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Wednesday 31 October 2012
Money does make people happy, says millionaires' survey
Money does make people happy - at least that is one of the findings in a report on the assets and ideas of the Netherlands' millionaires by private bank Van Lanschot.  
Financial sector angry at coalition transaction tax, bonus plans
Financial services companies, and stock brokers in particular, may start moving out of the Netherlands because of the new coalition’s plans, the Financieele Dagblad reports on Wednesday.
Prostitution register legislation delayed again
Justice minister Ivo Opstelten is to revise some aspects of new legislation on prostitution following concerns from the upper house of parliament.
VVD-PvdA has no senate majority: other parties jostle for position
Mark Rutte's new VVD-PvdA cabinet will have to grapple with one, as-yet unknown quantity - the 75-seat senate - because the two coalition parties only control 30 of the seats in the upper house of parliament.
Civil service pension fund sees lower pension for youngsters
The new cabinet’s plans for corporate pensions will make it more difficult for youngsters to build up a pension equal to 70% of their average salary, according to the giant ABP pension fund, quoted by news agency ANP.
‘1,300 jobs under threat at KLM’
Airline KLM may reduce its workforce by at least 1,300 people in an effort to cut costs, the Telegraaf reports on Wednesday.
TV shows faces of Project X Haren riot suspects
Seven youths accused of involvement in last month’s Project X Haren riots have been identified after photographs of the violence were shown on a television crime show on Tuesday evening.
Tuesday 30 October 2012
Health insurance to soar to nearly €500 a month for high earners
People earning more than €70,000 a year will have to pay €482 per month in health insurance fees when the new cabinet’s system comes into force, according to calculations by Nos television.
Wilders speaks up for banned lawyer Moszkowicz
Geert Wilders spoke up on Tuesday afternoon for lawyer Bram Moszkowicz whose licence to practice was revoked earlier in the day.
Shortage of technical workers loses Holland thousands of jobs
Companies in the technical sector are going bankrupt or moving abroad because they cannot find well-trained workers to fill vacancies, according to media reports on Tuesday.
Privatisation policy a mess, says senate commission
Successive governments made a mess of selling off and semi-privatising state companies such as post and telecommunications company PTT, Dutch Railways (NS) and the benefit agency UWV, according to a senate inquiry.
The new cabinet - What the papers say
The new coalition of right-wing VVD and Labour party (PvdA) outlined its strategy on Monday. The Dutch papers give the plans a mixed reaction.
Celeb lawyer Bram Moszkowicz banned from practising law for life
The Netherlands’ most famous lawyer, Bram Moszkowicz, has had his right to practice law removed for bringing the profession into disrepute.
Three face jail for wine investment scam
Two men and one woman are facing jail for their role in a wine investment scam, according to media reports on Tuesday.
Dutch writer J Bernlef dies
The Dutch writer, lyricist, novelist and translator J Bernlef - pseudonym for Henrik Jan Marsman - died at his home in Amsterdam on Monday night. He was 75 years old.
Engineering group Imtech scraps 900 jobs
Gouda-based technical engineering group Imtech is scrapping 900 of its 29,000 workforce in the Netherlands, Belgium and Spain.
School director accused of child abuse
A school director in Valkenswaard is being held on suspicion of sexually abusing a pupil at the Agnus Dei school for highly gifted and autistic children.
Hurricane Sandy affects Dutch weather
Weather centre KNMI said on Tuesday the weather over the Netherlands will be affected by hurricane Sandy, which is currently raging across the north-east coast of the US.
New cabinet to be sworn in next week
The new cabinet will probably be sworn in next week, either on Monday, Thursday or Friday, prime minister Mark Rutte confirmed on Monday evening.
Mayors not allowed to block deportations of failed refugees
Mayors are not allowed to block the deportation of failed refugees and illegal immigrants, according to two professors in their advice to three ministers.
Coalition accord: higher incomes to pick up much of the bill
People with higher than average incomes will be hardest hit by the new coalition's plans because they will have to pay more for healthcare, their children and their homes, analysts say on Tuesday.
Peter Terrin wins Ako literature prize
Post Portem by the Flemish novelist Peter Terrin is the winner of this year's Ako literature prize, which includes a cheque for €50,000.
TomTom lowers sales forecast
Satellite navigation system-maker TomTom on Tuesday said it now expects annual turnover to fall to €1.05bn, against an earlier prognosis of €1.10bn.
Coalition accord: the main points
The coalition agreement drawn up by the right-wing VVD and Labour party (PvdA) sets out the new alliance's strategy to 2017.
Monday 29 October 2012
Dozens of flights from Amsterdam to US are cancelled
Flights from Amsterdam's Schiphol airport to eastern parts of the United States were disrupted on Monday following fears about the effect of hurricane Sandy.
Coalition accord: what politicians and lobby groups say
Many commentators are concerned that families will have to pick up much of the bill for the €16bn package of savings the new right-left coalition government plans to introduce.
Wietpas scrapped but coffee shop entry rights a grey area
The new cabinet plans to press ahead with restricting access to the country's cannabis cafes to local residents but is dropping the introduction of compulsory registration of users via a membership card system.
New Dutch right-left cabinet's slogan is 'building bridges'
The new cabinet's strategy is based on three pillars, prime minister Mark Rutte said at the presentation of the new cabinet agreement on Monday.
Dutch shipyard completes motor yacht for Steve Jobs: website
A massive motor yacht designed by the late Apple chief executive Steve Jobs, was launched in the Netherlands this weekend, according to website onemorething.nl.
Almost 30,000 people signed up to be donors during action week
Last week's mass media campaign to encourage more people to become organ donors resulted in 38,000 people joining the official register.
Top lawyer Moszkowicz settles tax debt
Top lawyer Bram Moszkowicz has reached a settlement with the tax office over fines he faced for alleged tax evasion.
It's a deal: Labour and Liberal MPs back new coalition plan
The new Dutch cabinet will be an alliance between the right-wing Liberals and the Labour party (PvdA), now MPs from both parties have given their backing to the plans.
'Virtual child porn could reduce child abuse'
Paedophiles could be given ‘virtual child pornography’ in order to reduce instances of child abuse and the market for child porn, two sexologists say in Monday’s Trouw.
Driving tests for 17-year-olds a success
An experiment allowing 17-year-olds to take their driving test is proving a success, the AD reports on Monday.
Pricing pressure, difficult market hits TNT Express
Express delivery firm TNT Express made a narrow profit of €9m in the third quarter of 2012, the company said on Monday.
Financial service advisors fear effect of commission ban
Banks, insurance companies and financial advisors fear the impending ban on commission will lead to consumers buying products they do not understand, the Financieele Dagblad reports on Monday.
Coalition accord: the latest leaks
Despite the official wall of silence around the coalition formation talks between the right-wing VVD and Labour party (PvdA), Monday's papers again contain a number of leaks about what their strategy entails.
Sunday 28 October 2012
Coalition agreement finalised, parties to debate plans on Monday
MPs from the right-wing VVD and the Labour party (PvdA) will meet on Monday to discuss the draft coalition accord which will form a blueprint for a new coalition government, Nos reported on Sunday.
Saturday 27 October 2012
The VVD-Labour alliance plans so far: What the papers say
Leaks about the right-wing VVD and Labour party PvdA's plans for government show clear decisions are being made, according to newspaper editorials.
Sara Lee neglected Douwe Egberts, says DE chief executive
The amount of coffee in Senseo coffee pods was deliberately reduced to cut costs, by the company’s US owner Sara Lee, the Volkskrant reports on Saturday.
Friday 26 October 2012
15-year-old arrested for threatening Ajax' Ryan Babel on Twitter
A 15-year-old boy has been arrested after sending a threatening tweet to Ajax footballer Ryan Babel, Amsterdam police said on Friday.
