JAPAN URGES NETHERLANDS TO HANDLE WHALING ACTIVISTS
Japan on Monday urged the Netherlands to take action against the Dutch-registered flagship of the Sea Shepherd environmentalist group over its attacks on Japanese whalers in the Antarctic. The Sea Shepherd Conservation Society has repeatedly harassed Japanese whaling vessels. (expatica.nl) more
November 2, 2009

CHINA TO BOOST DUTCH ECONOMY
Twenty Chinese companies have committed themselves to investing EUR 683 million in the Netherlands. At a conference in The Hague Chinese investors signed twenty contracts, the biggest of which involves a EUR 300 million investment in real estate. The Chinese are also putting money into cleaner energy and ship building. (expatica.nl) more
November 2, 2009

JUDGE BLOCKS SOLO SAILING ATTEMPT OF 14-YEAR-OLD
A Dutch judge has decided that strong-willed teenage sailor Laura Dekker will remain a ward of court at least until the end of the current school year in July. For the time being, this puts the lid on 14-year-old Laura's attempt to become the youngest girl to sail the world alone. (rnw.nl) more
November 2, 2009

A FALSE SENSE OF SECURITY
Equipment designed to detect a person’s trustworthiness by analysing their physical characteristics is unreliable and even harmful, warn a group of prominent international scientists. Serious questions need to be asked about whether security equipment and lie detectors actually deliver on their promises. (rnw.nl) more
November 2, 2009

NO LONGER HOURS FOR WOMEN IN PART-TIME JOBS
Women who work less than 25 hours per week and would like to work more often do not succeed in doing so, reveals study. In the Netherlands, 70 percent of the Dutch women work. About half of them work less than 25 hours a week. (expatica.nl) more
November 2, 2009

PROTESTORS MARCH AGAINST ANTI-SQUATTING LAW
More than 1000 squatters and sympathisers joined a national protest in the central city of Utrecht against new legislation to outlaw squatting. The Lower House voted in favour of the bill last week. Present Dutch law permits squatting provided the building has been unoccupied for more than a year. Opponents’ only hope now is that the bill will be rejected by the upper house. (rnw.nl) more
November 2, 2009

NO HIDING PLACE FROM INTERNATIONAL LAW
There is no hiding place from international law – this is the message from International Criminal Court Chief Prosecutor Luis Moreno Ocampo to indicted Sudanese president Omar al-Bashir. More than 200,000 people are estimated to have died in Darfur since 2003, in a campaign that the Bush Administration described as government-sponsored genocide. (rnw.nl) more
November 2, 2009

AN URBAN WIND POWER REVOLUTION
The urban wind power revolution is underway. It’s called a RidgeBlade and it’s just had a real seal of approval - it won first prize at a recent Dutch event called the Picnic Green Challenge. The RidgeBlade is an unobtrusive wind turbine that sits on rooftops anywhere, able to generate electricity even when the wind is hardly blowing. (rnw.nl) more
November 2, 2009

THE CITY FOOD DINNER
A diverse group of Rotterdam specialists wants to make food and the city's food chain visable again. In the upcomming weeks local dinners are organised with food that is produced in and around the city of Rotterdam. When foods grows closer to home people can experience the production proces again, which can contribute to a more healthy and durable society. According to Dutch scientists ecological food communities close to cities is the model of the future. more
November 2, 2009

HOW TOXIC WAS TRAFIGURA'S WASTE DUMP
Commodities trader Trafigura agreed to pay millions in two deals with the Ivory Coast victims and authorities. In both cases Trafigura made clear that the settlement was not an admission of guilt. Greenpeace, for one, refused to leave it at that, and is now trying to establish Trafigura's guilt in a separate court case in the Netherlands. (nrc.nl) more
November 2, 2009

IMAGES OF MODERN-DAY SLAVERY
Even in countries like the Netherlands, people are living as slaves. Such crimes often go unpunished because the victims dare not tell their story for fear of reprisals. BlinN, a Dutch organisation that helps the victims of human trafficking, asked American photographer Kay Chernush to capture these stories in images. (rnw.nl) more
November 2, 2009

GAS STORAGE IN THE BERGERMEERPOLDER IS SAFE
Gas can be stored in the Berger Lake polder between Alkmaar and Bergen, and will not lead to a higher earthquake shock risk, according to research by MIT, reported Trouw earlier this month. Concerned residents and Bergen municipality fear that reusing the gas field which is now temporary gas storage would lead to more earthquakes. During the exploitation of the field, several earthquakes occurred that caused damage to houses and other buildings. (rnw.nl) more
November 2, 2009

BELGIUM TO RENT JAIL SPACE IN THE NETHERLANDS
Strapped for space in its prisons, Belgium has decided to rent 500 jail cells from its neighbour the Netherlands until new ones can be built, the justice ministry said Friday. The move was approved Friday by the cabinet and is expected to be finalised in coming weeks in consultation with the Dutch government and once approved by the Belgian parliament, a ministry statement said. The Netherlands has pretty well working jail and rehabilitation system. At moment around 2,000 prison cells are even empty. (expatica.nl) more
November 2, 2009

ONE FOOT IN THE GRAVE
Spending an afternoon lying in an open grave isn’t exactly what most people might choose to do with their day, but an art project at Radboud University in Nijmegen is encouraging students, and anyone else who cares to join in, to do exactly that. (rnw.nl) more
November 2, 2009

SOMETIMES THE MILLER IS A WOMAN
Milling is a dying profession in the Netherlands. A century ago, there were around 10,000 mills in use in the Netherlands but today there are just around 1200 dotted across the country. Even though these original corn, water or hulling mills are no longer in use, a small group of enthusiasts keep the sails turning. It's a great hobby but it's also hard work. (rnw.nl) more
November 2, 2009

EUROPE’S FIRST FLOATING APARTMENT COMPLEX
The Dutch have been fighting the rising and falling tides for centuries, building dikes and pumping water out of areas that are below sea level. Now, rather than fight the water infiltrating their land, the Dutch will use it as part of a new development called ‘New Water‘, which will feature the world’s first floating apartment complex, The Citadel. This “water-breaking” new project was designed by Koen Olthuis of Waterstudio in the Netherlands, and will use 25% less energy than a conventional building on land thanks to the use of water cooling techniques. (inhabitat.com) more
November 2, 2009

STORYTELLING OUTLIVES THE DIGITAL AGE
It's the stuff of childhood - sitting in a circle, listening to fairytales. But anyone who thinks storytelling is a dying art should think again because Amsterdam has just played host to an international festival featuring wordsmiths from all over the world. (rnw.nl) more
November 2, 2009

DUTCH COFFEE SHOPS TO CHALLENGE CANNABIS BAN AGAIN
Coffee shops in two Dutch towns near the Belgian border banned from selling cannabis – in order to prevent drug tourism – are to bring another court challenge against a ban, a court official said on Friday. Two hearings are to be held before the district court in the southern Dutch city of Breda on 2 October. (expatica.nl) more
September 28, 2009

DATE SET FOR WILDERS HATE SPEECH TRIAL
A court in the Netherlands has ordered far-right politician Geert Wilders to stand trial on 20 January 2010. The leader of the Freedom Party is charged with inciting discrimination and hatred with his statements about Islam and Muslims. Only a few weeks before the local elections on the 3rd of March. Wilders party PVV will attend in the cities The Hague and Almere. (expatica.nl) more
September 28, 2009

REAL-LIFE SUPER HEROES ON THE STREETS OF THE US
28 year-old David “Civitron” Civatarese is a Boston-based real-life super hero. He’s part of a growing collective of ordinary citizens across America who have transformed themselves into something - and someone - else, made themselves larger than life. They assist the community by cleaning up the streets, helping out the homeless or families in need. (rnw.nl) more
September 28, 2009

DUTCH BIOMETRIC PASSPORTS CAUSE CONTROVERSY
According to rules introduced by the EU Commission, EU member states are required to introduce biometric passports with a chip containing the owner's digital information, including a facial image and fingerprints. But the Netherlands has gone a step further than any other country by storing that data on a central computer system. 'Vrijbit' civil rights group has launched legal action at the EU Court of Human Rights, claiming the data will be shared with several organisations. (rnw.nl) more
September 28, 2009

DUTCH BUDGET: SOUL SEARCHING OR NAVEL GAZING?
Bad news all around in the first Dutch budget since the start of the crisis. Getting the economy back on track will mean painful reforms for years to come. Everyone will feel the hurt including the government itself, which says it has to 'review' its priorities. But at what cost to the Netherlands' position in the world? (rnw.nl) more
September 28, 2009

DUTCH MESSAGE TO DRUG TOURISTS: C'EST FINI
Six of the eight coffee shops in the Dutch towns Bergen op Zoom and Roosendaal have closed down, as a ban on the sale of cannabis in the towns comes into force. From Wednesday, the cities’ coffee shops are obliged to live up to their name and stick to selling coffee. Those that flout the ban face a five-year closure. The city of Maastricht is taking a different approach to the drug-tourist problem. It proposes to introduce a coffee shop pass system. (nrc.nl) more
September 28, 2009

DON'T RECYCLE BUT REPAIR
Over the last few months, the Amsterdam-based design collective Platform 21 has opened their studios to both artist and the public to share the clever and creative ways they have come up with to fix broken items. Everything from windows to plates to sweaters - even relationships - have been mended in the effort. (rnw.nl) more
September 28, 2009

DUTCH SOFT DRUGS ADVOCATES CRITICAL OF NEW CABINET POLICY
Famous or infamous, the relaxed Dutch policy towards the use and sale of soft drugs has as many supporters as it does opponents. After years of neglecting the problems that come with this policy, the Dutch cabinet has finally decided to tackle its shortcomings. But coffee shop owners and soft drugs advocates are critical of the measures it is proposing. (rnw.nl) more
September 28, 2009

TOURING HOMELESS HAUNTS
Ten years ago there were hundreds of homeless people living rough in the Dutch town Utrecht’s main shopping centre. Now, thanks to an initiative by a group of the city’s main agencies, a handful of them are giving guided tours of their former haunts. The model is now successfully used by other Dutch cities to get all homeless of the streets. (rnw.nl) more
September 28, 2009

