasingly likely to live in a household where the parents are not married, the national statistics office CBS said on Monday.
Refugee camp outside Ter Apel refugee centre gets bigger
Some 200 people are now thought to be living in the camp which has sprung up outside the Ter Apel refugee centre in Groningen, the Telegraaf said on Monday
High-earners lose confidence in Dutch economy, delay major buys
Consumer confidence has dropped sharply in the Netherlands over the past year, as high-earners in particular say they have doubts about their own and the country's economic prospects, the nationals statistics office CBS said on Monday.
An Enschede shopping centre is the Netherlands ugliest place
A run-down shopping centre in Enschede has been voted ugliest place in the Netherlands by viewers of television show De Slag om Nederland.
Gynaecologists recommend end to free IVF for women over 41
The national gynaecologists' association recommended on Monday that women over the age of 41 pay the cost of IVF fertility treatment themselves.
Ruud van Nistelrooij quits playing football
Ruud van Nistelrooij has played his last professional football game, the former international confirmed on Monday.
Marathon gangland killing trial with 11 defendants draws to a close
The trial of 10 men and one woman accused of involvement in at least seven gangland killings is drawing to a close at Amsterdam's high security court this week after three years.
Christian Democrats call for 'more humane' refugee policy
Dozens of local Christian Democrat branch organisations have called on immigration minister Gerd Leers to establish a more humane policy for asylum seekers, Trouw reports on Monday.
Final exams kick off for 206,870 hopeful school-leavers
Final exams for some 206,870 school leavers kick off on Monday, and new rules mean the failure rate is likely to be higher than in recent years.
Prime minister's party drops in latest poll
The right-wing Liberal VVD, headed by prime minister Mark Rutte, was down two seats in the latest Maurice de Hond opinion poll, while the Christian Democrats are up two.
Whistle-blowers may get legal protection
MPs are likely on Monday to approve draft legislation which would set up an organisation to protect the rights of whistle-blowers - both in the public and private sector.
1,735 drink drivers to get alcohol lock on their cars
Courts have ordered some 1,735 convicted drunk drivers to have an alcohol lock fitted to their cars to stop them getting behind the wheel when they have been drinking, free newspaper Metro reports on Monday.
Energy bills to rise at least 8% next year
The average household's energy bill will rise 8%, or €160, next year because of higher energy prices and tax increases, the AD reports on Monday.
Ajax wants to offer Frank de Boer 'a contract for life'
Ajax wants to offer coach Frank de Boer 'a contract for life', the Amsterdam football club's finance director Jeroen Slop says in Monday's Telegraaf.
Saturday 12 May 2012
Pledge to decimate the PVV was 'a weak moment', says prime minister
Prime minister Mark Rutte told a television talk show on Friday evening he had pledged to decimate the anti-immigration PVV in a moment of weakness after Geert Wilders pulled out of austerity talks.
Brussels starts probe into ING state support repayment
Brussels is to launch an investigation into changes in the way ING agreed to repay Dutch state support given to the financial services group during the financial crisis.
Friday 11 May 2012
Unions and employers fail to agree common stand on payrolling
Unions and employers have failed to agree a common standpoint on payrolling after more than a year of talks, the Financieele Dagblad reported on Friday.
Court rules out evidence gathered during border controls
Dutch immigration police patrols on the borders with Belgium and Germany still conflict with the Schengen open border rules, Den Bosch appeal court said on Friday.
Internet banking fraud cost €35m last year
Cybercrime involving fake or stolen internet bank accounts and phishing cost society €35m last year, up from €10m on a year ago, the Dutch central bank said on Friday.
Europe is in mild recession, exports to drive Dutch recovery
The European Commission on Friday restated its earlier position that the economies of the 17 eurozone countries would contract by an average 0.3% this year, but that the Dutch economy would shrink by 0.9%.
Serbian 'dyke terrorist' arrested over YouTube threats
The Serbian police have arrested a man who threatened to blow up Dutch dykes in a video he posted on YouTube and later described as a joke.
Chinese investors interested in Scheveningen pier
A group of unnamed Chinese investors are interested in buying the Scheveningen pier, put up for sale by its owners earlier this year, Nos television reports.