16-year-old girl faces five years in jail for ordering Facebook murder
A 16-year-old girl who commissioned another teenager to murder her former best friend should be jailed for five years followed by time in a secure psychiatric clinic, the Telegraaf said on Friday, quoting lawyer Bram Moszkowicz.
Philips cuts 171 jobs in Eindhoven
Electronics giant Philips is cutting 171 jobs at the headquarters of its lighting division in Eindhoven, Nos television reported on Friday.
Former Labour junior minister heads for World Bank
Former junior economic affairs minister Frank Heemskerk is the next Dutch representative at the World Bank, finance minister Jan Kees de Jager said on Friday.
Salt levels in bread reduced
Bakers have agreed to reduce the maximum salt content in bread from 2.1% of the dry ingredients to 1.8%, RTL news reports on Friday.
Rapper jailed for prostituting 14 and 15-year-old runaways
An Amsterdam rapper and his ex-girlfriend were jailed for forcing two girls aged 14 and 15 into prostitution to pay off debts, by a court in Utrecht on Friday.
New cabinet deal on health insurance, mortgages, child refugees
The pending new Liberal-Labour government plans to scrap payments to help low-income households pay for health insurance from 2014, sources close to the cabinet formation talks said on Friday afternoon.
The great ministerial carve-up
It now seems increasingly likely the Netherlands will have a new cabinet in a few days' time and speculation is mounting about how the ministerial positions will be divided up.
Dutch investors move away from Dutch shares
Investors in the Netherlands are less likely to invest in traditional Dutch companies such as Aegon and Philips and are putting their money instead into international investment funds, the Financieele Dagblad reports on Friday.
Free wifi takes off in Dutch towns
Heerlen, Rotterdam, Arnhem and Leiden are among the towns where residents and visitors can now benefit from free wifi, paid for by the local council, BNR radio reports on Friday.
Avoid doner kebabs, the sick, elderly and pregnant are told
People with reduced resistance to infection, the elderly and pregnant women should avoid eating doner kebabs because of the high levels of bacteria many contain, according to the consumers association Consumentenbond.
Horse owners turn to abbatoirs as recession bites
A record 4,500 horses were put down in slaughterhouses over the first six months of this year, compared with 3,400 in 2011 as a whole, news agency Novum reports on Friday, quoting newspaper NRC.next.
ABN Amro buys Brazilian bank, for its licence
ABN Amro has bought Brazilian bank CR2 for an undisclosed sum, the Dutch state-owned financial services group said on Friday.
Europa League: Twente loses to Levante, PSV draws against AIK
FC Twente continues to struggle in its Europa League group L competition after losing 3-0 to Spanish side Levante away.
Construction group Ballast Nedam issues profit warning
Building giant Ballast Nedam issued a profit warning on Friday, saying the group will close the year with an operational loss of €30m.
Cabinet agreement 'finalised', agreement on mortgages, child refugees
The VVD-PvdA alliance has agreed to phase out tax relief on mortgages by an annual 0.5% from 2014 as the final touchs are put to the new coalition agreement, the Telegraaf reports on Friday.
Thursday 25 October 2012
Employer and union chiefs renew calls for stability after cabinet talks
The traditional Dutch practice of involving unions and employers in developing government strategy is about to return, employers' leader Bernard Wientjes told reporters on Thursday.
Household wealth has doubled over 30 years: central bank
The total wealth of Dutch households doubled between 1981 and 2011 to represent 400% of gross domestic product, the central bank said on Thursday.
Salary difference between men and women shrinks
The difference in salaries between men and women in the Netherlands has declined again, according to the Global Gender Gap Index put together by the World Economic Forum.
Christian Democrat mayor latest official to quit over integrity claims
The mayor of the Gelderland district of Lingewaard has resigned following revelations that he submitted at least one fake expenses claim.
Winschoten arson suspects confess to police
Two people arrested in connection with a string of fires in the northern town of Winschoten have confessed to arson, police said on Thursday.
Government puts home copy tax on smartphones, tablets
Everyone who buys a smartphone, tablet or set-top box will pay a levy of up to €5 from next year to cover the cost of home copying.
Religious groups are worried about Sunday shopping plans
Religious parties and other organisations are unhappy at parliament's backing for new rules on Sunday shopping, which will allow local councils to decide whether or not to allow shops to open.
Let buyers transfer mortgage debt to new home, say lobby groups
Home owners' lobby group VEH, the NVM estate agents' association and insurance sector body VvV have drawn up a plan which would allow people faced with negative equity on their properties to transfer the debt to their new mortgage if they move house.
Tank storage group Odfjell to sack 189 staff in the Netherlands
Bulk chemicals storage group Odfjell has asked the courts for permission to sack 189 workers in the Netherlands, or more than half its local personnel, the company confirmed to the Financieeel Dagblad on Thursday.
Unilever beats market with 6% sales growth
Anglo-Dutch food to detergent group Unilever has bucked the trend by reporting better-than-expected third-quarter results, and beating the performance of peers such as Nestle.
One third of school support staff physically attacked
One in three secondary school support workers have faced physical abuse by pupils and 80% have been subject to verbal violence at some point in their school career, according to a report by the CNV-affiliated teaching union.
New city executive agreed for Groningen
The city of Groningen has a new council executive after agreement was reached between five parties on Wednesday evening.
Staffing agency Randstad calls for European labour market reform
Staffing agency Randstad remains concerned about developments in Europe, chief executive Ben Noteboom said in a briefing to accompany the group’s third quarter figures.
Failed asylum seekers must go back home, says minister
The forty failed asylum seekers living in tents in Amsterdam’s Osdorp district can return to their countries of origin, immigration minister Gert Leers said in a briefing to parliament on Thursday.
New life breathed into digital patient record exchange plan
A major campaign will begin on November 5 urging people to give permission for the their health records to be held in a new system, accessible to doctors, hospitals and pharmacies, the Volkskrant reports on Thursday.
Police arrest 39 football fans around Ajax-Man City match
Amsterdam police arrested 39 football fans, mostly Dutch nationals, following trouble before Wednesday night's Champions League tie between Ajax and Manchester City.
Wednesday 24 October 2012
Ajax beats Manchester City 3-1 in Champions League tie
Amsterdam football club Ajax came from behind to beat the English champions Manchester City 3-1 at home in their Champions League tie on Wednesday night.
(Most of a) Dutch hamlet for sale
Almost all of the hamlet of Hamingen, close to the Bible belt town of Staphorst, is up for sale – with a price tag of €1.35m.
Withdrawing from JSF project will cost the Netherlands billions
If the Netherlands withdraws from the JSF jet fighter project, it will cost the country at least €405m, the national auditor said in a report on Wednesday.
Unions, employers to join coalition talks as agreement nears
Employer and union leaders have been invited to join the ongoing negotiations on forming a new cabinet on Thursday as the talks gather momentum.
Fewer immigrants 'import' a new partner
The number of people from an ethnic minority background who marry someone who still lives in their country of origin has more than halved over the past 10 years, according to national statistics office CBS.
MPs vote in favour of deregulating Sunday shopping
A majority of MPs are in favour of draft legislation to allow local councils to decide for themselves whether or not to allow shops to open on Sunday.
60 more Project X Haren rioters identified
Police have identified a further 60 youngsters involved in the Project X Haren riots last month from video footage and photographs.
Six in 10 people never switch health insurers
A majority of people have never switched health insurance company since the new system came into effect in 2006, according to research by Ipsos Synovate.
Officials gave millions of death registrations to Mormon church
The Dutch bureau for genealogy has handed personal and privacy-sensitive information relating to millions of Dutch citizens to the Mormon church in Salt Lake City, Trouw reports on Wednesday.