HAGUE TRIBUNAL’S PRESTIGE FADES AS CLOSURE LOOMS
Recent controversial decisions have contributed to a growing loss of faith in the court, even on part of once ardent supporters. Now in its final stage, the International Criminal Tribunal for former Yugoslavia, ICTY, appears to have less support from the public than ever before. To date, 120 cases conducted before the Tribunal have been completed. Under the ICTY’s agreed “exit strategy”, all trials, including first and second-instance ones, must end by 2013. (balkaninsight.com) more
September 28, 2009

JUDGE BLOCKS SOLO SAILING TRIP OF 13-YEAR-OLD
The parents of 13-year-old Laura Dekker who want to allow their daughter to go on a solo sailing trip
around the world have been stripped of their parental authority. A judge in Utrecht granted a request by the
Child Protection Agency to make the girl a ward of court, effectively blocking Laura's record-breaking
attempt. (rnw.nl) more
August 31, 2009

ADDICTIONS TO PARTY DRUG GHB ON THE RISE
GHB is a very popular party drug; easy to get or to make at home, it is freely and cheaply available on the internet. But if GHB was deemed harmless ten years ago, health workers are seeing more and more addicts with serious withdrawal symptoms. (nrc.nl) more
August 31, 2009

BUILDING BRIDGES FOR NATURE
In a small country like the Netherlands, many nature
reserves are separated by roads, industrial zones or railroads - which means it can be very difficult for animals to move safely from one area to the other. However, there is a solution - the 'ecoduct', a bridge that connects separate natural areas. (rnw.nl) more
August 31, 2009

KARADZIC'S WAR CRIMES CASE READY FOR TRIAL
Judge says ex-Bosnian leader Karadzic's war crimes case is ready for trial. The pretrial judge in the war crimes case against former Bosnian Serb leader Radovan Karadzic said
Thursday he believes the case is ready for trial. (startribune.com) more
August 31, 2009

MUSLIM PARTY TO TAKE PART IN DUTCH LOCAL ELECTIONS
The Dutch Muslim Party has announced it will take part in local elections in five municipalities
next year. The NMP will take part in local elections in Amsterdam, Almere, The Hague, Rotterdam and
Noordoostpolder. The NMP will present a political program after the Muslim fasting period of Ramadan
concludes at the end of September. (rnw.nl) more
August 31, 2009

DUTCH RESEARCHERS CREATE SWINE FLU VIDEO GAME
Since swine flu first emerged in April, it has sparked panic, vaccine production and now, a video game. In an effort to raise awareness, Dutch researchers have created a game that challenges players to control a new pandemic. (nrc.nl) more
August 31, 2009

RAMADAN FIRED FOR IRANIAN TV APPEARANCE
A Dutch university fired Islamic scholar Tariq Ramadan on Tuesday for hosting a show on Iran's state
television, which the school said could be seen as endorsing the regime. Ramadan also lost his position as "advisor on integration" with the city of Rotterdam. (islamtoday.coml) more
August 31, 2009

UNION STOPS OPPOSITION TO PENSION AGE RISE
Trade union federation CNV, the second biggest in the country, has given up its opposition to the government's planned increase in the state pension age, according to sources quoted in several newspapers last Wednesday. (dutchnews.nl) more
August 31, 2009

'LOVERBOYS' CHILD PROSTITUTION SCANDAL BACK IN SPOTLIGHT
The decade-old problem in the Netherlands has now been catapulted on to the political agenda after Maria Mosterd wrote an account of her four years from the age of 12 to 16 when she was forced to work as a prostitute for her so-called ‘loverboy’. The book, Real Men Don't Eat Cheese, has been a bestseller, a film is in pre-production, and politicians, police, teachers and parents are mobilising like never before. (guardian.co.uk) more
August 31, 2009

COMMOTION OVER TAMIFLU
Scientists are squabbling over the effect of virus inhibitor Tamiflu. While some say it is an important weapon in the battle against Mexican flu, others say this has never been proven. The effect of Tamiflu has
not been researched enough, says epidemiologist Luc Bonneux of the Netherlands Interdisciplinary
Demographic Institute. But Jaap van Dissel from the Leiden University Medical Centre is convinced that it
works. (rnw.nl) more
August 31, 2009

DUTCH PILOTS WANT BAN ON LASER GUNS
Powerful laser beams which are shone into cockpits from the ground can temporarily blind pilots and cause much danger. The Dutch pilots' association is seeking a ban on shining high-powered laser torches in a pilot's face. Lately several dozen incidents have been reported to the Dutch border police and air traffic control. The police have stepped up efforts to patrol around Schiphol to look out for people with laser guns. (expatica.com) more
August 31, 2009

TALLEST BUILDING IN THE NETHERLANDS
Rotterdam unveiled plans for the tallest building in the Netherlands. A 160,000 square meter multifunctional vertical city in Rotterdam, designed
by Rem Koolhaas. The plan is actually 10 years old, but the property developer told the plan could now go ahead because the recession has forced down prices. (dutchdailynews.com) more
August 31, 2009

AMSTERDAM TESTING SMART GRID
Amsterdam is Europe’s first “smart city”. The Dutch city will serve as a testing ground to prove that smart grid technologies can better manage energy use and transmission while also reducing electricity outages and congestion. The pilot with fivehundred households in Amsterdam will begin a test in which the residents can check their energy consumption. Nuon Power and the American IT giants IBM and Cisco will Help Amsterdam to become a ‘Smart City’. (dutchdailynews.com) more
August 31, 2009

BATTLE BREWING OVER SINGLE-SEX CLASSES FOR MUSLIM WOMEN
Utrecht city councillor Marka Spit says she is going to ignore Dutch Integration Minister Eberhard van der Laan's plan to abolish segregated integration courses as of January 2009. Various Dutch media report that the two politicians, both members of the Labour Party (PvdA), disagree on whether segregated integration classes benefit or undermine the emancipation of Muslim women in the Netherlands. (rnw.nl) more
July 14, 2009

NETHERLANDS HAS FIRST IMMIGRANT POLICE CHIEF
Suriname-born Martin Sitalsing is the new chief of police for the Twente region.News - Minister thwarted on police candidate again. Sitalsing says he feels "100 percent Dutch" but he is nevertheless aware of the symbolic importance of his appointment. (nrc.nl) more
July 14, 2009

NO CHECKS ON SMOKING IN SMALL DUTCH CAFES
Health authorities will no longer check if small bars and cafes are observing the smoking ban, following a second court ruling which said the ban did not apply to bars without staff. Appeal courts at Leeuwarden in the north and Den Bosch in the south have found in favour of landlords of cafes, restaurants and hotels without staff, who said the law did not oblige them to implement a smoking ban. (expatica.nl) more
July 14, 2009

IN DUTCH TERROR CASES MANY ARE ARRESTED BUT ONLY FEW CONVICTED
Fewer than one in four suspects arrested on terrorism charges in the Netherlands since September 11, 2001, were later convicted, statistics from the public prosecutor's office and an inventory by NRC Handelsblad show. (nrc.nl) more
June 12, 2009

PROBO KOALA WASTE CONTAINED HYDROGEN SULPHIDE
New evidence from a Dutch investigation shows the waste dumped by the Probo Koala contained the lethal gas hydrogen sulphide. Trafigura continues to say its ship contained harmless slop. The sludge was dumped at 18 sites around Abidjan, in Ivory Coast. An estimated 100,000 residents fell ill with symptoms such as vomiting, coughing and rashes. Between 3 and 17 people died. (rnw.nl) more
June 12, 2009

SHELL SETTLES ONE LAWSUIT BUT FACES ANOTHER
Shell has ended a 13-year lawsuit with a 15.5 million US dollar out-of-court settlement. The Anglo-Dutch oil giant says the settlement is not an admission of guilt in the case, in which it was accused of complicity in the execution of Ken Saro-Wiwa and eight other Nigerians in 1995. (rnw.nl) more
June 12, 2009

COURT JAILS EUTHANASIA GROUP CHAIRMAN FOR AIDING SUICIDE
A Dutch court sentenced the chairman of an assisted suicide lobby group to 10 months in jail, eight suspended, for helping a sick, 80-year-old woman kill herself. The woman died in November 2007 after taking a lethal dose of pentobarbital, which prosecutors said was supplied to her children by the lobbyist after doctors refused to help her. (expatica.nl) more
June 12, 2009

POPULISM, 'A HEALTHY CORRECTION TO THE POLITICAL SYSTEM'
The less-educated had lost their political representation, but now their concerns are being voiced by populist parties. “Highly-educated people can hire a Polish housepainter while the less-educated have to compete for jobs with those painters.” (nrc.nl) more
June 12, 2009

THE JOB MARKET STILL NEEDS MORE MIGRANT WORKERS
'If European countries do not allow enough migrant workers in, in the next few years, the European job market is going to face a serious shortage; the Netherlands Bureau for Economic Policy Analysis predicted this week. Unemployment is now on the rise but in the long term Europe still faces a shortage of workers. 'In a few years time we're going to need 750,000 workers. (expatica.nl) more
June 12, 2009

KYOTO COOLING FOR DATA CENTRES
A massive disc of perforated aluminum, 6 meters wide, can as of today serve as a cooling agent for data centers. Cooling large server rooms takes a lot of energy and therefore produces a lot of CO2. But now a 100-percent Dutch invention called 'Kyoto Cooling' can save both money and the environment. (rnw.nl) more
June12, 2009

CLINIC FOR THE BROKEN-HEARTED TO OPEN IN AMSTERDAM
The VU medical centre in Amsterdam is opening an outpatient’s clinic next week for people suffering from love-sickness. But don't expect to be given a magic pill that makes it all better. (nrc.nl) more
June 12, 2009

TRYING TO COMBAT PIRACY IS POINTLESS
"You can do what you like at sea. If the problems in Somalia are not sorted out, the piracy will continue," says Rob Hunnego, the newly appointed chair of the Royal Association of Naval Officers. "You can deploy 5000 navy ships, but it won't help. The Somalis will carry on putting to sea." (rnw.nl) more
June 12, 2009