Delta Lloyd gets cautious in 'dangerous' Dutch housing market
The Dutch housing market is so 'dangerous' that Delta Lloyd has changed its mortgage policy to focus on homes with a government guarantee, the Financieele Dagblad said on Friday.
Despite the recession, we keep on saving
The Dutch had a total €360bn put aside in savings accounts by the end of last year, up €45bn on the end of 2008, according to central bank statistics.
HBO college staff under pressure over results
Some 25% of hbo college lecturers have felt pressure to give students better grades than they deserve and almost half of them have actually done so, according to a survey by the AOb teaching union and Nos television.
Talks on a budget agreement are on target, says minister
Talks between the minority cabinet and three other parties on a package of austerity measures to cut the Dutch budget deficit are proceeding smoothly, finance minister Jan Kees de Jager said on Thursday evening.
Mexico's América Móvil has no plans to increase KPN offer
Mexican firm América Móvil does not intend to increase its €8 a share offer for a 28% stake in Dutch telecoms group KPN, chief executive Carlos Garcia-Moreno told the Financieele Dagblad in an interview.
Police arrest one, make €10m heroin find in Rotterdam
Police have arrested a 31-year-old man in connection with a haul of 325 kilos of heroin, found in a warehouse in Rotterdam following a tip-off from Europol.
RBS cuts 500 more jobs in Holland
Royal Bank of Scotland is cutting its workforce in the Netherlands by around 25%, the Financieele Dagblad reports on Friday.
Commercial property loans often bigger than current valuations
A quarter of the commercial property loans made by Dutch banks are bigger than the value of the property itself, the Financieele Dagblad reports on Friday.
Thursday 10 May 2012
Dick Advocaat returns to PSV
Football club PSV Eindhoven has signed Dick Advocaat as its new coach, replacing interim manager Phillip Cocu. Cocu has been at the helm since Fred Rutten was sacked earlier in the season.
Nazi wartime bunker may be listed
The bunker built during World War II for Hitler's commissioner in the Netherlands should become a listed building, a number of museum organisations say.
Dutch central bank warns we face a 'lost decade' of low growth
There is a risk of a 'lost decade' of low economic growth in Europe, during which the Netherlands will be particularly vulnerable because of its enormous mortgage debt, the Netherlands Bank (DNB) said in a report on Thursday.
All Dutch internet firms must block access to The Pirate Bay: court
Dutch internet service providers KPN, Tele2, UPC, T-Mobile and Telfort have been ordered by a court in The Hague to block access to file-sharing website site The Pirate Bay.
Shipbuilding sector sheds 3,000 jobs
Dutch shipbuilding and maritime services companies have lost 3,000 jobs since 2010, the sector association Scheepsbouw Nederland says in Thursday's Financieele Dagblad.
Dutchman who set himself on fire in Jakarta dies
The 69-year-old Dutchman who set himself on fire outside the Dutch embassy in Jakarta last week has died of his injuries, the foreign ministry confirmed on Thursday.
EU parliament agrees lower mobile telephony rates
Plans to reduce mobile phone and internet rates and introduce a maximum rate within the European Union were accepted by the European parliament on Thursday, the NRC reports.
Saudi petrochemical firm Sabic to invest €135m in Limburg
Saudi company Sabic is to invest an additional €135m in its petrochemicals plant in Geleen, Limburg, news agency ANP reported on Thursday.
'Crucial' Van Gogh watercolour bought by museum
The Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam has bought the watercolour Pollard Willow by Vincent van Gogh.
'Van der Sloot may face Holloway murder charges in US'
Convicted murder Joran van der Sloot may face charges in connection with the disappearance of American teenager Natalee Holloway if he is sent to the US, the Huffington Post reported on Thursday.
Aegon books higher profit in Q1
Insurance group Aegon booked much higher profits than expected in the first quarter, thanks to a tax windfall and a higher value on assets.
Ayaan Hirsi Ali wins Axel Springer award
Former Dutch MP and anti-Islam campaigner Ayaan Hirsi Ali is to be awarded the Axel Springer award on Thursday, according to press reports.
Delta Lloyd reduces exposure to southern Europe
Financial services group Delta Lloyd has halved its exposure to southern Europe and Ireland, the company said in its first-quarter earnings statement on Thursday.