Heineken sells more beer in all but western Europe
Dutch brewing group Heineken booked an increase in both sales and net profit in the third quarter of this year.
Dow Chemical to close Delfzijl factory
US chemicals group Dow Chemical is to close its Delfzijl plant in the second half of next year. The closure is part of a worldwide operational revamp which will see 2,400 jobs go and 20 factories shut down.
Dutch doctors invent pill which can be tracked, and activated
Dutch doctors have successfully tested a pill which can be controlled electronically to deliver medicine directly to the stomach and intestines, the Volkskrant reports on Wednesday.
More limits to mortgage tax breaks on table in coalition talks
The two parties negotiating to form a new cabinet are discussing further limits to mortgage tax relief, the Telegraaf reports on Wednesday.
'A child should be able to have more than two official parents'
It should be legally possible for a child to have more than two official parents, in order to recognise modern family situations, according to MPs from the green party GroenLinks.
Amsterdam mayor calls for solution for failed asylum seekers
Amsterdam mayor Eberhard van der Laan has called on the government to find a permanent solution to the problem of failed asylum seekers who cannot return home, Nos television reports.
Tuesday 23 October 2012
Experiments to start in heating cycle lanes
Tests are about to start with heated cycle lanes in two parts of the Netherlands in an effort to reduce winter accidents, the Telegraaf reports on Tuesday.
Dutch finance minister threatens to veto EU budget increase
Finance minister Jan Kees de Jager told MPs on Tuesday he will not accept an above-inflation budget for the European Union for 2013.
Joland Sap declines to attend her farewell party
Jolanda Sap, the green party GroenLinks leader who resigned from parliament earlier this month, will not be attending her leaving party.
Illegal gambling sites are closing down, and hoping to become legal
Gambling sites such as Unibet, Bwin and Ladbrokes are closing down their Dutch language sites in the hope of becoming legal when the sector is liberalised, the Volkskrant reports on Tuesday.
15,000 sign up on first day of organ donor week
The first day of the organ donation week has seen 15,000 people sign up as potential donors, the health ministry said on Tuesday.
Italian president arrives for visit
President Giorgio Napoletano of Italy and his wife arrived in the Netherlands on Tuesday for a three-day state visit.
Dutch stay put in stagnant housing market
The Dutch are moving house less often because the housing market is stagnating, according to the annual report of housing data supplier Woonkennis for 2012 and 2013.
Safety council to investigate salmonella case
The national safety council is to look into the case of the salmonella-infected smoked salmon which infected 950 people in the Netherlands and killed at least three.
Foreign newspapers disappear from northern provinces
No foreign newspapers are on sale or available in libraries in northern provinces because getting them there is too expensive, reports the NRC.
Mayor calls for crackdown on lawless trailer parks
The mayor of Waalre, south of Eindhoven, has called for a nationwide crackdown on lawlessness at trailer parks, saying he has had enough of the intimidation.
Household spending falls again
Household spending fell 2% in August compared with the year-earlier period, according to figures released on Tuesday by the central statistics office CBS.
Homes raided, woods searched in international drugs operation
Police have raided 20 locations in the south of the country and in Belgium in connection with an international drugs investigation, Nos television reports.
MPs remain concerned about winter rail chaos
MPs from all parties are expressing concern about potential winter chaos on the railways ahead of a meeting with infrastructure minister Melanie Schultz van Haegen later on Tuesday.
Coffee and tea group DE Master Blenders maintains 2013 targets
Newly-listed company DE Master Blenders sold less coffee and tea than expected in the past three months, the Financieele Dagblad reports on Tuesday.
Trade unions want new child care cuts halted
Trade union federation FNV is worried about the future of child care and has written to parliament asking for the new round of cuts in the sector due in 2013 to be stopped.
Mayors call for faster visas for Turkey
The mayors of Rotterdam and Amsterdam are calling on parliament to speed up the issuing of visas to and from Turkey following their visit last week.
Health insurer VGZ introduces no-claims bonus for top-up policies
VGZ is poised to become the first health insurance company to offer policy holders a no-claims bonus if they don’t make a claim on some policies.
Investors sue ABN Amro for missing Palm Invest money
State-owned bank ABN Amro is being sued by the official receiver dealing with Palm Invest, the property investment fund which collapsed when its directors were found to have spent all the money.
'Mixed performance' from KPN
Both turnover and earnings were down at Telecom group KPN in the third quarter as ‘difficult market conditions’ continued to bite.
VVD senator at centre of corruption probe stands down
VVD senator and Roermond council alderman Jos van Rey resigned on Monday night following accusations he coached a candidate for an interview for the position of mayor in the city.
Monday 22 October 2012
Arrest warrant for Dutch Farc rebel temporarily suspended
Arrest warrants for Dutch woman Tanja Nijmeijer, who joined Colombia's rebel group Farc 10 years ago, have been suspended temporarily, news agency ANP reports on Monday.
Albert Heijn to start selling goods out of boxes
Supermarket group Albert Heijn has confirmed it is to start selling some products directly from boxes rather than display them unpacked on shelves.
Kunsthal security doors were not fully bolted on evening of theft
The thieves who stole seven valuable paintings from the Kunsthal in Rotterdam last week were able to strike so quickly because the door was not fully locked, according to Nos television.
Civil service pension fund manager cuts 800 jobs
Pension fund manager APG is cutting 800 jobs - around 20% of its workforce - and compulsory redundancies cannot be ruled out, the organisation said on Monday.
House prices fell 8% in September
House prices fell 8% in September compared with the year-earlier period, according to new figures from the national statistics office CBS. House prices also fell 8% in August and July.
Social workers criticised over death of young brothers
An official report into the murder of two young boys by their mother at the beginning of this year has criticised social workers for failing to intervene and says the senior official was 'too involved' with the family.
Oldest Dutch person celebrates 110th birthday
The Netherlands' oldest resident, Egbertje Leutscher-De Vries, celebrates her 110th birthday today, with a day of events at the nursing home where she lives in the Drenthe village of Havelte.
ABC Television buys Dutch drama series
The American television company ABC has bought the rights to Dutch drama series Vuurzee (Sea of Fire) and is making a pilot episode.
Dutchman leads Liberal International
Hans van Baalen, who leads the VVD delegation in the European parliament, has been again elected as president of the Liberal International movement, which represents 120 Liberal parties in 75 countries.
Philips sales rise 5%, despite 'economic headwind'
Dutch electronics giant Philips booked a 5% increase in sales in the third quarter of this year, while net profit rose almost €100m to €170m.
Health insurer Menzis cuts basic premium - by 50 cents a month
Health insurance group Menzis said on Monday it is cutting the cost of a basic package by €6 to €1,272 a year.
New income rules hit poor families as they lose council discount card
Tens of thousands of low-income households are set to lose special local authority discount cards which entitle them to cheaper museum entry, sports club membership and music lessons, the Volkskrant reports on Monday.
New coalition could be finalised by the end of this week: Nos
Talks between the right-wing VVD and Labour party PvdA on forming a new government are as good as completed, Nos television reports on Monday.
Lots of groups interested in taking over Rabobank cycling team
A number of groups have expressed an interest in taking over sponsorship of the Rabobank cycling team, its director Harold Knebel told Nos television.
Morning rush-hour disrupted by fog
Localised mist and fog is causing problems on the roads in much of the country during Monday’s morning rush-hour, according to motoring organisation ANWB.
Sunday 21 October 2012
Four die in family murder suicide
A man, woman and two young girls have been found dead on a farm in Schalkwijk near Utrecht in what is thought to be a murder suicide.