'SOCIALISM GONE WILD' IN THE NETHERLANDS?
While Dutch PM Jan Peter Balkenende recommends the Dutch negotiation-based economic system to the world, US writer and sociologist Russel Shorto is helping his efforts by promoting the Dutch approach to taxation. Should the Obama administration go Dutch? (rnw.nl) more
June 12, 2009

LAID-OFF WORKERS TO REVIVE OLD POLAROID FACTORY
Together they have put in more than three-hundred years of work at the Polaroid factory in the Dutch town of Enschede, until it was closed last year. Now former workers have set up a new company that will once again produce instant film for use in Polaroid cameras. (nrc.nl) more
June 12, 2009

PORT CITY ROTTERDAM IN DANGER OF SOCIAL BREAKDOWN
Another whole generation is in danger of being lost in Rotterdam. Has the city become a ticking time bomb? The city is largely dependent on its port and the collapse of world trade in the wake of the economic crisis is taking a heavy toll on the port. As a result, Rotterdam will be harder hit than the Dutch economy as a whole, is the inauspicious message from mayor Ahmed Aboutaleb. more
April 12, 2009

ING TO UNLOAD $10.6 BILLION IN ASSETS
The Dutch financial giant ING plans to sell up to 15 businesses to reduce risk and will focus its banking activities on Europe. ING, which was loss-making in 2008 and got a €10 billion injection from the Dutch state last October, said in a statement last Thursday it wants to divest non-core activities worth €6 billion to €8 billion, or 10 to 15 businesses. (cnn.com) more
April 12, 2009

DUTCH MUNICIPALITIES TOLD TO STOP ETHNIC REGISTRATION
The Dutch Data Protection Authority (DPA) warns that municipalities in the Netherlands are illegally registering young offenders based on their ethnic background. It has ordered the local authorities to halt the practice immediately. The DPA supervises compliance with privacy laws in the Netherlands. The city hall already stated they will igonore the ban on registering on ethnic background. more
April 12, 2009

CONTROVERSY FOLLOWS TARIQ RAMADAN TO ROTTERDAM
Controversy seems to follow Tariq Ramadan wherever he goes. In Rotterdam, where the Swiss philosopher and theologist has been asked to contribute to the multicultural dialogue, the gay community is up in arms over Ramadan's statements about homosexuality and the role of women in society. (nrc.nl) more
April 12, 2009

ISLANDS OF SELF-SUFFICIENCY
Ten islands in the North Sea have agreed to become self-sufficient in energy by 2030. Two Dutch islands - Ameland and Texel - are also taking part in the Cradle to Cradle project. The islands also want to cut their environmental impact on water and energy resources to zero. (radionetherlands.nl) more
April 12, 2009

BANKING SECTOR NEEDS TO CHANGE MENTALITY
The banking sector needs to change its mentality drastically if it wants to regain public confidence, says the Advisory Committee on the Future of Banks in a report published on Tuesday. The research, which was commissioned by the Dutch banking association NVB, concludes banks need to place the customers’ interests over shareholders and employees. (expatica.com) more
April 12, 2009

THE LEGACY OF A SOLDIER KILLED IN URUZGAN
The death of Azdin Chadli in a rocket attack on the Dutch military base in Uruzgan this week has reopened old wounds for the families of soldiers killed previously in Afghanistan. All relatives find it hard to cope with the loss, but one family managed to turn the evil into something good: by building a school in Uruzgan. more
April 12, 2009

DUTCH JUSTICE MINISTRY UNABLE TO HELP SEX INDUSTRY
The justice ministry is powerless against banks’ refusal to conduct business with companies in the sex industry, reports Dutch news agency ANP.The ministry was responding an appeal for help from the trade association, the Association of Relaxation Company Operators (VER), who said banks are increasingly turning down business from escort companies or massage parlous. (expatica.com) more
April 12, 2009

GERMAN WANTS TO PAY FOR STOLEN BIKE
A German man who stole a bike in the town of Nijkerk at the end of World War II wants to compensate its owners, the Nederlands Dagblad reported last Friday. Thousands of Dutch bikes were stolen by escaping Germans at the end of the war. (dutchnews.nl) more
April 12, 2009

DUTCH APPROACH TO CRISIS LATE AND OVERLY CAUTIOUS
Measures taken by the Netherlands to deal with the economic crisis are somewhat meagre in comparison
to those already taken by the country's European neighbours. The difficulties in arriving at a consensus in a coalition of parties of such diverse political plumage seem to become all the more evident in times of crisis. (radionetherlands.nl) more
April 6, 2009

NEW ELECTRIC CAR USES FRISIAN TECHNOLOGY
Electric cars which the average man can afford will soon be on the market. The large Malaysian
automobile producer Proton has signed a more than 400 million euro contract with a Dutch company
for the large-scale production of electric cars for Europe, the United States and China. (radionetherlands.nl) more
April 6, 2009

GRONINGEN PUB BEATS SMOKING BAN
One pub in Groningen has found a way around the smoking ban that was imposed in the Netherlands last July. Health minister Ab Klink said on Thursday he is unable to take action against cafe De Balk and its ingenious smoking area. more
April 6, 2009

GOVERNMENT OPPOSES PENSION FUND HIKE
Ministers are opposed to plans by the civil service pension fund ABP to increase pension premiums for the next four years, warning that the move could cost jobs. Home affairs minister Guusje ter Horst is to ask the unions which sit on the ABP board to back a pension pay-out reduction rather than a premium hike, the Volkskrant reported last Wednesday. (dutchnews.nl) more
April 6, 2009

AMSTERDAM METRO LINE SINKS DEEPER INTO TROUBLE
The shock of the collapse of the Historical Archive of Cologne one month ago was felt all the way over in Amsterdam, where the city is trying to dig a tunnel very similar to that in the German city. The German nightmare comes on top of the 1 billion budget overrun and the years of delay of the inauguration of the so-called North-South line. (nrc.nl) more
April 6, 2009

CRADLE TO CRADLE: HYPE OR VISION OF THE FUTURE?
An economy that can expand unrestrictedly without exhausting natural resources or adding to rubbish heaps. This is the vision of the future of the creators of the Cradle-to-Cradle concept. Impossible, say the opponents. A world without waste, claim the advocates. (radionetherlands.nl) more
April 6, 2009

FRIENDSHIP ON DEMAND
Nowadays, friends can be ordered. Amsterdam's Friend Service offers people who are going through a
difficult time the opportunity to have social contact with volunteers. Despite this, Friend Service volunteer Raphael Beaumont and service user Maurice don't really see their friendship as arranged, "We call it volunteer work, because we need a structure to get to know one another. But it's just being there for each other." (radionetherlands.nl) more
April 6, 2009

MORE PROBLEMS FOR RIJKSMUSEUM RENOVATION
The long-running renovation of Amsterdam's Rijksmuseum has received a further setback because only one contractor has applied to finish the job, Nos tv news reports on Thursday. Various sources have told Nos that the one tender to complete the renovation of the main building may also be tens of millions of euros above the culture ministry's budget. (dutchnews.nl) more
April 6, 2009

ENDEMOL DEVELOPS 'YOU'RE FIRED' TV FORMAT
Dutch tv production company Endemol has developed a new format based on workers not the boss deciding who should be sacked in a company hit by the recession. The format Someone's Gotta Go has already been sold to Fox tv in the US, an Endemol spokesman told the Dutch newspaper Algemeen Dagblad. (dutchnews.nl) more
April 6, 2009

FAULTY ALTIMETER CAUSED AIRLINER CRASH
The Turkish airliner that crashed at Schiphol last week had a faulty altimeter. That's the conclusion of the preliminary findings of the investigation team that has been working to establish the cause of the accident. The altimeter wrongly indicated that the Boeing was already almost on the ground. Because the airplane was flying on automatic pilot, the thrust was reduced according to the faulty reading. more
March 5, 2009

HOLLAND MAY BOYCOTT UN RACISM MEETING
The Netherlands may boycott a United Nations conference on racism unless the draft text of the closing declaration is amended, foreign affairs minister Maxime Verhagen said in Geneva on Tuesday. Verhagen said the Netherlands 'cannot accept any text, which would put religion above individuals; does not condemn discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation; condones anti-semitism or singles out Israel. These are clear red lines for the Netherlands.' (dutchnews.nl) more
March 5, 2009

BOS SLAMS SHAREHOLDERS' LACK OF ACTION
Shareholders did 'virtually nothing' to avoid the current financial crisis, Tuesday's Financieele Dagblad quotes finance minister Wouter Bos as saying. On the contrary, they actually urged bankers to take increasing risks, Bos said. Bos was addressing a meeting of shareholders society Eumedion in Amsterdam. (dutchnews.nl) more
March 5, 2009

A RESCUE PLAN FOR THE DUTCH ECONOMY
Political bickering in the Netherlands about giving a 'stimulus' or 'cutting deficits' is pointless. The challenge is to combine both elements without each undermining the other, say five prominent economists, Lans Bovenberg, Sweder van Wijnbergen, Bas Jacobs, Arnoud Boot and Willem Buiter. (nrc.nl) more
March 5, 2009

EUROPEAN COURT DEFENDS ASYLUM SEEKERS
The European Court of Justice has ruled that an Iraqi couple have temporary residence rights in the Netherlands, despite the government now regarding Iraq as safe. Will the Dutch now adopt a more humane asylum policy? (radionetherlands.nl) more
March 5, 2009

FITNA GOES STATESIDE
Controversial Dutch politician Geert Wilders is in the United States this week for a showing of his anti-Islam film Fitna. His visit hasn't attracted the publicity he received when he was banned from entering Britain recently, but Mr Wilders hasn't gone completely un-noticed in the US media. more
March 5, 2009

INCREASE IN ANTI-SEMITIC ATTACKS LINKED TO GAZA
A surge in attacks against Jewish people and synagogues in Belgium, Britain, France, and the Netherlands in December 2008 coincided with the Gaza offensive, concludes study by European Union's Fundamental Rights Agency. (expatica.com) more
March 5, 2009