Redmond O'Hanlon wins prestigious Dutch prize
The British travel writer Redmond O'Hanlon has won the prestigious Dutch television Nipkow prize for the best tv programme.
Morgan Stanley has 10% of KPN
American business bank Morgan Stanley has built up a stake of 10.1% in Dutch telecoms firm KPN, the financial services regulator AFM reported on Thursday.
Vestia calls halt to renovation plans
Financially-troubled housing corporation Vestia is halting its renovation plans, despite telling tenants their homes would be brought completely up-to-date.
Foreign taxpayers are 'bailing out' Dutch public transport firms
Bus and train company Syntus, which operates services around Arnhem, posted a loss of €5m in 2011 and is in financial trouble, according to media reports on Thursday.
Use of photos in hooliganism case leads to lighter sentence
The public prosecutor wants tougher sentences for the football hooligans who stormed the Maasgebouw in Rotterdam in September 2011.
CDA must talk about PVV alliance, says former minister
The failed alliance with the anti-immigration PVV should be aired during the party's leadership election, former Christian Democrat minister Ernst Hirsch Ballin told tv programme Nieuwsuur on Wednesday evening.
Bring ProRail back under direct government control, say MPs
A majority in parliament thinks the government should take back control of the most important tasks currently carried out by rail track operator ProRail, reports the Telegraaf on Thursday.
Wednesday 09 May 2012
No relaxation of eurozone rules for the Netherlands: Brussels
The Netherlands cannot expect any relaxation of the rules requiring the budget deficit to be cut to below 3%, European commissioner Olli Rehn told news agency ANP on Wednesday.
Iraqi asylum seekers set up camp in protest at rejection
A group of some 50 failed Iraqi asylum seekers have set up camp outside the refugee centre in Ter Apel, urging the immigration service to re-open their cases, Nos television reports on Wednesday.
Building firm bankruptcies soar
The number of building companies going bankrupt soared by 37% in the first four months of this year. In April, 180 building firms went bust, a 78% rise compared with a year ago, according to website Faillissementsdossier.nl.
Commuting to work? For most Dutch, it takes less than 20 minutes
Just 5% of Dutch workers use the train to get to work, while almost six in 10 travel by car, according to new research from the national statistics office CBS.
Net neutrality, anti-cookie legislation approved by senate
New legislation guaranteeing unhindered access to the internet and banning the unauthorised use of cookies was approved by the upper house of parliament on Wednesday.
More evidence emerges of problems with medical bills
Health insurers detected fraudulent and incorrect insurance claims totalling €175m last year and a further €800m-worth of claims were rejected, the Telegraaf reports on Wednesday.
Dutch royals baptised as Mormons by proxy after their deaths
Several members of the Dutch royal family have been posthumously ‘baptised’ into the Mormon church, Trouw reports on Wednesday, quoting church documents.
Princess Mabel quits top job at global think-tank The Elders
Princess Mabel has resigned from her job as chief executive of international development think-tank The Elders. Two months ago, her husband prince Friso was caught in an avalanche while skiing and is now in a coma in hospital in London.
Tough first quarter for ING as net profit shrinks by almost 50%
Net profit earned by financial services group ING went down by almost half to €680m in the first three months of this year, the bank said on Wednesday.
Tuesday 08 May 2012
Mixed views about success of new cannabis cafe rules
The new rules banning tourists from cannabis cafes in the south of the country have been welcomed by people living close to the cafes in Maastricht, mayor Onno Hoes told news agency ANP on Tuesday.
Still a long way to go before new budget pact is finalised: NRC
The five parties which agreed emergency austerity measures to reduce the Netherlands budget deficit to eurozone limits are still a long way from finalising the details, the NRC reported on Tuesday.
Senate tears up big city public transport tender plan
Amsterdam, Rotterdam and The Hague may be able to keep their public transport services in house because the senate has voted against legislation to force through privatisation, news agency Novum said on Tuesday.
Jewish group to take action over German tinge to Remembrance Day
Jewish lobby group Federatie Joods Nederland is to try to ensure German solders are not remembered at the annual Remembrance Day commemorations on May 4, the organisation's lawyer told the NRC on Tuesday.