Saturday 20 October 2012
Dutch MPs say independence is an issue for Curaçao itself
A large majority of MPs would have no objections if the former Dutch colony of Curaçao opts to break away from the Netherlands altogether, according to media reports at the weekend.
Bull kills man in Friesland
An aggressive bull is responsible for the death of a 45-year-old man from Friesland on Saturday, news agency ANP reports.
Top restaurants pull out the stops, and give discounts, to beat recession
The Netherlands’ top restaurants are starting to feel the recession and are offering all sorts of special deals to draw in the crowds, according to hospitality sector magazine Misset Horeca.
Immigration minister Gerd Leers is slowest to answer MPs questions
While ministries are supposed to answer MPs' questions within three weeks, they take an average 33 days to come up with the necessary facts, according to research by the Volkskrant.
Armin van Buuren is the 'world's best dj' for the fifth time
Armin van Buuren has been voted best dj in the world for the fifth time, reclaiming the top spot from France's David Guetta, according to the readers of DJ Magazine.
Friday 19 October 2012
Sahara sand is heading our way
There is a good chance that tonight’s forecast rainfall will lead to sand from the Sahara covering western parts of the country, RTL news reports on Friday.
VVD senator picked up in corruption probe
Police have raided the home of a senator for the right-wing VVD party in connection with an investigation into corruption, the NRC reports on Friday.
Hospital dna samples may be used to help solve crimes
Police and the public prosecution department may be given access to dna samples held by hospitals for research purposes, Nos television reported on Friday.
Minimum wage for adults rises €13.20 a month
The minimum wage for people aged 23 and over will go up €13.20 to €1,469.40 a month on January 1, 2013.
Four more arrests in aftermath of Project X Haren riot
Four more young men have been arrested in connection with last month’s Project X Haren viral party which ended in a riot.
Weather hits Dutch wine growers
Dutch wine growers will see production fall between 20% and 40% this year, Dik Beker of the Dutch wine guild told Nos television.
Ideas on EU economic and monetary union still vague, says Rutte
Proposals from EU president Herman Van Rompuy to strengthen European economic and monetary union are still ‘very vague’, prime minister Mark Rutte said at the end of the first day of the Brussels summit.
Arke staff told to shake hands with customers
People who work for Dutch travel firm Arke risk being sacked if they do not shake hands, Nos television reports on Friday.
ING to sell Asian units to Pacific Century for €1.64bn
Financial services group ING has reached an agreement to sell its life insurance, general insurance, pension and financial planning units in Hong Kong and Macau, and its life insurance operation in Thailand to Pacific Century Group for €1.64bn in cash.
Rabobank stops sponsoring cycling teams after doping scandal
Rabobank is to stop sponsoring professional cycling teams from the end of this year following the latest doping scandal, the cooperative bank said in a statement on Friday.
Massive Rotterdam college group Zadkine in financial trouble
Rotterdam’s vocational training college group Zadkine is on the verge of bankruptcy and is being forced to cut jobs and sell buildings to make up a €19m deficit, the Volkskrant reports on Friday.
Rotterdam art heist: did the thieves get help from the inside?
A door to the Kunsthal art gallery in Rotterdam, where seven valuable paintings were stolen earlier this week, had not been put on the night lock the evening the burglary took place, free newspaper Metro reports.
Thursday 18 October 2012
Police training in Kunduz, Afghanistan partly halted
The training of junior police officers by Dutch trainers in the northern Afghanistan province of Kunduz has been halted, according to a defence ministry briefing for MPs obtained by Nos television.
The Hague makes urgent appeal to keep ordinary trains to Belgium
The Hague city council has made an urgent appeal to parliament in an effort to ensure ordinary train services remain between the political capital and Brussels.
Emanuelle actress Sylvia Kristel dies of cancer, aged 60
Dutch actress Sylvia Kristel, who made her name in the soft porn Emanuelle films, has died at the age of 60 from oesophageal cancer.
Human rights council to rule on cuts for poorest pensioners
The Dutch equal opportunities commission, now renamed the human rights council, will today look at government plans to cut the top-up welfare payments of poor pensioners.
Canal boat firms fear chaos if Amsterdam liberalises licensing
Tourism on Amsterdam's canals can be better regulated by allowing everyone to have a licence to transport passengers, if they meet very strict rules on safety, nuisance and the environment, according to a new report drawn up for the city council.
Worker gets industrial injury compensation after 12 years
A 12-year fight over a compensation claim has finally been settled with the payment of €345,000 to a man who became ill following lengthy exposure to paint solvents, website nu.nl reports.
Judges to focus on human trafficking
The Dutch criminal justice system is to get a special team of judges focusing on human trafficking cases, Trouw reports on Thursday.
Compromise on cannabis club passes 'on its way', says AD
Politicians in The Hague are working on a compromise proposal to end divisions over the introduction of the wietpas, a membership card for cannabis cafes, the AD reports on Thursday.
Salmonella victims file for damages
So far 18 people made sick by salmonella-infected salmon from the Foppen factory have joined forces to fight for compensation, according to media reports on Thursday.
Write-offs push AkzoNobel €2.4bn into the red, operating profit rises
Paints and coatings giant AkzoNobel posted a loss of €2.4bn in the third quarter of this year following write-offs in its decorative paints division.
Wednesday 17 October 2012
Pharmacy dumps confidential patient information on the street
A pharmacy in Rotterdam has dumped two rubbish bags on the street containing medical information about over 100 people, website nu.nl reported on Wednesday.
KPN gets go-ahead to buy service providers
Telecoms company KPN on Wednesday received the go-ahead from the competition authority (NMa) to take over four service providers from fibreglass company Reggeborgh.
Widespread welcome for new tax plan, but coalition partners silent
Plans to completely overhaul the Dutch tax system, drawn up on behalf of the outgoing government, have been widely welcomed, according to media reports on Wednesday.
Some 21,000 people in the Netherlands are 'hidden slaves'
Some 21,000 people in the Netherlands work in conditions of virtual slavery, with long days for little money, according to a report by the FairWork foundation to be published on Thursday.
Anouk to represent Holland at Eurovision Song Contest
Anouk, one of the country's most popular vocalists, will represent the Netherlands at the Eurovision Song Contest in Sweden in 2013.
Chief rabbi criticises compromise on ritual slaughter
The Netherlands will become an unsuitable country for orthodox Jews if the government presses ahead with plans to place restrictions on ritual animal slaughter, according to the country’s chief rabbi.
CEO expected back at Akzo Nobel in New Year
Paints and coatings manufacturer Akzo Nobel said on Wednesday its CEO is expected back at work around the New Year.
Retweeten, flarf and grexit are official Dutch words
Smartphone, wordfeuden, retweeten and ‘casual gaming’ are all new entries in the Dikke van Dale dictionary, the publishing house said on Wednesday.
Suspended jail term for man who threatened finance minister
A 33-year-old man who sent a threatening email to the Christian Democratic party’s website, directed at finance minister Jan Kees de Jager, has been give 40 hours community service and a two-week suspended jail term.
Police receive 15 tips about Kunsthal art theft
Police said on Wednesday afternoon they have received 15 tips about the theft of seven priceless works of art from the Kunsthal in Rotterdam, many of them the result of a tv crime programme which featured the robbery on Tuesday evening.
Property tax rises over 5% in many council areas
Property tax (ozb) has risen by more than 5% in 227 councils this year, according to figures from the central statistics office CBS.
Dutch more negative about European Union
Just one-third of the Dutch population still has a positive opinion of the European Union, according to a report from the government's socio-cultural policy unit SCP.
Gerd Leers' new immigration plan irritates VVD
The plan by caretaker immigration minister Gerd Leers to allow local mayors a say in deportations has irritated the liberal VVD, according to the Telegraaf.