THE WORLDS LEADING ART FAIR
From March 13 tilll 22 the World's Leading Art and Antiques Fair, TEFAF Maastricht, will be organised. On 28.000 m2 TEFAF will present an outstanding event, one that offers the best choice of the very best in fine art and antiques. The eye-catching TEFAF masterpiece of this year is 'The park of the Saint-Paul hospital' from Vincent Van Gogh. Since 1963 the painting is part of a Swiss private collection, but now it is for sale for about 25 million euros. more
March 5, 2009

DUTCH RESTAURANT GIVES MICHELIN STAR BACK
A restaurant in the southern Dutch city of Maastricht has decided to give back its prestigious Michelin star because it's bad for business. The restaurant will close its doors next week to undergo a complete overhaul. It is set to reopen on March 15 as a 'family restaurant' and under a new name: 'Dinner at Michèl's'. (nrc.nl) more
March 5, 2009

DUTCH KING OF WALTZ 'CONQUERS' FRANCE
Dutch violinist André Rieu has become a knight in France's Order of the Arts and Literature, and received the honour on Thursday from the French ambassador to the Netherlands. So now it seems that, besides the Netherlands, Germany, South America and Australia, the "King of the Waltz" can also count France among his long list of ‘admirers'. (radionetherlands.nl) more
March 5, 2009

FRISIANS STILL FACE DISCRIMINATION
Frisians are the only group in the Netherlands officially recognised as a national minority yet it seems they can still face discrimination, most often in relation to their language. A delegation from the Council of Europe toured the Netherlands this week to see if the government is respecting international agreements aimed at curbing the discrimination of minorities, and Friesland was one of the places they visited. (radionetherlands.nl) more
March 5, 2009

FEW ATTEND UK SCREENING OF WILDERS' FILM
The film Fitna was shown in the British upper house of parliament on Thursday despite the British authorities' refusal to allow its maker, Dutch rightwing populist MP Geert Wilders, into the United Kingdom. Wilders was furious at the incident, describing it as a blow both to himself and to freedom of speech. He called British PM Gordon Brown 'Europe's biggest coward'. more
February 16, 2009

SUSPECTED SOMALI PIRATES FLOWN TO THE NETHERLANDS
Dutch prosecutors say five suspected Somali pirates have been flown to the Netherlands to stand trial for their alleged roles in a foiled attack on a freighter in the Gulf of Aden. The five pirates were handed over to the Dutch authorities in Bahrain last Tuesday. more
February 16, 2009

GAS CONFLICT PROMPTS EU TO DOUBT SYSTEM OF STOCKPILING OIL
The oil companies and tank storage companies in Rotterdam have started to play a bigger role in the strategic oil stockpiling by EU countries. EU countries are obliged to maintain an emergency supply of oil. The European Commission feels it would be wiser to do that closer to home. more
February 16, 2009

FORTIS SHAREHOLDERS PLAN COURT ACTION OVER DUTCH NATIONALISATION
Shareholders of dismantled bank Fortis will take legal action seeking to freeze the Dutch state's nationalisation of the group's Netherlands-based activities, their lawyer said Thursday. Fortis shareholders plan court action over Dutch nationalisation. more
February 16, 2009

HUNDREDS OF CHILDREN IN SOLITARY CONFINEMENT
A study conducted by the newspaper NRC Handelsblad reveals that hundreds of children are locked up in isolation cells each year in the Netherlands because psychiatric clinics do not have the budget and staff to deal with them. Last week three schoolchildren were arrested for threats against schools. Two of the 13 and 14 year old boys are still in custody. more
February 16, 2009

BOS OPPOSED TO CANCELLING COFFEE SHOP BANK ACCOUNTS
Finance Minister Wouter Bos has told parliament that coffee shops which sell cannabis should be able to hold a bank account just like any other business. One of the last Dutch banks still working with the coffee shops lately announced it would cancel accounts of coffee shop owners. more
February 16, 2009

DUTCH F-16 FIGHTER PLANES READY FOR SCRAPHEAP?
The future renewal of Dutch fighter planes and the almost definite choice for the JSF is under discussion again in the Netherlands. The ministry of Defence's plan to replace its F-16 fighter planes by 2014 is premature, according to research. Last week Swedish sources say that aircraft constructor SAAB can deliver the Gripen C/D fighter jet for billions of Euros cheaper than the Joint Strike Fighter from the US. more
February 16, 2009

NEW WEBSITE PILLORIES DUTCH PAEDOPHILES
Death threats are just one of the reported consequences of the controversial step taken by a Dutch campaign group in publishing the names, addresses and - in some cases - photographs of paedophiles on the internet despite rules in the Netherlands banning such a move. more
February 16, 2009

EUROPEAN COURT SIDES WITH DUTCH ABORTION BOAT
The EU Court of Human Rights ruled today that Portugal violated human rights laws by preventing the Dutch 'Women on Waves' ship from entering the country in 2004. Women on Waves' attracted worldwide attention in 2004 when their ship, which circumvents domestic abortion laws by offering safe abortions whilst sailing in international waters, was blocked by two Portuguese war ships. more
February 16, 2009

GEERT WILDERS PROSECUTED FOR HATE SPEECH
Dutch member of parliament Geert Wilders of the populist PVV party is to be charged with hate speech and inciting discrimination, the appeals court in Amsterdam ruled last Wednesday. The judges said they had weighed Wilders' anti-Islam rhetoric against his right to free speech, and ruled he had gone beyond the normal leeway granted to politicians. more
January 26, 2009

ENI TIPPED TO TAKE OVER ENERGY FIRM NUON
Holland's second largest energy concern Nuon has a preference to be taken over by Italy's power group Eni. Eni, Denmark's Dong and Sweden's Vattenfall have all been given more time to make a bid to take over Nuon. Sources close to the negotiations state that Nuon’s management prefers Eni because it sees it as a strong strategic partner. more
January 26, 2009

UN CRITICISES DUTCH TREATMENT OF CHILDREN
Criticism of the Netherlands' treatment of children emerged from the United Nations’ Committee on the Rights of the Child in Geneva earlier this month. The Netherlands too often tries young people as adults in court. Children with problems are also placed too readily in institutions. The committee will present its recommendations on 30 January. more
January 26, 2009

WILL THE DUTCH LEAVE AFGHANISTAN AFTER 2010?
Dutch Defense minister Middelkoop came under fire after he told a journalist from the mass circulation De Telegraaf newspaper that "Obama could ring him ten times, but our mission in Uruzgan will end in 2010." While Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende and Foreign Minister Maxime Verhagen, have shifted position, leaving their defense minister dangerously exposed. more
January 26, 2009

PHILIPS JOIN FORCES TO EXPLORE NEW SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS
Royal Philips Electronics announced today the acquisition of a minority interest in Tendris Holding, a Dutch innovative business incubator and operator in sustainable technology and services. The partnership will explore new business opportunities in the area of sustainability. As part of the agreement, Philips has acquired a 10% equity stake in Tendris. more
January 26, 2009

OLD EUROPE KEEPS DOOR CLOSED FOR ROMANIAN AND BULGARIAN WORKERS
Romanians and Bulgarians are still not seen as full-fledged citizens of the European Union. A large number of European countries, including the Netherlands, will not allow Romanians and Bulgarians access to their job markets for the time being, says a European Commission review published earlier this month. more
January 26, 2009

EURO IS NOW PART OF DUTCH LIFE
Ten years ago, the euro was introduced in 11 European countries, including the Netherlands - first for inter-bank business, and four years later as hard currency for the population as a whole. . It was designed to promote price stability within the European Union. Critics, however, still maintain that life in the Netherlands has become more expensive since the euro was introduced. more
January 26, 2009

SUSPICION & IRRITATION
Relations between the Netherlands and the two former colonies with which it forms a union, the Netherlands Antilles and fellow Caribbean island Aruba, are not good. After nearly failing to take place at all, the latest twice-yearly meeting of MPs from these three countries - which together form the Kingdom of the Netherlands – finally took place earlier this month on Aruba. more
January 26, 2009

REFUSING TO SERVE THE ISRAELI ARMY
Omer Goldman is 19, she's Jewish, lives in Tel Aviv, she's a pretty girl and it's not hard to imagine her fulfilling her ambition to one day be an actress. But she chooses to go to prison rather than serve in the Israeli army - a compulsory requirement for all young Israeli citizens. And Omer Goldman was not destined for prison, being the daughter of a former deputy head of Mossad. more
January 26, 2009

STORY OF A TIBETAN REFUGEE
Dolma is 39 years old and Tibetan. Nearly 10 years ago, she and her husband were both arrested for protesting for human rights in the Tibetan capital Lhasa. After a year, she was released and she came to the Netherlands as an asylum seeker and lived here for years without knowing the whereabouts of her husband and children. more
January 26, 2009

INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF ASTRONOMY
'The Universe, Yours to Discover' - no, it's not the strap line to some futuristic tour operator but the motto of today's launch of 2009 as the International Year of Astronomy. Exactly 400 years ago, in 1609, Italian astronomer Galileo Galilei started scanning the heavens with a brand-new invention, the telescope. It had been invented the year before by Hans Lippershey, a Dutchman of German descent. more
January 26, 2009

PAEDOPHILE WARNING POSTERS GO UP AFTER BAN FAILS
The release of a convicted sex offender can stir up a community, but recent attempts to keep one from returning to the Dutch city of Eindhoven have caused equal commotion. His face was plastered on the front page of the biggest newspaper in the country on Thursday. The paper had printed the same picture that has appeared on posters behind windows across Eindhoven. The mayor was promptly overruled by a court which determined he could not use a law to protect public order against the man. (nrc.nl) more
November 2, 2009

SS TRIAL HALTED OVER PROSECUTOR'S STATEMENTS
The trial of the Dutch SS officer Heinrich Broere (88) in the western German city of Aachen was adjourned on Wednesday. The adjournment ing was a great disappointment for Teun de Groot junior, who travelled to Aachen from the Netherlands to give a statement to the court against the man who killed his father. (nrc.nl) more
November 2, 2009

ROTTERDAM OFFERS ANTILLEANS JOBS IN EXCHANGE FOR GUNS
Antillean youths who hand over their weapons will receive training and assistance in finding jobs, proposes Rotterdam mayor. However, the chief public prosecutor for Rotterdam, Henk Korvinus, said every person who hands in a weapon will immediately be charged. (expatica.nl)more
November 2, 2009