A.F.Th van der Heijden wins 2012 Libris literature prize
Writer A.F.Th van der Heijden has won this year's €50,000 Libris literature prize for his novel Tonio, based on the death of his only son in 2010.
City council applies to buy .amsterdam internet domain name
Amsterdam city council has applied to buy new top level internet domain name .amsterdam, local broadcaster RTV Noord-Holland reports.
One in five mobile phones lost or stolen last year
Mobile phone firm Vodafone dealt with 55,000 reports of lost or stolen mobile phones in the Netherlands last year, RTL news reports on Tuesday.
European football boycott call a mistake, says Ukranian ambassador
A boycott of the European football championships in Ukraine because of the dispute over the treatment of opposition leader Yulia Tymoschenko would be 'a serious error' Ukraine's ambassador to the Netherlands is quoted as saying in an interview with news agency ANP.
The Netherlands' only nuclear power station meets EU standards
The Netherlands' only nuclear power station - the Borssele plant in Zeeland - meets EU safety standards by a wide margin, economic affairs minister Maxime Verhagen told MPs in a briefing on Tuesday.
Get rid of that 'allochtoon' word, advisory group tells government
The government should stop categorising the population of the Netherlands according to ethnicity and parental birth places, according to the government's advisory group on social development RMO, the Volkskrant reports on Tuesday.
Mexico's Movil bids to buy 28% of Dutch telecoms firm KPN
Mexican company America Movil has made an offer of €8 a share to take over a 28% stake in former Dutch state telecoms monopoly KPN.
Monday 07 May 2012
Long crisis could cost Dutch local councils billions of euros
A long-lasting economic crisis could cost the Netherlands' major cities billions of euros, according to an analysis of the financial situation facing Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Eindhoven and The Hague by research group SEO.
PwC Netherlands and Germany 'plan to merge'
The German and Dutch arms of the PricewaterhouseCoopers network plan to merge, Reuters said on Monday, quoting the head of PwC Germany in WirtschaftsWoche magazine.
Cold weather hits asparagus season
The cold temperatures this spring have hit this year's asparagus crop, cutting the harvest so far by around 50%, according to the national asparagus committee on Monday.
Pay rises are getting bigger, employers are concerned
Salary deals sealed in April include an average pay rise of 1.8%, an increase on the average 1.6% rise agreed so far this year, says employers organisation AWVN.
New and surprising names on Oranje selection for European Cup
The provisional Dutch squad for next month’s European championships includes a number of surprising and new names, the Volkskrant reports on Monday.
Inholland college group gets tough on slackers, sharpens up degrees
The Inholland college group, which has come under fire from education inspectors for poor standards in some subjects, is shaking up its approach by slashing courses and getting tougher on first-year students.
CSM plans to sell its bakery supplies operations, share price rises 25%
CSM said on Monday it planned to sell its North American and European bakery supplies division to focus on areas where stronger growth is forecast.
CDA and VVD need more money to fight the election campaign
The two parties which currently form the minority government - the CDA and VVD - both need more cash to fight the September general election, the Telegraaf reports on Monday.
What you say on internet can affect your job: legal aid group
One in three employers checks up on what their staff write on social media networks and 10% do this regularly, according to legal aid group Arag on Monday.
Financial sector watchdog warns about currency trading websites
The financial services authority AFM on Monday warned consumers to be extremely careful before getting involved with websites offering high returns through currency trading.
Fair trade certification for gold
Aid groups in the Netherlands are developing fair trade certification for gold which was mined in a fair, safe and environmentally-friendly way.
Sunday 06 May 2012
Voters don't understand what the CDA stands for any more
Almost two-thirds of Dutch voters say it is unclear what the Christian Democrats stand for and 56% think the party should make it clear forming an alliance with the anti-immigration PVV was a mistake, according to the latest Maurice de Hond opinion poll.
CDA leadership contest shortlist finalised - six out of 12 are on it
Twelve candidates have come forward to compete for the leadership of the Christian Democrats and six of them will be included on the shortlist as official candidates on Monday, a spokesman told Nos television on Sunday.