Bigger role for victims of crime: minister
Victims of crime will have a bigger say in their cases if the liberal VVD and Labour (PvdA) form the next coalition government, junior justice minister Fred Teeven said during a book presentation on Tuesday evening.
ASML buys Cymer, issues profit warning
Chip machine maker ASML has bought long-term partner Cymer for €1.95bn to speed up production of its new chip machines, the company said on Wednesday.
Lower mortgage tax relief in exchange for lower income tax: report
The current four income tax brackets should be replaced by two lower rates of 37% and 49% and paid for by limiting mortgage tax relief, higher tax rates on private pensions and another hike in sales tax (btw).
Kunsthal had no security guards on night of paintings theft
There were no security guards in the Kunsthal in Rotterdam in the early hours of Tuesday morning when seven priceless works of art were stolen, local television station RTV Rijnmond reports based on police information.
Tuesday 16 October 2012
Ajax books profit of nearly €10m
Defending league champions Ajax made net profit of €9.7m in their 2011/12 book year, due in part to their performance in Europe.
Housing sales slump 31% in a year
The number of houses and flats finding new owners has fallen nearly 31% over the past year, according to new figures from the land registry office Kadaster.
Picasso, Monet and Matisse among seven works stolen from Kunsthal
Seven paintings by leading artists and of 'very considerable value' were stolen from Rotterdam's Kunsthal art gallery in the early hours of Tuesday morning.
Major art theft in Rotterdam, 'several' important works taken
'Several' important works of art of 'considerable value' have been stolen from Rotterdam's Kunsthal art gallery in an overnight burglary.
Dutch reject Van Rompuy's eurozone report as 'insufficient'
The report by EU president Herman van Rompuy on further economic and political integration in Europe offers 'insufficient basis' for the responsible introduction of a European banking system, according to the Dutch government.
Building firms fake bankrupties to sack permanent staff: union
An increasing number of building companies are going bankrupt in order to get rid of permanent staff, only to start up in business again using the same people as freelancers, the AD reports on Tuesday, quoting union officials.
Opposition to Dutch FARC rebel's presence at Oslo peace talks
A number of members of the Colombian congress have told local media they object to the inclusion of Tanja Nijmeijer, a Dutch woman who joined the FARC guerrilla movement 10 years ago, at pending peace talks.
Train tickets to Belgium set to soar in price, due to high-speed service
The cost of a single train ticket between Amsterdam and Brussels is set to go up from €40.40 to €54 when the high-speed Fyra trains replace existing services, according to website treinreiziger.nl.
As housing slump bites, big councils lose millions on land sales
In total, 33 of the Netherlands' 40 biggest local authority areas have lost at least €1m on land sales, according to research by current affairs show Nieuwsuur.
Police should have more powers to hack into computers: minister
The police should be given greater powers to hack into private computers in their efforts to combat cyber crime, according to a concept briefing for parliament by justice minister Ivo Opstelten.
Monday 15 October 2012
Amsterdam's internationl residents give city 8+ for quality of life
Amsterdam's expats and international residents give the city a score of 8+ for the quality of life in the capital, according to a new survey of 510 people for the city's expat centre.
Scrapping student grants will hit poor college students
Plans to scrap basic grants for college and university students will stop people from poorer families going into higher education, the hbo college council says.
First minor fined €250 for Project X Haren riots
The first juvenile to face charges for his involvement in the Project X Haren riots of last month has been fined €250 and ordered to do 60 hours community service.
Dutch pension system no longer best in the world: Mercer
Denmark has overtaken the Netherlands in a ranking of 18 of the world's best pension systems by human resources consultancy Mercer.
End of happy hours in sight - if the legal drinking age remains 16
Dutch bars and cafes are prepared to abandon 'happy hours' - where youngsters are encouraged to drink more at cheaper prices - the hospitality sector lobby group has told the cabinet negotiation team.
A first, as official Dutch trade mission heads for North Korea
For the first time in history, an official Dutch government mission is heading for North Korea to assess the ‘economic opportunities’ in the country.
AkzoNobel, Stork set up own IT training programme
AkzoNobel and Stork have set up their own programme to train IT specialists because they are unhappy at the quality of people leaving hbo colleges and university, the NRC report on Monday.
Cousteau joins campaign to have Morgan the orca freed
The son of the world's most famous marine biologist, Jacques Cousteau, is campaigning to have 'Dutch' orca Morgan released back into the wild.
Citizens initiatives will invest €1bn in energy production: report
The Dutch will invest €1bn by 2020 in projects to generate electricity at a local level, according to energy research group ECN.
Big American law firms are heading for Holland
A number of big American law firms are looking to move to the Netherlands, which is likely to end a long period of stability in the Dutch legal services market, the Financieele Dagblad reports on Monday.
16-year-old makes fake warning of massive Cyber attack
A 16-year-old boy has confessed to police he was behind a YouTube film last week in which the hackers group Anonymous was said to announce plans to launch a major cyber attack on the Netherlands.
Diplomacy with a smile can restore Dutch image: former minister
The Netherlands can regain its previous influence in the world if the new government ditches its current ‘surly’ image, former foreign minister Ben Bot told a television show on Sunday.
Dutch FARC guerilla is part of peace negotion team: media reports
A young Dutch woman who joined the Colombian FARC guerilla movement 10 years ago, is part of the negotiating team between the rebel group and Colombian government, Nos television quotes South American media as saying.
Persgroep to bid for Wegener regional newspaper group
The publisher of three of the Netherlands big daily papers is one of the prospective buyers of the regional newspaper group Wegener, the Volkskrant reports on Monday.
Friday 12 October 2012
Record cocaine haul made near Rotterdam, hidden in bananas
Five people have been arrested in the Netherlands in connection with the discovery of 8,000 kilos of cocaine in Antwerp port, said to be one of the biggest-ever hauls made in Europe.
Turnout for dna test to solve 14-year-old murder hits 89%
Nearly 6,600 men have voluntarily given a dna sample in an effort to help police solve the 1999 murder of a 16-year-old girl.
Politicians pleased with Nobel peace prize for Europe, except Wilders
The decision to award the Nobel Peace Prize to the European Union is 'great recognition of the major historical role the European Union has played in peace, security and democracy, prime minister Mark Rutte said on Friday.
Holleeder show broadcast tonight, but everyone has seen it
A television show featuring the Netherlands' most notorious criminal is to be broadcast on Friday night, but most of the papers already have extensive coverage of the interview.
Cannabis cafe total is down 23% since 1999
The number of cannabis cafes, where small amounts of cannabis can be bought for personal use, has gone down 23% since 1999, according to new government figures.
Big firms consider leaving the Netherlands, says KPMG report
Some of the Netherlands' biggest companies are considering leaving the country because of the worsening climate for entrepreneurs, according to a new report by consultants group KPMG.
Finance minister to decide how much home buyers can borrow
From next year, the finance minister will officially decide the maximum amount people can borrow to buy a house, home affairs minister Liesbeth Spies said in a briefing to parliament.
Telecom firms plan to make stolen mobile phones unusable
Telecom firms and the justice ministry have reached agreement on making mobile phones totally unusable if they are reported stolen, in an effort to cut down phone-related mugging.
Tougher rules on migrant family reunions 'delayed'
Tough new rules covering migrant family reunions which came into effect on October 1 will not, in effect, be applied before December, immigration minister Gerd Leers told MPs on Thursday evening.
Thursday 11 October 2012
Cycling doping scandal involved Rabobank team, says witness
Rabobank, the biggest sponsor of professional cycling in the Netherlands, has reacted to claims that its team was involved in doping in the mid-2000s by issuing a statement reiterating its ‘zero tolerance’ stance.