SHELL SAYS OUTLOOK UNCERTAIN AS PROFITS SLUMP 62 PCT
Energy giant Royal Dutch Shell said Thursday that third-quarter net profit slumped 62 percent from a year earlier to USD 3.25 billion (EUR 2.21 billion) due to weak oil prices. "Our third quarter results were affected by the weak global economy," said Shell Chief Executive Peter Voser in a results statement, adding that 5,000 jobs will be axed by the end of 2009 in a cost-cutting program announced earlier this year. (expatica.nl) more
November 2, 2009

DUTCH GOVERNMENT KEEN TO DRIVE TATA’S ELECTRIC CAR INTO EUROPEAN MARKET
Netherlands Foreign Investment Agency (NFIA), under the Dutch Ministry of External Affairs, has expressed its interest to set up the assembly facility of Tata Motors for manufacturing electric cars in Netherlands. The Dutch government, which is running a programme aimed at converting one million cars into the electric version by 2020, is also looking forward to electric cars from Tata Motors to hit the European market. (indianexpress.com) more
November 2, 2009

ING BACK TO REALITY
The most important social argument for the split of ING is it became something of a state above the State due to its growth over the past decades. The group’s balance sheet total was almost twice the gross national product of the Netherlands. (nrc.nl) more
November 2, 2009

GOVERNMENT UNVEILS RETIREMENT AGE RISE PLAN
The coalition parties in the Netherlands have finally reached a deal on raising the retirement age from 65 to 67. Ministers announced their plans to raise the state pension age because they feel the measure is necessary to maintain the welfare state with an aging population. Although the study gives the Dutch pension system the highest ranking the new plan has come in for heavy opposition criticism. (nrc.nl) more
November 2, 2009

WEB INVENTOR NOW WANTS TO BRING IT TO THE HUNGRY
The man who invented the world wide web, is now mainly concerned with the its social aspects. "Only 20 percent of the world's population is on the web; it's about getting the other 80 percent online." (nrc.nl) more
November 2, 2009

MULTINATIONALS DODGE PAYING BILLIONS IN DUTCH TAX
Dutch multinationals pay barely any tax on their profits in the Netherlands. The Dutch treasury is missing out on 16 billion euros of corporate taxes a year. It seems the United States was right to describe the Netherlands as a tax haven earlier this year. (nrc.nl) more
November 2, 2009

DUTCH FINANCIAL SERVICE COMPANIES UNDER SCRUTINY
Following the downfall of DSB bank, the products of other financial service companies are coming under scrutiny. AFAB and SNS Reaal have voluntarily decided to take a look at the policies they have sold. AFAB says the commotion over high commissions and unnecessary financial products has got the credit company into difficulties. (rnw.nl) more
November 2, 2009

ROYAL FAMILY DAMAGED BY PUBLIC DEBATE
The construction of a holiday home for crown prince Willem Alexander and his wife Máxima in Mozambique, the rising income of the royal family in times of crisis and high expense claims for private flights have all damaged the reputation of the royal family. Seldom has the Dutch royal family been so publicly discussed as in recent weeks in the Netherlands. (nrc.nl) more
November 2, 2009

RELUCTANCE TO HAVE FLU VACCINE INCREASES
Just weeks before the Dutch vaccination campaign against influenza A(H1N1) is due to begin, the reluctance to have the vaccine is increasing. In the Netherlands, two thirds of nursing staff say they do not want to be vaccinated against the A(H1N1) virus. A nurse working at the Amsterdam AMC hospital: 'it seems like there is a lot of panic-spreading going on. It is only the pharmaceutical industry that stands to benefit from it.' (rnw.nl) more
November 2, 2009

DUTCH COCAINE - THE ULTIMATE WEAPON
For a government that has been taking an increasingly strict line on drugs it's an embarrassing revelation, as shocking as it is intriguing: a new best-selling book in the Netherlands reveals the country supplied all sides fighting in the First World War with grade A cocaine. Dutch author Conny Braam stumbled across the information while she was researching the Dutch cultivation of opium over the centuries, discovering the country was home to the biggest ever cocaine "factory" in Europe. (rnw.nl) more
November 2, 2009

DUTCH-MOROCCAN ORGANISATIONS PUBLISH MANIFESTO
A group of 38 Dutch-Moroccan professionals and organisations has published a manifesto called Stop criminality Among Moroccan Youths, intended to break the passivity in their community regarding crime among young Dutch people of Moroccan descent. (rnw.nl) more
November 2, 2009

CRITICS DISMISS DAMBISA MOYO AS 'MEDIA HYPE'
Zambian economist Dambisa Moyo, who advocates scrapping aid to Africa, creates a sensation wherever she goes. Her critics say she is nothing but a media hype, but she is nevertheless an African voice in a debate dominated by white men. (nrc.nl) more
November 2, 2009

LESS RESTRAINT USED IN DUTCH CARE INSTITUTIONS
Healthcare institutions are increasingly using less restraining measures to restrain their elderly and mentally disabled patients, reveals research. Instead, healthcare staff are using electrical sensors to monitor their patients’ movements. Many nursing and care homes are redecorated, massage beds and chairs, and special relaxing objects are placed and meditation rooms equipped. Some measuring methods that have been reduced drastically are tying patients to their beds and drugging them with tranquilisers. (rnw.nl) more
November 2, 2009

PROSECUTOR ADMITS BLUNDER OVER ESCAPED PIMP
The public prosecutor's office in the Dutch town Arnhem says it was unaware that the prisoner is a violent and dangerous man. Saban B. was serving a 7.5 year prison sentence for forced prostitution and human trafficking when he was granted a week of leave. B.'s victims, who have been severely traumatised, are now terrified and have gone into hiding. (expatica.nl) more
September 28, 2009

THE RESTORATION OF ABN AMRO BANK
The Dutch ABN Amro Bank still hasn't made it. Last week the sale of a subsidiary company, the small HBU bank, to Deutsche Bank fell through at the last moment. It seems the tale of what once was the most important Dutch bank continues to drag on. (nrc.nl) more
September 28, 2009

ROTTERDAM RULES THE WAVES
An oil slick or toxic cargoes washed up on coastlines can lead to endless arguments about who is responsible. For years, a better, clearer set of global regulations on marine freight has been needed. The Rotterdam Rules, a draft United Nations convention presented this week, looks like providing the answer. (rnw.nl) more
September 28, 2009

DOUBTS ABOUT BAN ON MARRIAGE BETWEEN COUSINS
The Dutch government wants to prohibit marriage between cousins, but experts wonder if that is possible. According to Ashley Terlouw, professor of sociology of law at Radboud University in Nijmegen, it is doubtful whether such cases can be prohibited. Aside from the question of whether it is a good idea. ‘Everyone's right to a family life is protected in section 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights.’ (nrc.nl) more
September 28, 2009

UN PROSECUTORS RESIST JUDGES' CALL TO STREAMLINE KARADZIC CASE
Yugoslav war crimes tribunal prosecutors are resisting calls by the U.N. court's judges to further streamline their case against Radovan Karadzic, saying it could mean dropping key charges against the former Bosnian Serb leader. (startribune.com) more
September 28, 2009

DUTCH TROOPS ARE ASKED TO STAY IN AFGHANISTAN
The Netherlands is coming under increased diplomatic pressure from the United States to remain committed to the international security effort in Afghanistan after 1 August next year. On that date, the Dutch role as ‘lead nation’ in the central province of Uruzgan comes to an end. (rnw.nl) more
September 28, 2009

PROSTITUTION IN THE NETHERLANDS: AN OVERVIEW
The Netherlands is well-known as being a country where prostitution is allowed. But recently it seems there have been a number of cases of criminal activity and people trafficking. The Dutch government has responded to these illegal activities by introducing legislation that will regulate the industry even more closely. In Amsterdam the authorities decided to restrict the number of window brothels heavily. (rnw.nl) more
September 28, 2009

WOMEN KEEP THE CRIME GOING
Antillean men are overrepresented in Dutch crime statistics, but it is their mothers and wives who keep crime going, says professor Marion van San. This is the conclusion as she prepares to take up her position as professor of youth and education of Antilleans at the University of Utrecht. The chair is financed by the municipalities of Rotterdam and Amsterdam, two cities where Antilleans are overrepresented in crime statistics. (nrc.nl) more
September 28, 2009

IGNORING HISTORY IN THE WESTERSCHELDT DEBATE
From the Belgian point of view, what is so frustrating about the Dutch debate over the dredging of the Westerscheldt river is the ability to keep the heart of the matter out of the picture: trade and the raison d'état. The whole affair shows once more that even in a Europe without borders the old political order remains firmly in place. People and goods may cross the borders within the union at will, but the borders themselves are still firmly in place. (nrc.nl) more
September 28, 2009

SOLAR-POWERED DELIVERIES
The Cargo hopper can be briefly described as a delivery service powered by solar energy. It’s an electrically powered little train fitted with car wheels which is being used in Dutch city Utrecht’s city centre to take stock deliveries to shops. For the last few weeks, it’s also been fitted with solar panels which recharge its batteries. This means it produces all the power it needs itself – a global first. (rnw.nl) more
September 28, 2009

PROSECUTORS DEMAND LIFE IN JAIL FOR SREBRENICA ACCUSED
Prosecutors sought life imprisonment Monday for seven top Bosnian Serb military officials accused in a UN court of the 1995 massacre of some 8,000 Muslim men and boys in Srebrenica. Five of the men face genocide charges for the massacre. The other two, are charged with war crimes and crimes against humanity for allegedly blocking aid and supplies to Srebrenica. All seven pleaded not guilty. (expatica.nl) more
September 28, 2009

SPENDING CUTS OF €35BN NEEDED BY 2015
The Dutch government will need to make cuts of up to €35bn by 2015 to cover the shortfall in the treasury, the Dutch newspaper Volkskrant reported last Friday, without quoting sources. The paper says the sum is equivalent to 20% of total annual government spending, or the entire education ministry's budget for one year. (dutchnews.nl) more
August 31, 2009