Feyenoord clinches place in Champions League preliminaries
A 2-3 victory for Feyenoord against Frisian team Heerenveen gave the Rotterdammers second place in the Dutch premier league on Sunday and a place in next season’s Champions League qualifying competition.
10 years after Pim Fortuyn was murdered: what the papers say
Ten years ago on Sunday, Dutch populist politician Pim Fortuyn was murdered in Hilversum by animal rights activist Volkert van de Graaf, nine days before the general election. This weekend, the Dutch media devoted a large amount of space to assessing Fortuyn's impact on the Netherlands.
Saturday 05 May 2012
Man who set himself on fire was 'desperate after pension stopped'
The 69-year-old Dutchman who set himself on fire outside the Dutch embassy in Jakarta on Friday had been threatening to commit suicide for some time, because his state pension had been stopped, Nos television reports.
Rabobank gets tough on direct debit card fraud
Most Rabobank account holders will no longer be able to use their direct debit cards outside Europe unless they make a formal request to do so, the bank said in a press release on Saturday.
Farm minister joins battle for Christian Democrat leadership
Farm minister Henk Bleker has thrown his hat into the ring in the battle to lead the Christian Democratic party's election campaign.
Dutch politicians have a lack of vision, says employers' leader
The Netherlands does not have enough good politicians and those in power show a lack of vision, Bernard Wientjes, head of the biggest Dutch employers' organisation VNO-NCW said in Saturday's NRC.
Liberation Day celebrated with music and marches
The Netherlands celebrates Liberation Day on Saturday, marking 67 years since Germany surrendered at the end of World War II.
Friday 04 May 2012
Neelie Kroes will call it quits after commission term expires
European commissioner Neelie Kroes will not seek a third term in office when her current one ends in 2014, the Dutch national said at a conference in Berlin on Friday.
May 4 organisers call for remembrance of war dead, not disputes
The national committee which organises the annual Remembrance Day commemorations on Thursday called for an end to disputes which threaten to spoil the evening’s ceremonies.
Dutchman sets himself on fire in front of Jakarta embassy
A 69-year-old Dutch national set himself on fire in front of the Netherlands' embassy in Jakarta, Indonesia on Friday. He was taken to hospital with serious burns, news agency ANP said.
Liberation Day set to be the coldest in 21 years
Liberation Day (May 5), when the Netherlands celebrates the end of the occupation by Nazi Germany, is set to be the coldest in 21 years with temperatures no higher than 11 Celsius, according to weather bureau weeronline.nl.
The Netherlands' oldest resident turns 110
The Netherlands' oldest resident, Cornelis Jacobus Geurtz, turns 110 on Friday. Geurtz, who lives in Rotterdam, does not like attention being paid to his age and will celebrate quietly at home, news agency ANP said.
Strikes loom at AkzoNobel
Unions at paint and coatings group AkzoNobel on Friday called on members to go on strike in an effort to force the company to improve redundancy agreements.
'Health insurers have no idea what psychiatric care they are paying for'
Health insurers have for years been paying bills for alternative therapies such as hypnotherapy and psychosynthesis without knowing what they were paying for, the Volkskrant reports on Friday.
Rotterdam court overturns KPN fine
A court in Rotterdam has overturned a €540,000 fine handed out to telecoms firm KPN by sector watchdog Opta, the NRC reports on Friday.
Health insurance own risk element may rise to €400
A rise in the own-risk element of healthcare insurance to €400 is likely to be part of plans to save €1.6bn on the cost of healthcare, the AD reports on Friday, quoting sources in The Hague.
Justice minister Ivo Opstelten does not want to be an MP
Justice minister Ivo Opstelten will not be included on the VVD's list of candidates for the September general election, he told the Telegraaf.
Difficult first quarter for airline Air France-KLM
Higher fuel costs and a drop in cargo shipments helped airline Air France-KLM to make a €368m loss in the first quarter of 2012. Revenue was up 6% at €5.6bn.
Remembrance Day row over German graves ends up in court
Jewish organisation Federatie Joods Nederland is going to court on Friday morning in an effort to stop the inclusion of 10 German soldiers in tonight's Remembrance Day commemorations in the eastern town of Vorden, the Volkskrant reports.