Dutch banking sector is shrinking and less international
Five years of turbulence have reduced the size of the Dutch banking sector and made it less international, according to a new report from the central bank DNB.
Hundreds of jobs to go as SNS bank reorganises
Hundreds of jobs will be lost in a major reorganisation at SNS bank, Nos television reported on Thursday.
House prices continue to fall, sales slump 17% in third quarter
House prices fell 2.2% in the third quarter of this year, compared with the second, according to new figures from the national estate agents' association NVM.
Woman who killed her four babies jailed for three years
A young woman found guilty of killing her four babies as soon as they were born has had her jail sentence slashed from 12 to three years by the Leeuwarden appeal court.
Few female professors at Dutch universities
Fewer than 15% of the professors at Dutch universities are female even though more women graduate than men, according to new research by the De Beauvoir foundation, which campaigns to boost the number of women in academia.
Rabobank has three offers for asset manager Robeco
Three companies have put in bids to take over Rabobank's asset manager Robeco, news agency Reuters reported on Wednesday citing sources close to the negotiations.
Super-rich country houses targeted by same gang
Country houses owed by dozens of the Netherlands' richest people have been robbed by the same gang with the total haul running into millions of euros, according to RTL news.
11 firms fined for failing to act on infected salmon
The food safety body NVWA has fined 11 companies for continuing to sell salmon which might have been contaminated with salmonella or failing to keep their customers informed about the food poisoning outbreak.
Top civil servant is most influential Dutch woman
Renée Jones-Bos, secretary general of the foreign affairs ministry, is the most influential woman in the Netherlands, according to the annual ranking drawn up by feminist magazine Opzij.
ING sells its Malaysian insurance ops to AIA for €1.3bn
Financial services group ING has reached agreement to sell its Malaysian insurance activities to the AIA Group for €1.3bn in cash.
'700,000' home owners owe more than their house is worth
Home owners who bought their property in 2008 when house prices were at their height will make an average loss of over €81,000 if they sell their property now, the Volkskrant reports on Thursday.
Oil giant Shell in court in The Hague over Nigerian pollution
A unique court case begins in The Hague on Thursday as oil giant Shell is taken to court by four Nigerian farmers over environmental damage to their village.
Groningen motorists spend longest in traffic jams
Motorists in Groningen spend more time in traffic jams than anywhere else in the Netherlands, according to figures from satellite navigation system maker TomTom.
Wednesday 10 October 2012
Cabinet's European policy should reflect new-look parliament
Pro-European parties in parliament believe the caretaker cabinet should adopt a more pro-Brussels approach given the views of a majority of MPs elected in the September general election, the NRC reports.
Green lights for wet cyclists in Groningen
Groningen city council is to install sensors in some traffic lights which will reduce waiting times for cyclists in the rain and snow, Nos television reports.
The Netherlands opposes Brussels' car and motorbike test plan
The Dutch parliament will not support plans by Brussels to bring in EU-wide annual safety tests for cars and motorbikes and has sent a 'negative recommendation' to the European Commission.
Skull shows Almere was inhabited 4,000 years ago
A skull found near the new polder city of Almere shows the area was inhabited during the Roman era, the Telegraaf reports on Wednesday.
Concert tickets rocket in price
Concert tickets have gone up in price much faster than inflation, according to research by news agency ANP and website Sargasso.nl.
Organic food sales rise almost 12% in six months
The sale of organic food in the Netherlands rose 11.8% to €445m in the first six months of this year, according to sector organisation Bionext.
Minister agrees to new report into A27 expansion
Transport minister Melanie Schultz van Haegen has bowed to public pressure and agreed to set up a new investigation into plans to widen the A27 near Utrecht to a 14-lane highway.
Big accountancy firm partners see income drop
Partners at the Netherlands’ biggest accountancy practices have seen their income plunge over the past five years, the Financieele Dagblad reports on Wednesday, based on an analysis of annual reports.
Brussels set to issue objections to UPS-TNT Express tie-up: FT
American express package firm UPS is to be presented with a formal EU complaint about its planned takeover of Dutch firm TNT Express, the Financial Times reports on Wednesday.
Triple suicide in Utrecht flat
Police have found the bodies of twin brothers and a woman in a student flat in Utrecht in what they say is a triple suicide.
Queen Beatrix enters sustainability ranking for Christmas speech
Queen Beatrix is one of the most influential Dutch people in terms of improving sustainability, according to the annual ranking compiled by Trouw.
Having healthy personnel boosts company profits, report shows
Companies profit from having healthy staff and a 1% reduction in absenteeism across industry would save €2.6bn in costs, according to research by CapGemini for the social affairs ministry.
Students furious at plan to scrap grants
The national students union LSVb is furious about plans by the pending Labour-Liberal administration to scrap student grants.
Liberal-Labour government plans to liberalise Sunday trading
Local councils will soon be free to decide for themselves how often shops can open on Sunday, say sources close to the government formation talks.
Tuesday 09 October 2012
Property should be valued every year: central bank
The central bank DNB said on Tuesday property should be valued every year, say press reports.
Job centres launch game to help with interviews
The state-run benefit agency and job centre organisation UWV has launched an online job interview game for youngsters with a poor education.
Petrol thief sentenced to six years for fatal car crash
The man who drove off from a petrol station without paying and collided with another car, killing the driver, was sentenced to six years in prison and a 10-year suspension of his driving licence on Tuesday.
Cost of healthcare insurance triples in seven years
The cost of healthcare insurance has tripled over the past seven years, comparison website Independer said on Tuesday.
Central bank president clashes with prime minister's stance on ESM
Dutch central bank president Klaas Knot's view of the European Stability Mechanism (ESM) clashes with that of prime minister Mark Rutte, the Financieele Dagblad reports.
ING sells UK business to Barclays
Banking group ING is selling its ING Direct operation in the UK to Barclays which will integrate it into its online banking business.
National mortgage guarantee scheme drops its maximum loan rate
House buyers will be able to borrow less money through the national mortgage guarantee scheme next year, the scheme's organisers NHG told the Algemeen Dagblad on Monday.
Erasmus medical professor research fraud was wider: report
The fraudulent research which led to an Erasmus University professor being sacked last year was more serious than originally thought, the NRC reports on Tuesday.
Number of women in top job grows, but it's a slow climb upwards
The number of women in top jobs is growing slowly in the 203 companies signed up to the government's Charter Talent to the Top introduced in 2008, the Telegraaf reports.
Armed robberies, muggings continue to decline
The number of armed robberies in the Netherlands fell 8% over the first eight months of the year, compared with 2011, and muggings are also down, according to new justice ministry figures.
Busy roads forecast for Friday's autumn holiday start
Motoring organisation ANWB has issued a warning that roads will be extra busy on Friday, the start of the autumn school holiday.
KPN's Chinese partners under fire in US, ministers asked to explain
MPs are to ask the cabinet about its position on plans by telecoms company KPN to work with Chinese telecom firms Huawei Technologies and ZTE Corp the Financieele Dagblad reports.
Second suspect arrested in Winschoten fires case
A second person was arrested on Monday evening in Winschoten, following a series of fires in empty buildings in the town.
Justice minister backs senior civil servant over abuse claims
The AIVD security service, justice ministry and police see no reason to carry out a new investigation into allegations of child abuse made against the secretary-general of the justice ministry, minister Ivo Opstelten told MPs on Monday.
Air France-KLM pushes into Asian market with new alliance
Air France-KLM has formed an alliance with United Arab Emirates airline Etihad and budget airline Air Berlin which opens up the Asian, African and Australian markets to the French-Dutch airline.