CABINET TO FUND CANNABIS PASS TRIALS
The government is to invest €150,000 in a trial to introduce entry cards for cannabis-selling cafes in Maastricht. The city council hopes introducing membership cards for so-called coffee shops will reduce the nuisance caused by tourists coming to the city specifically to buy drugs. (dutchnews.nl) more
August 31, 2009

NUMBER OF DUTCH EMIGRANTS HAS RISEN SHARPLY
The number of emigrants has risen sharply in recent years. On average, around 125,000 people left the
Netherlands between 2006 and 2008 each year, the largest number since the early 1950s. Since 2003 the
Netherlands has been the only country in Western Europe where the number of emigrants outnumbers the number of immigrants. (rnw.nl) more
August 31, 2009

DEAL SIGNED TO STORE GAS IN DUTCH FIELD
Gazprom and the Abu Dhabi National Energy Co., known as Taqa, signed an agreement for gas storage services at the Bergermeer storage site in the Netherlands. The Netherlands aims to become a
distribution point for gas in northwest Europe and plans to import liquefied natural gas to guarantee energy supplies as its own reserves dwindle.(gulfnews.com) more
August 31, 2009

DO NOT ASK WHAT IMMIGRANTS COST, ASK HOW WE CAN GIVE
THEM JOBS
At the end of July the populist Party for Freedom asked questions in parliament about the costs and benefits of immigrants for the Dutch treasury: what do they cost the government and what tax revenue do they contribute? With the saying 'Nothing ventured, nothing gained' Joan Muysken, professor at the University of Maastricht states that in an ageing society the Dutch must accept all helping hands. (rnw.nl) more
August 31, 2009

NEW MEASURES PLANNED TO BOOST INTEGRATION
Ministers are to take steps to combat the 'worrying' shortfall in the number of immigrants taking integration courses, the minister in charge, Eberhard van der Laan, announced on Tuesday. (dutchnews.nl) more
August 31, 2009

ISLAMIC SCHOOL FIGHTS LOSS OF GOVERNMENT FUNDING
A Dutch Islamic school fights loss of government funding. Besides taking the local government to court, the school board is also refusing to step down. According to the authorities the school, which has been under close scrutiny for several years, has
failed to give precedence to ‘openness toward society’ and ‘basic values of the democratic constitutional state’. (expatica.nl) more
August 31, 2009

UNIVERSITIES APPEAR ALLERGIC TO HOMEOPATHY
A growing number of doctors are prescribing homeopathic treatment, but not a single medical faculty is willing to become involved in homeopathy because it is scientifically unproven that it is
really effective. Homeopaths regret that universities remain aloof. Opponents remain resolutely negative. (rnw.nl) more
August 31, 2009

NO MORE HOMELESS PEOPLE IN ROTTERDAM BY YEAR'S END
Rotterdam is taking the last of its homeless people off the streets. There should be none left by the end
of the year. When the city started its homeless program in 2006 there were an estimated 2,900 homeless people wandering the streets of Rotterdam. Since then more than 2,700 have been given shelter. (nrc.nl) more
August 31, 2009

MINISTER WANTS RADICAL CHANGES TO POKER POLICY
In a letter to parliament, Justice Minister Ernst Hirsch Ballin has argued for creating more venues
where people can legally play poker for money. Playing poker for money is only legal in the Holland Casino
but some 575,000 people are reported to be playing illegally, via the internet or in bars. (expatica.com) more
August 31, 2009

DUTCH BIGGEST BICYCLE PRODUCERS IN EUROPE
The Netherlands has increased its lead as biggest bicycle producer in Europe, raising its share of production from 20 to 30 percent in four years, Dutch statistics agency CBS says. In 2008, the Netherlands
manufactured 577 million worth of bicycles, an increase by more than 20 percent relative to the previous year. (dutchdailynews.com) more
August 31, 2009

DUTCH PIGS RELAX ON THEIR OWN BEACH
A Dutch animal rights organisation has awarded a prize for the best mud bath of the year. Lucky porkers on an organic pig farm in the east of the Netherlands have one of the most spacious and luxurious quagmires in the country, complete with their own beach. (rnw.nl) more
August 31, 2009

LEFTOVER MEALS INTO HEAT AND ENERGY
KLM Airlines is aiming to turn leftover airline meals and waste into oil and biogas to create electricity, in a process which would also heat the Netherlands’ main airport - saving money and carbon emissions. The airline currently produces around 20 tonnes of waste a day, mainly plastic and paper rubbish from meals, and the waste food itself. (khaleejtimes.com) more
August 31, 2009

ORGANISED CRIME ELUDES POLICE DESPITE CRACKDOWN
Despite a crackdown on cannabis growers Dutch authorities have failed to get to the organised crime behind them, investigators say. Police have closed down many illegal cannabis plantations, but they hardly ever investigate who is making money from them. 'It is the home growers who are impacted the most by the government policy. And these are mostly vulnerable and relatively innocent people.' (nrc.nl) more
August 31, 2009

UNDERAGE ILLEGAL ALIENS STILL LOCKED UP IN THE NETHERLANDS
A new detention facility for unaccompanied underage illegal aliens has opened this week. It is a
vast improvement, but children's rights organisations point out that the Netherlands is still the only country in Europe to lock up minors who have committed no crime. (nrc.nl) more
July 14, 2009

DUTCH BIKES TAKE THE WORLD BY STORM
People in the Netherlands don’t bat an eye when an out-of-breath mother cycles by with her brood in a bakfiets. Also known as a cargo bike or carrier cycle in English, the bakfiets is about to take the world by storm, say the owners of the Fietsfabriek, a company that manufactures and sells the practical and popular bikes. (rnw.nl) more
July 14, 2009

'BANKING WILL NEVER BE THE SAME AGAIN'
Dutch finance minister Wouter Bos is now also a bank owner, but his powers are limited. Much is
decided in Brussels or Basel. Last Friday, finance minister Wouter Bos sent the Dutch government's 'vision' about the future of the banking sector to parliament. "It's very frustrating." (nrc.nl) more
July 14, 2009

LET MUSLIMS HAVE THEIR SHARIA COURTS
Would it be such a terrible thing if sharia courts existed in the Netherlands? No, says Maurits
Berger, we already have Jewish and Catholic 'courts'. Yes, says Nahed Selim, we have to stop giving in to the Islamic fundamentalists. (nrc.nl) more
July 14, 2009

TAX CUTS PROPOSED FOR ELECTRIC CAR BUYERS
The purchase of electric cars will be partially tax-free, Transport Minister Camiel Eurlings and his Economics colleague Maria van der Hoeven have proposed. In order to turn the Netherlands into an international testbed for electrically propelled vehicles, purchase tax and road tax will not apply to such cars. (expatica.nl) more
July 14, 2009

THE NETHERLANDS IS NOW A POLARISED COUNTRY
Even Wilders had not expected his party to become bigger than Labour. "This is the day the PVV finally made its breakthrough," he said. "People have had enough of the Balkenende and Bos cabinet." Stable government coalitions may be a thing of the past in the new, polarised Netherlands. (nrc.nl) more
June 12, 2009

DUTCH CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS ALLOWED TO REFUSE GAY TEACHERS
Christian schools are justified in continuing to exclude gay teachers under certain circumstances, this according to the highest advisory body in the Netherlands, the Council of State. (rnw.nl) more
June 12, 2009

AMSTERDAM CALAMITOUS METRO PROJECT SHOULD GO ON
A committee headed by former Agriculture Minister Cees Veerman is recommending that Amsterdam's disputed metro tunnel project should continue. Last year the building of the new North-South Line caused severe subsidence which seriously damaged a number of historic houses along Vijzelgracht, which were built on a foundation of wooden poles. The project was repeatedly halted to repair or prevent damage. (rnw.nl) more
June 12, 2009

POLICE TO INFILTRATE CHILD PORN NETWORKS
Police are going to infiltrate child porn rings by offering pornographic pictures and films of children. A police spokesperson confirmed that the Council of Chief Superintendents is seeking to use all the special powers it has to crack down on child porn producers and users. (expatica.nl) more
June 12, 2009

DUTCH SMOKING BAN IS UP IN THE AIR
The appeals court in Den Bosch has ruled in favor of the owners of a Breda cafe who defied a national smoking ban, effectively repealing the smoking ban for small bars and cafes. The health ministry appealed that verdict, demanding a 1,200 Euros fine and the closing of the establishments. But the ministry now says it will not appeal further if it loses in the Leeuwarden court too. (nrc.nl) more
June 12, 2009

PASS SYSTEM WILL RESTRICT CANNABIS SALES
From the beginning of next year, customers of cannabis coffee shops in the province of Limburg will only be able to buy the drug if they have a pass. The measure was announced by the mayors of the eight towns and cities in the province which have coffee shops within their boundaries. (rnw.nl) more
June 12, 2009

ARTIST PUBLISHES HATE MAIL RECEIVED AFTER KILLING HER CAT
A Dutch artist famous for her bloody animal art has launched a new controversial project. In a book published on Saturday she exposes the people who sent her hate mail after they learnt she had killed her cat to make it into a purse. (nrc.nl) more
June 12, 2009

CALL WILDERS BY HIS NAME: A RACIST
Geert Wilders' Party for Freedom has all the hallmarks of an extreme-right party. Pretending that the PVV doesn't exist is clearly not working as a strategy - its recent success in the European elections is proof of that. Calling it what it is - a racist party - and firmly condemning its viewpoints will. (nrc.nl) more
June 12, 2009

FISHERMEN GIVE EELS A HAND
The number of eels in Dutch estuaries is steadily declining. Because many are pointing the finger of blame at fishermen, as a sign of goodwill they have released 85,000 young eels into Dutch waters. (rnw.nl) more
June 12, 2009

WELCOME TO THE WORST HOTEL IN THE WORLD
It's hard to disappoint when you advertise yourself as the worst in the business.The Hans Brinker in Amsterdam has put its shoddy, budget hotel image at the centre of what it calls an 'honest' advertising campaign. A successful one too, because it has been running for ten years. Now a coffee-table book is published with the best of those ads under the title The Worst Hotel in the World. (nrc.nl) more
June 12, 2009