Thursday 03 May 2012
Pension agreement must be put on ice, says social affairs minister
The agreement worked out by unions and employers to increase the state pension age to 66 by 2020 should be put on hold, social affairs minister Henk Kamp said on Thursday.
Liberation Day festivities in Apeldoorn cancelled over safety fears
Apeldoorn city council has withdrawn the licence for this year’s Liberation Day festivities because crowd security cannot be guaranteed.
Dutch social website Hyves in trouble as usage plummets
The number of people using Dutch social networking website Hyves plummeted 38% last year, while use of Facebook rose 45% in the Netherlands, according to the Newcom Research group.
More parents kidnap their children
In total 249 children were taken out of the Netherlands by a parent last year, an increase of 30% on 2010, according to new figures from the child kidnap information centre Centrum IKO.
Fewer start-ups in first three months
Some 39,000 people started a new company in the first three months of this year, a 4% drop on the same period in 2011, according to research by ING economists.
Dutch airport passengers reach record levels
Dutch airports dealt with almost 54 million passengers last year, a new record, the national statistics office CBS said on Thursday.
Police motorway go-slow gets green light
Police plans to stage a go-slow on the roads around Rotterdam, The Hague and Dordrecht in support of their pay claim on Thursday afternoon have been given the go-ahead by judges.
Labour MP Nebahat Albayrak is latest to quit politics at election
Labour MP and former minister Nebahat Albayrak is leaving politics at the September election. ‘It is time to do other things,’ Albayrak told reporters on Thursday after announcing her decision.
Ban French fry sales near schools, says Amsterdam councillor
Snack bars and fast food restaurants near secondary schools should be banned from selling French fries and other greasy foods until after 14.00 hours, says an Amsterdam city councillor.
An internship is part of education, court rules
Youngsters without residency papers should be allowed to take an internship as part of their studies because to deny them that right conflicts with the right to an education, a court in The Hague has ruled.
International Islamic organisation 'dismayed' at Wilders' new book
The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation has issued a statement on its ‘dismay’ at the new book by Dutch anti-Islam campaigner and politician Geert Wilders.
DSM buys US biomedical products group Kensey Nash
Limburg-based chemicals group DSM has reached agreement to buy US biomedical products producer Kensey Nash for $360m in an all-cash deal.
C1000 supermarket owners oppose switch to Jumbo, AH formats
Independent shopkeepers who operate C1000 franchises are angry at plans by the Jumbo supermarket chain to force them to convert their formats, the Financieele Dagblad reports on Thursday.
Second jewelry store murder suspect arrested in Georgia
The second teenager wanted in connection with the murder of a jewelry shop owner in The Hague last week was arrested in the Georgian capital Tblisi on Wednesday, the Volkskrant reports on Thursday.
Ajax wins 31st league title
A 2-0 home win against VVV-Venlo gave Amsterdam football club Ajax their 31st league title on Wednesday night.
Wednesday 02 May 2012
D66, GroenLinks big winners in latest poll
The Liberal democrats D66 and green party GroenLinks have gone up three and two seats respectively in the latest TNS Nipo poll.
Scrap burqa, dual nationality bans, Labour MPs tell minister
Labour MPs on Wednesday urged home affairs ministry Liesbeth Spies to act according to her convictions and formally scrap draft legislation to ban the burqa and eradicate dual nationality.
Austerity measures too vague to assess financial impact: CPB
The financial impact of spending plans agreed last week by the minority coalition and three other parties is impossible to calculate because the measures are too vague, the NRC reported on Wednesday.
Public prosecutor to set aside cannabis complaints
The public prosecution department said on Wednesday it would not act on complaints by foreign tourists that they had been refused admission to cannabis cafes in the south of the country, website nu.nl reported.
Supreme court clears way for underground gas storage
The Dutch supreme court on Wednesday cleared the way for huge quantities of natural gas to be stored underground near Alkmaar, despite local and environmental group protests.
Parliamentary chairwoman to stand down at general election
Labour politician and chairwoman of the lower house of parliament Gerdi Verbeet is leaving politics at the September general election.
Green cars cost treasury €1.3bn
A surge in the sale of energy-efficient cars cost the government €1.3bn in lost tax income last year, the national statistics office CBS said on Wednesday.