Monday 08 October 2012
Bankruptcies rise, but so does number of new companies
The upward trend in bankruptcies continued in September, with 553 companies going under, 40 more than in August and 26 more than in the year-earlier period, the central statistics office CBS said on Monday.
Biggest wage rise in three years
Wages rose an average 1.7% in the third quarter, the biggest rise since the end of 2009, central statistics office CBS said on Monday.
Bram van Ojik chosen as GroenLinks' new leader
Bram van Ojik was chosen as the new leader of the green party GroenLinks on Monday afternoon, say press reports.
Children in care not protected against sexual abuse: report
The Samson committee, which investigates cases of abuse of children placed in council care, is sending 42 files on sexual abuse to the public prosecution department.
'Joran van der Sloot to become a father'
Joran van der Sloot, currently serving a 28-year sentence for murder in a Peruvian jail and still suspected of the murder of Dutch woman Natalee Holloway, is to become a father, the Telegraaf claims on Monday.
US, parliament up pressure over senior civil servant abuse claims
Pressure is mounting on the government from the US and Dutch parliament to properly investigate claims that the most senior justice ministry civil servant has a history of abusing young boys.
Haren suspects in court for viral party riot
The first group of suspects in the riots that broke out in Haren during a party that went viral on the internet are in court on Monday.
Dutch diplomats help firms prepare for eventual Greek eurozone exit
The Netherlands has begun secretly preparing Dutch firms for an eventual Greek exit from the eurozone, the Volkskrant reports on Monday.
Unsecured computer leaves thousands of patient details open to anyone
Medical and personal details of hundreds of thousands of patients of the Groene Hart hospital in Gouda were publicly available for years because of a badly protected computer, a hacker told news site Nu.nl at the weekend.
Court rejects Shell's call for ban on Greenpeace arctic protests
A Dutch court has rejected an attempt by oil giant Shell to stop Greenpeace from protesting near its property.
Suspected Winschoten pyromaniac arrested
A 25-year-old local man was arrested in Winschoten at the weekend, suspected of starting a series of fires in empty buildings in the town.
More spending cuts will permanently damage Dutch armed forces
The Dutch armed forces will be permanently damaged if more cuts are made than currently planned according to the Centre for Strategic Studies in The Hague, Nos television reports.
Saving for your healthcare could save you money
It can be better to save separately for any extra healthcare costs over and above the basic insurance package, Arné van den Boom, director of insurer Interpolis, told the Algemeen Dagblad in an interview on Monday.
More roads cut traffic jams, transport minister to tell parliament
Increasing the size of motorways and building more roads has reduced the pressure of traffic jams in the Netherlands, according to transport ministry figures.
FC Twente retains top premier league position
FC Twente retained its position at the top of the premier league at the weekend with a 3-0 win over Alkmaar club AZ.
Business sector looks forward to 'realistic and stable' new cabinet
The business sector is pleased the right-wing Liberal VVD won the election and thinks a cabinet combining the VVD and the social democratic PvdA will be 'peaceful, realistic and stable'.
Sunday 07 October 2012
Action urged on sexual abuse by carers, 400 cases reported
More than 400 patients have made formal complaints of sexual abuse by healthcare workers since 2007, RTL news reported at the weekend.
Saturday 06 October 2012
164 cannabis cafes are too close to schools and may shut
In total, 164 of the Netherlands 650 cannabis cafes may have to close their doors in January 2014 because they are too close to schools, according to justice ministry research.
Jos Stelling wins fifth Gouden Kalf film award
Jos Stelling's new film Het Meisje en de Dood (the girl and death) is winner of the best film Gouden Kalf at this year's Dutch film festival.
GroenLinks chairwoman and board follow leader Sap and resign
The chairwoman and rest of the board of left-wing green political party GroenLinks resigned on Saturday, a day after party leader Jolande Sap quit.
Friday 05 October 2012
GroenLinks leader Sap quits
Jolande Sap has resigned as leader of the left-wing green party GroenLinks after losing the support of the party's board.
Household spending power fell nearly 3% in second quarter
Dutch households had 2.8% less to spend between April and June than they did in the same period last year, according to new calculations by the national statistics office CBS.
€50 for a walk: nursing homes still vague about extra charges
Nursing and care homes are still asking too much money to carry out ‘extra’ services, such as washing clothes, and at least half of them do not publish their charges as they should, the consumers association says in Friday’s Telegraaf.
Former Noord-Holland official faces bribery, money laundering charges
A former Liberal council official in Noord-Holland province is facing criminal charges in connection with bribery, fraud and money laundering, the public prosecution department has confirmed to the Volkskrant.
Cabinet negotiator positive about new coalition talks so far
One of the team helping put together a new coalition government following last month’s general election is ‘positive’ about the way the talks are progressing, Nos television reported on Friday.
Abortion ship leaves Morocco
A pleasure yacht operated by the abortion campaign rights group Women on Waves has been escorted out of Smir harbour in Morocco and is now in international waters, according to media reports on Friday morning.
Shipbuilder to fine staff caught sneaking a cigarette
Dutch shipbuilder IHC Merwede is to fine workers who light up a cigarette outside official breaks €100 for each offence, the AD reports on Friday.
Thursday 04 October 2012
Dutch abortion boat was already in harbour before blockade
A boat operated by the Women on Waves abortion rights campaign was already moored in a Moroccan harbour when the crew claimed navy ships had stopped it from entering, it emerged on Thursday evening.
Salmonella infections reach 350, source of outbreak not yet found
Some 350 people have been diagnosed with salmonella after eating infected smoked salmon from Harderwijk fish firm Foppen, the public health institute RIVM said on Thursday.
Master criminal will not be glorified in tv show, says producer
The decision to include convicted kidnapper and blackmailer Willem Holleeder in the television show College Tour will not turn him into a role model, the programme's director Carel Kuyl told Nos television on Thursday.
Autumn budget pact will cut spending power 0.25%: minister
The autumn spending pact agreed between prime minister Mark Rutte and Labour leader Diederik Samsom will lead to a 0.25% reduction in spending power next year, finance minister Jan Kees de Jager said on Thursday.
Police arrest Velp manhole cover thief after tip-off
A 24-year-old man has been arrested on charges of stealing 120 manhole covers in Velp and Arnhem earlier this week, following a tip-off.
Dutch inflation stable at 2.3%
The Dutch inflation rate remained at 2.3% in September, the national statistics office said on Thursday. Inflation has now been stable for three months..
Ronaldo hat-trick helps Real defeat Ajax 4-1
A hat-trick from Real Madrid's star striker Cristiano Ronaldo helped give the Spanish side a 4-1 victory over Amsterdam club Ajax in their group D Champions League tie.
Salmonella salmon also in spreads and salads
The smoked salmon from fish company Foppen which may be infected with salmonella has also been used in salads and spreads, the Dutch food safety body NVWA says on its website.
NS takes over train information services
Train information will again be supplied by Dutch railway company NS from November 1, rather than track operator ProRail, Nos television reports.
12 Dutch universities feature in new Times Educational rankings
Twelve Dutch universities feature in the latest Times Educational World University Rankings' top 200, making the Netherlands the third-best performing country.
Dutch banking association at odds over policy, cash contributions
The Dutch banking lobby in The Hague threatens to fall apart because of divisions on a number of issues, including how to boost the housing market, the banking tax and reducing red tape, the Financieele Dagblad said on Thursday.
Government spends millions on factory farms, despite looming ban
Giant factory farms received over €11m in government subsidies since the current government came to power in 2011, according to farm ministry figures.
Wednesday 03 October 2012
200 tarantulas found in suitcase at Schiphol
Customs officers at Amsterdam's Schiphol airport have seized a suitcase containing 200 live tarantula spiders, website nu.nl reported on Wednesday.