BRUSSELS TO INVESTIGATE DUTCH BANK BAIL-OUTS
The European Commission was already investigating Dutch state aid to ING. Now, the Dutch European commissioner for competition, Neelie Kroes, has announced she also intends to investigate whether the government bailout of Fortis Bank Netherlands in October 2008 and the purchase of ABN Amro in December 2008 complied with state aid rules. (nrc.nl) more
April 12, 2009

TOURISTS SHUN AMSTERDAM'S SEX DISTRICT
Beate Uhse, the German sex empire that is now largely in Dutch hands, says a publicity campaign is needed to attract more foreign tourists to Amsterdam's Red Light District. The company claims Project 1012 has severely damaged its business. Project 1012, named after the postal code of the Red Light District, involves the closing of dozens of window brothels. The council will decide about the plan in June. (radionetherlands.nl) more
April 12, 2009

'CRASHED PLANE HELD MILITARY SECRETS'
The four Boeing workers killed when a Turkish Airlines plane crashed shortly before landing at Schiphol airport at the end of February were carrying top secret information about an advanced US radar system, the Telegraaf reports on Friday. According to 'extremely confidential sources' FBI agents flew in from Frankfurt by private jet to take control of the laptops. (dutchnews.nl) more
April 12, 2009

EURO-SCEPTICISM GROWS IN THE NETHERLANDS
The Dutch are far more sceptical about the European Union in the run-up to 4 June's EU parliamentary elections than they were before the EU polls of 1994 and 2004. The increased Euro-scepticism emerges from a survey by TNS NIPO carried out for the University of Amsterdam's Centre for Politics and Communication. (nrc.nl) more
April 12, 2009

ELDERLY CRIMINALS IN NETHERLANDS UP BY 85 PERCENT
The number of elderly lawbreakers in the Netherlands is up by 85 percent - almost double - in the last 12 years.
Figures released by the Pubic Prosecutor's Office reveal the number of over-65s convicted of breaking the law has reached 5,500. There has been a noticeable increase in those aged over 80. (expatica.com) more
April 12, 2009

FEWER HOMELESS ON THE STREETS
The number of homeless people in the Netherlands has fallen sharply over the past few years, according to the homeless charity umbrella group Federatie Opvang. Since 2006, local initiatives have made an effort to work together more closely and offer tailor-made help to the homelesss. 'That approach has proved a success,' the charity group said. (dutchnews.nl) more
April 12, 2009

EDUCATION GAP IN NETHERLANDS DIVIDES SOCIETY
Educational level – not social class – is the main division in society, according to a report published last Monday. The report, entitled Diploma Democracy, suggests that that the key division in society is no longer between the working and capitalist classes, but rather a political gulf between well-educated and less educated people. (expatica.com) more
April 12, 2009

DUTCH READY TO PROTECT NEW YORK FROM THE SEA
Four hundred years after the English explorer Henry Hudson discovered 'by chance' what is now known as Manhattan, the Dutch are returning. Henry Hudson was actually trying to find the shortest route to India, but in 2009 the Dutch have a very different mission. They want to protect the island of Manhattan, and the city of New York, from the rising sea water. (radionetherlands.nl) more
April 12, 2009

DRUG USERS DRAW SPIDER WEBS
Visitors at a drug users' room often make sketches to pass the time. An artist who was curious about the group asked them to draw spider webs to see if the drawings would give her an insight into each person's character. The artistic results were remarkable, especially when one considers that the forgotten group of Surinamese drug users are seen as outcasts of society. (radionetherlands.nl) more
April 12, 2009

GREEN KEY TO SUCCESS IN THE NETHERLANDS
Ιn the Netherlands the tour operators have introduced a possible key to a tourism revival. Starting this year, Dutch tour operators will implement a sustainable management system which can also turn a key in their tourist destinations. Travelife is an easy to use system for all travel related businesses that recognize the challenge ofinnovation. With the global concern about the environment and the growing demand for /value-formoney/, sustainable tourism can offer a key to success. (traveldailynews.com) more
April 12, 2009

BOS AND BANKS AGREE OVER BONUSES
Dutch finance minister Wouter Bos has reached a 'gentlemen's agreement' with the financial sector
about bonus moderation.Bos has repeatedly expressed his anger and frustration about the bonus culture at Dutch banks - especially when bonuses were paid out at banks that were previously rescued
by the Dutch government. (nrc.nl) more
April 6, 2009

ANIMAL RIGHTS EXTREMISM 'NOT TERRORISM'
Animal rights activists in the Netherlands are becoming more violent but are not involved in actual
terrorism, the state security service AIVD said in a report on Thursday. The number of violent incidents involving animal rights activists has gone up over the past two years but there is no evidence that the aim is to damage society or terrify the public at large, the AIVD said. (dutchnews.nl) more
April 6, 2009

POLITICAL ROW IN DENMARK OVER GEERT WILDERS
Controversial Dutch politician Geert Wilders, who was barred from entering the United Kingdom a month ago, has become the subject of a political row in Denmark. The Danish People's Party and the
Conservative Party both want to invite Mr Wilders to a conference in Copenhagen in June on the theme
of freedom of speech and radicalisation. (radionetherlands.nl) more
April 6, 2009

NEWROPEANS WANT CHANGE TOO
You don't let local parties run a country, so why let national interests run Europe? That's the
message Newropeans tried to get across at the launch of their Dutch campaign for the upcoming European elections. "The revolution starts here", believes party leader Arno Uijlenhoet. The Netherlands and France are of particular importance to them, because people there said 'no' to the European Constitution in 2005. (radionetherlands.nl) more
April 6, 2009

DUTCH LAWYER ADVISES OBAMA ON GUANTÁNAMO
Guantánamo Bay prisoners should be tried by a United States court under specialised but non-military
law. That is the advice Dutch lawyer Geert-Jan Knoops has given US President Barack Obama. His
blueprint for the trials is already on the desks of Mr Obama's advisors in the White House. (radionetherlands.nl) more
April 6, 2009

ROTTERDAM TO INTRODUCE GOOD TENANT TEST
Rotterdam city council has drawn up far-reaching plans to screen prospective tenants for a history
of anti-social behaviour before giving them homes in problem neighbourhoods. People who fail the good behaviour test, known as the ‘tokkie-toets’, will not be considered for a housing corporation house in the area, the Dutch newspaper Algemeen Dagblad reports.(dutchnews.nl) more
April 6, 2009

DOCUMENTARY REVEALS WHAT YOUNG MUSLIM FUNDAMENTALISTS THINK
Around 10,000 young Muslims in the Netherlands are followers of the fundamentalist Salafi branch of Islam. Their appearance - beards for the men and veils for the women - and their refusal to shake hands has generated a great deal of public disapproval. Apart from this non-verbal communication, we don't actually hear much about what they think. However, a documentary by Dutch public broadcaster VPRO entitled Inshallah is about to change all that. (radionetherlands.nl) more
April 6, 2009

THE DUTCH PUBLIC MEDIA LANDSCAPE IS CHANGING
The race has been on recently for public broadcasting organisations in the Netherlands to recruit as
many members as they can. Every five years public broadcasting associations are given the opportunity of increasing their airtime. There is only one hitch: public broadcasting airtime in the
Netherlands is based on the number of members who join a broadcasting association. (radionetherlands.nl) more
April 6, 2009

NETHERLANDS ASKED TO HOST AFGHANISTAN CONFERENCE
The Netherlands has been asked to host an international conference on Afghanistan at the end of this month. Foreign Minister Maxine Verhagen, speaking at the NATO summit in Brussels today, has said he will respond to the request as quickly as possible. more
March 5, 2009

TOXIC BIOCIDES DISCOVERED ON DUTCH MARKET
Minister Jacqueline Cramer of VROM announced that there are banned substances mixed into products in the Netherlands. In the Netherlands there are approximately 800 to 1,000 poisonous substances mixed into products. All of them are banned by
the European Union. Sixty-seven of these substances are so toxic the products in which they’re mixed have to be removed from shelves immediately. (expatica.com) more
March 5, 2009

GLOBAL CRISIS BOOSTS BICYCLE SALES
Acell, the Dutch company which makes brands such as Batavus and Sparta, reports a 17 percent increase in profits in 2008. Sales were especially up in the second half of the year, when the crisis started biting. Accel says people are turning to bikes because they are cheaper, better for the environment and easier to use for the elderly. (expatica.com) more
March 5, 2009

DUTCH PENSIONS UNDER PRESSURE
More than 4.7 million Dutch run the risk that their pension fund will have to lower the pensions it pays out in the coming years in order to avoid collapse. (nrc.nl) more
March 5, 2009

NEW FIGHTER JET WON'T CREATE JOBS
The Netherlands participation in the US project to create a new jet fighter known as the JSF will not create many more jobs, according to the government's macro-economic advisory body CPB. Meanwhile, the US government's audit office says it is too risky for the Netherlands to decide next year whether or not to order the JSF to replace the air force's aging F16s, ANP reports. (dutchnews.nl) more
March 5, 2009

DUTCH UNEMPLOYED TOLD TO FIND A JOB - ANY JOB
Dutch people who have been on unemployment benefits for more than a year will have to accept any job they are offered, according to new rules supported by a majority in parliament. (nrc.nl) more
March 5, 2009

AMSTERDAM TO PAY DRIVERS TO AVOID RUSH HOUR
Amsterdam council is to encourage drivers to avoid motorways during rush hours by offering them cash incentives, reports local paper Parool on its website on Thursday afternoon. Drivers must apply through their employer to take part. (dutchnews.nl) more
March 5, 2009

HEADSCARF AWARD FOR FIGHTING DISCRIMINATION
Dutch supermarket chain Dirk van den Broek has been presented with the first Headscarf Award for making the most effort to get the headscarf accepted in the workplace. According to the jury report the company has made the most effort to get the headscarf accepted in the workplace. (radionetherlands.nl) more
March 5, 2009

‘THE FIRST TIME I'VE CRIED FOR 30 YEARS’
The premiere in Cambodia of the theatre piece Breaking the Silence by Dutch director Annemarie Prins has brought many emotions to the surface. It is based on the stories of survivors of the country's infamous Khmer Rouge regime and appears to have achieved its aim: to break the 30-year silence around the genocide committed in Cambodia between 1975 and 1979. (radionetherlands.nl) more
March 5, 2009