Police arrest 19-year-old in jewelry shop murder case
Police in The Hague on Wednesday arrested one of two 19-year-old youths wanted in connection with the murder of a jewelry shop owner last week.
Supervisory board, owners clash at waste firm over new CEO
Members of the supervisory board at waste processor Van Gansewinkel have clashed with the company's private equity owners over the naming of a new chief executive, the Financieele Dagblad reports on Wednesday.
The Dutch have little patience with poor customer service
Dutch consumers are most likely to lose their cool when confronted with poor customer service, according to a survey of 11 countries by credit card firm American Express, Trouw reports on Wednesday.
Dutch ministers, royals may boycott Ukraine football championships
Dutch ministers and members of the royal family will boycott the forthcoming European football championships in Ukraine unless the situation surrounding jailed former prime minister Yulia Tymoschenko improves, foreign minister Uri Rosenthal said on Tuesday evening.
Dutch young teenagers remain the most satisfied with life
Young Dutch teenagers remain the most satisfied with life in Europe, according to a new international survey of child health and behaviour carried out by the World Health Organisation.
Burqa and dual nationality bans 'can be binned', says minister
A ban on the burqa and dual nationality are no longer priorities for caretaker home affairs minister Liesbeth Spies, she told the Volkskrant in an interview on Wednesday.
Tuesday 01 May 2012
Protests, police and job losses as new cannabis rules take effect
All Maastricht’s 14 cannabis cafes closed their doors on Tuesday in protest at new rules banning them from selling marijuana and hashish to tourists, Nos television reported.
New-look trade union federation should be 'more democratic'
The new look FNV trade union federation should give more control to members, making it a more democratic institution, troubleshooter Jetta Klijnsma said on Tuesday.
More animals shot in nature reserve this winter
Forestry commission workers shot dead far more animals in the Oostvaardersplassen nature reserve this winter than last year.
Dutch football fans unmoved by unrest in Ukraine
The bomb attacks in Ukraine last week and fears about the treatment of jailed former prime minister Yulia Tymoschenko have not dampened football fans' enthusiasm about the forthcoming European football championships, the Telegraaf reports on Tuesday.
Liesbeth Spies stands for CDA party leadership
Liesbeth Spies, who recently took over from Piet Hein Donner as home affairs minister, on Tuesday declared her candidacy in the Christian Democrat party's contest to find a new leader ahead of the general election in September.
Pension fund coverage ratio average slips slightly
Dutch pension funds had an average coverage ratio of 99% at the end of April, down one percentage point on March, according to monthly research by human resources advisory group Aon Hewitt.
22,000 days lost through strikes last year
The increase in short campaigns took the total number of days lost in the Netherlands through strikes last year to 22,000, the national statistics office CBS said on Tuesday.
Family doctors' pension fund invests in tobacco
The Dutch family doctors’ pension fund made €140,000 last year selling some of its shares in British American Tobacco, the Financieele Dagblad reports on Tuesday.
Industrial output falls slightly
Industrial output fell slightly in April, according to the monthly Dutch purchasing managers index NEVI.
Young home owners hardest hit by negative equity
People under the age of 35 are most affected by the housing market crisis, with 38% of them living in homes which are now worth less than they paid for them, according to research by home owners association VEH.
Sexual abuse in child care system 'shocking': report
Children who live in foster homes or care homes are three to four times more likely to suffer sexual abuse, according to a report by researchers at Leiden university and quoted in the Volkskrant.
Cannabis card comes into force
Cannabis cafes in Zeeland, Brabant and Limburg closed their doors to drugs tourists on Tuesday morning when the new registration system came into effect.
Wilders is not planning move to US
Geert Wilders is not planning to move to the US, the PVV party leader told Radio 1 on Monday morning.
Politicians should stay away from the European championships say MPs
No officials from the Netherlands should attend any football matches in the Ukraine during the European championships in June, a majority of MPs told sports minister Edith Schippers and foreign minister Uri Rosenthal on Monday.
Queen's Day passes off smoothly
Queen's Day on Monday was the usual mix of royal princes taking part in strange competitions, huge festivals and street markets, with one big difference. Fewer people visited Amsterdam.
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