Arsonist strikes again in Winschoten
Groningen police on Wednesday confirmed a fire in an empty house in the eastern town of Winschoten was started deliberately, making it at least the 18th case of arson over the past few months.
Tougher rules for owning a gun
People who apply for a weapons licence from next year will have to fill in an online test and provide the names of three referees for character checks, the Nederlands Dagblad reports on Wednesday.
Dutch aid efforts among most transparent
The Netherlands is one of the most transparent countries in the world in terms of spending on development aid, according to American researchers at the Aid Transparency Index.
Shoes and clothing stores hard hit by recession
Clothing and shoe shops are being hard hit by the recession with sales down sharply in the second quarter of this year and bankruptcies doubling, according to national statistics office CBS.
Spain arrests 76-year-old Dutch national with 209 kilos of hash
Spanish police have arrested a 76-year-old Dutch national driving a van containing 209 kilos of hashish, news agency ANP reports.
Holland's only nuclear power plant fails Brussels' safety stress tests
The Netherlands only nuclear power plant, at Borssele in Zeeland, does not meet international standards for coping with flooding or earthquakes, Trouw reports on Wednesday.
Dutch work fewer hours than any other OECD country
The Dutch have the shortest average working hours of all OECD countries, according to new research by the Paris-based organisation and quoted by BNR radio.
VVD and PvdA plan no more changes in 2013 spending plans
The two parties currently negotiating forming a new government have no more plans to amend the outgoing government's 2013 budget, it emerged during a debate on Tuesday.
Finance minister to stop consumers dodging extra insurance tax
Junior finance minister Frans Weekers plans to take steps to stop consumers avoiding the extra tax on insurance due to be introduced at the beginning of next year.
Thousands of clubbers at risk of permanent hearing damage
Most clubbers in the Netherlands have problems with their hearing after visiting a concert or disco and one-third still report hearing peeping and whistling sounds the next day, according to research by the national hearing association.
Tuesday 02 October 2012
MPs debate autumn budget agreement with Rutte and Samsom
Liberal leader and prime minister Mark Rutte and Labour's Diederik Samsom were set to defend their mini autumn budget agreement in a debate with the new-look parliament on Tuesday afternoon.
New public transport law voted through senate
A new law saying the four large Randstad cities no longer have to put their public transport out to tender, but can do so if they wish was passed by the senate on Tuesday afternoon.
Company fined for sending 15 million spam emails
Telecom sector watchdog Opta has fined a Dutch firm €100,000 for sending emails to 15 million addresses without determining whether or not they wanted to receive them.
Salmonella outbreak probably comes from Greek fish
The smoked salmon that has made hundreds of people ill with salmonella in the Netherlands and the US may well have come from Greece, the Dutch fish producer Foppen said on Tuesday afternoon.
Make sure you are not over-insured, says consumers group
Dutch households would be wise to check they are not over-insured, now the special tax on Insurance is going up, the Consumers Association said on Tuesday.
Police hunt sheep rustlers
Police in Gelderland have confiscated 309 sheep which they think may have been stolen over the past two weeks by sheep rustlers.
Farmers can’t meet demand for organic milk
Demand for organic milk is so strong there will be a shortage of 25 million litres this year, according to supplier Eko-Holland.
Thieves make off with 90 metal manhole covers
Some 90 metal manhole covers were stolen in the Gelderland village of Velp on Monday night, the local council confirmed on Tuesday.
Budget reactions mainly positive
Monday's partial budget deal saw a number of controversial measures scrapped and most special interest groups are happy, according to media reports on Tuesday.
Salmonella outbreak traced to Dutch fish producer
Hundreds of people in the Netherlands and the US have been hit by salmonella after eating smoked salmon produced at a Dutch fish factory.
Postage stamps increase in price
Postage stamps will increase in price from January 1 2013, PostNL announced on Tuesday to the delight of investors.
ING withdraws from Eastern Europe, raises bank charges by 16%
Banking group ING on Tuesday announced it is cutting back its activities in the share markets in Eastern Europe.
Jobs market is seizing up, while atmosphere at work worsens
The Dutch labour market is stagnating, with workers unwilling to risk losing permanent contracts by moving jobs, according to research by organisational consultancy Group Berenschot.
Private transport groups worried by tie-up between NS and The Hague bus firm
Commercial transport companies are unhappy with the agreement between Dutch rail (NS) and The Hague public transport company HTM and want a change in the law, according to media reports on Tuesday.
Report says 17% of annual pension premiums goes on costs
Employers and workers lose an average 17% of their annual pension premiums because of the costs of running the fund, according to a survey by actuarial advisors Lane, Clark & Peacock.
NS 'snow plan' means fewer trains
Dutch rail (NS) and network operator ProRail on Tuesday announced a 'snow plan' aimed at avoiding the chaotic scenes of last winter.
Delisting 'closer than it was', says football club Ajax's CFO
The currently healthier finances of Amsterdam football club Ajax mean a delisting could be on the cards, the club’s financial director Jeroen Slop says in Tuesday’s Financieele Dagblad.
Holland needs more teachers and medical specialists
The Netherlands has a shortage of medical specialists and maths and language teachers because students find it difficult to get onto medical courses and teaching is not seen as an attractive option.
'Provocateur' Geert Wilders will get Australian visa, says minister
Australia will not refuse MP and anti-Islam campaigner Geert Wilders a visa, immigration minister Chris Bowen said on Tuesday in a radio interview.
Monday 01 October 2012
VVD and PvdA reach a deal on amending next year's budget
The right-wing VVD and Labour party, currently in talks on forming a new government, have reached agreement on how they would like to amend the outgoing cabinet's spending plans.
Nedcar rescue deal finalised
Eindhoven-based industrial group VDL on Monday finalised the long-awaited agreement to take over car maker Nedcar, where BMW will produce Minis from mid-2014.
Bankruptcy rate rises 23% in third quarter
The number of companies going bankrupt in the Netherlands rose 23% year-on-year in the third quarter, according to credit registration group Dun & Bradstreet on Monday.
Geert Wilders delays Australia trip to next year
MP and anti-Islam campaigner Geert Wilders has delayed his planned trip to Australia until the spring break next year, the Telegraaf reported on Monday.
Tax increases push petrol prices to new record
Monday's increase in value-added tax has pushed petrol prices in the Netherlands to a new record, according to consumer website UnitedConsumers.
Cuts set to hit Dutch film industry
The Dutch film industry is a valuable one which employs some 20,000 people but government spending cuts are threatening film production, according to research by SEO Economisch Onderzoek.
Fewer refugees came to Holland in 2012 first half
Just 4,600 refugees came to the Netherlands in the first six months of 2012, compared with 5,710 in the first half of 2011, according to new immigration ministry figures.
More Dutch pilots fly for blacklisted airlines
An increasing number of Dutch pilots are flying for airlines which have been blacklisted by the EU and are not allowed into Dutch airspace, Nos television reported at the weekend.
Domestic cleaners don't know their rights or get holiday pay
Domestic cleaners employed by private households are paid an average €12.50 an hour, but rarely get holiday or sick pay, according to research carried out for trade union federation FNV.
Utrecht University to start testing new students on aptitude
Utrecht University is to start testing prospective new students on their aptitude for the study of their choice from the next academic year, the Volkskrant reports on Monday.
Value-added tax rises from 19% to 21%
Value-added tax (btw) goes up from 19% to 21% on October 1, a measure which will cost Dutch households an average €180 next year, according to ING economists.
Tax on travel expenses, slow student fine set to disappear
Plans by the outgoing government to charge higher fees to students who take too long to complete their degrees and to tax home-to-work travel expenses are set to disappear if a Liberal-Labour coalition becomes a reality.
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