FOOD RETAILER AHOLD DOING WELL
Major food retailer Ahold has had a profitable fourth quarter despite the economic crisis. The Dutch company on Monday reported a 285-million-euro net profit, up from 262 million in the same quarter in 2007. The Albert Heijn supermarket chain was particularly successful, with annual figures showing a 12 percent increase in turnover. (nrc.nl) more
March 5, 2009

IRANIAN-DUTCH ACTIVIST GETS 11 YEARS, NOT 30
It’s quite a difference, 11 versus 30 years behind bars. The lawyer of the Iranian-Dutch activist Abdullah al Mansouri was present at his court hearing in Iran, and he’s certain: Iranian-Dutch activist Al Mansouri received an 11 year sentence. (expatica.com) more
March 5, 2009

DUTCH SUSPECTED TERRORIST TO MAKE CONFESSION IN THE US
Wesam al-D, a Dutch man accused of planting roadside bombs to kill American troops, is expected to plead guilty in the first case against an alleged insurgent from the Iraq war prosecuted in the United States. His lawyer Vincent Koppe said he will enter the plea at a Washington federal court Thursday. (nrc.nl) more
March 5, 2009

DUTCH RECESSION NOW OFFICIAL
Friday the thirteenth brought gloomy news about the Dutch economy. New figures from national statistics office CBS confirm that the economy has been officially in recession since the second quarter of 2008, and is in worse shape than previously thought. more
February 16, 2009

INCREASE IN HUMAN TRAFFICKING IN NETHERLANDS
Human trafficking in the Netherlands is on the rise, according to figures obtained from the National Centre against Human Trafficking. The latest figures show more women, especially from Hungary and China, falling prey to human traffickers. more
February 16, 2009

FOOD BANK FOR ANIMALS IN AMSTERDAM
The Dutch are a nation of animal lovers, so perhaps it isn't too surprising that a food bank for pets is being set up in Amsterdam. Unfortunately, it's a fact of life that during tough economic times, having more than two legs sometimes puts you at a disadvantage when it comes to getting enough to eat. more
February 16, 2009

IT'S NICE TO DRIVE ELECTRIC
The arrival of the first four-person electric car means that 'clean driving' is now possible in the Netherlands. And if the car uses green electricity it will not emit any CO2. The electrification of the roads has begun. In a time that almost every car brand is developing electric cars, also a global plan for car charging stations is becoming reality. more
February 16, 2009

DUTCH CAN PROTECT DISAPPEARING AMAZON
As the most important trade partner of Brazil and the largest EU importer of soy, the Dutch can do much more to protect the rain forests in the Amazon. This is the conclusion of ‘Keeping the Amazon Forests Standing’, a World Nature Fund (WNF) report written by scientists of two Dutch universities.
The authors of the report call the developments in the Amazon region alarming. more
January 26, 2009

CUDDLE THERAPY
A small Dutch non-profit organisation, helps elderly or infirm people look after their animals. About sixty volunteers visit different homes to take dogs out for a run, and make sure any pets are being fed, cleaned and generally cared for. Through this social service elderly can keep their sometimes only constant companion for much longer. more
February 16, 2009

WILDERS ASKS HIGH COURT TO HALT PROSECUTION
Populist politician Geert Wilders is taking his case to the high court, asking the country's highest judicial body to quash the order to prosecute him ‘in the interest of the law’. He has enlisted the well known lawyer Bram Moszkowicz. The lawyer has confirmed he is taking the case to the country's high court, requesting an immediate end to the proceedings. more
February 16, 2009

NUCLEAR POWER IS ONCE MORE AN OPTION
Many countries are building new nuclear plants. What is the Netherlands doing? Power company Delta, wants to build a new nuclear power plant, alongside the only existing plant in the Netherlands in Borssele. It is now preparing the first applications for permits. The question is whether the plans will ever advance to actual construction. more
February 16, 2009

FAITH IS ALIVE, EVEN AMONGST THE NON-RELIGIOUS
Did God create man or did man evolve from the ape? The answer is the subject of heated argument during Darwin Year 2009. The existence of God is being called into question on British buses and 6 million Dutch households will soon receive a brochure in the mail that raises questions about evolutionary theory. more
February 16, 2009

VICTIMS OF PEOPLE TRAFFICKING UNJUSTLY DETAINED
A Dutch report published earlier this month, reveals that victims of people trafficking are often unjustly locked away in cells intended for illegal aliens. In many cases, once they have been arrested by the Dutch police or the military police for being illegal immigrants without residence documents, their status as a victim does not come to light. more
January 26, 2009

BALKENENDE MENTIONED AS EU COMMISSION PRESIDENT
The name of the Dutch prime minister keeps coming up in speculation about who the next president of the European Commission will be. When asked, Jan Peter Balkenende says he needs to finish his job in The Hague.
more
January 26, 2009

'IRAQ MEMO' OPENS DOOR TO POSSIBLE GOVERNMENT INQUIRY
A confidential memorandum from the Dutch minstry of foreign affairs which NRC Handelsblad made public last week begs the question as to what the "sufficient legal grounds" were for the Dutch government's support for the Iraq invasion in 2003. With the publication of the secret memorandum, a long-standing debate is being revived over the necessity of holding an Iraq inquiry.more
January 26, 2009

DUTCH REFUSAL TO TAKE GUANTANAMO DETAINEES CRITICISED
The day before Obama's inauguration on Tuesday, Dutch foreign affairs minister Maxime Verhagen made it known that the Netherlands "is not prepared to take in ex-prisoners" from the Guantanamo detention centre in Cuba. Yet the Netherlands' refusal to take on any prisoners is seen by some in the opposition and human rights advocates as contradictory to its commitment to human rights and UN conventions. more
January 26, 2009

ISLAMIC BANKING - THE ANSWER TO THE CREDIT CRUNCH?
Islamic banks seem immune from the current credit crisis. In the past few months, the ‘Islamic Dow Jones' has lost just a few percent, whereas the original stock market index has lost more than a third of its value. Could Islamic banking be a viable alternative to the discredited capitalist system? more
January 26, 2009

DUTCH COURTS TO TRY SOMALI PIRATES
Denmark and the Netherlands reached an extradition agreement, a spokesman said earlier this month. The Danish navy captured the men in the Gulf of Aden on 2 January after receiving a distress call from a Netherlands Antilles-registered freighter. The vessel fended off the pirates with signal flares until a Danish ship arrived and sank the boat of the attackers. more
January 26, 2009

DUTCH CALVINISTS BY COINCIDENCE
The religious reformer Calvin was born 500 years ago, therefore 2009 is celebrated internationally as the year of Calvin. The Dutch are said to have him to thank for their sober nature. But historically was the Netherlands ever really a calvinist nation, and how strong is his influence today? more
January 26, 2009

PALESTINIANS HAVE LITTLE TO EXPECT FROM INTERNATIONAL LAW
The victims of the Israelian offensive in Gaza could attempt to hold Israel legally responsible by going to court themselves or via a human rights organisation. However, they cannot turn to the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague since Israel is not a member, which means the court has no jurisdiction as far as Israel is concerned. more
January 26, 2009

NEW GOVERNMENT MEASURES TO SUPPORT THE DUTCH ECONOMY
The Dutch cabinet is to implement a new series of measures totaling 1.5 billion Euros in order to strengthen the economy, finance minister Wouter Bos announced earlier this month. While the production drops and the Dutch see the sharpest decline in export since seven years, the Dutch are under pressure to launch a much bigger support plan. more
January 26, 2009

GUANTÁNAMO’S TWO SIDES SPEAK WITH ONE VOICE
What is going on behind Guantánamo Bay's high walls? A remarkable group is touring Great Britain providing the answer. Meanwhile, the prison camp's days are numbered. A former Guantánamo Bay guard has joined former inmates to protest against the treatment of terrorist suspects at the highly controversial United States prison facility in Cuba. more
January 26, 2009

PALESTINIAN AND ISRAELI RIGHTS GROUPS HONOURED
Palestinian human rights organisation Al-Haq and the Israeli B'Tselem Information Centre for Human Rights in the Occupied Territories have jointly won this year's Geuzenpenning award. An award to acknowledge outstanding work for democracy and against dictatorship, racism and discrimination. Both groups will be presented with the medal at an official ceremony in Amsterdam in March this year. more
January 26, 2009

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DUTCH COALITION PARTIES URGE PRIME MINISTER TO STAY
The Dutch prime minister, a Christian Democrat, has been named as one of the front runners for the new post of EU president, which will replace the current rotating presidency once the Lisbon Treaty has been adopted. Labour party and ChristenUnie are against Balkenende leaving for a job in Brussels. (nrc.nl) more
November 2, 2009

DUTCH JOBLESS TOTAL LOWEST IN EUROPE
The Netherlands has the lowest official unemployment rate in Europe at 3.6%, according to new figures from the EU statistics office Eurostat. The unemployment rate in the 27-country union as a whole was 9.2% in September, up 0.1 percentage point on the August total and the highest figure in 10 years. The employment rate among the under-25s is also lowest in the Netherlands, at 6.8%. In Europe as a whole, the figure is 20%, Eurostat said. (eurostat.ec pdf) more
November 2, 2009

COURT HEARS HOW KARADZIC LAID THE BASIS FOR ETHNIC CLEANSING
Former Bosnian Serb leader Radovan Karadzic again refused to attend his trial at the Yugoslavia tribunal in The Hague on Tuesday. In doing so he missed the opening remarks of prosecutor Alan Tieger. "Ethnic cleansing was not the result but the aim of the war in Bosnia," the prosecutor said. (nrc.nl) more
November 2, 2009

ALARM OVER LACK OF GIRL POWER IN EU
The candidates are lining up, the tension grows by the day but there is still one major thing missing as the fevered race for top jobs in the EU gets underway: women. Not one female high-flyer has elbowed her way into the roll call of front-runners for the new posts of EU President and Foreign Minister. Despite calls from German Chancellor Angela Merkel and the European Commission for female nominations, the search for women seems to have ended before it even begun. (rnw.nl) more
November 2, 2009

CHINESE GANGS ACCUSED OF MATCH-FIXING
Canadian investigative reporter Declan Hill says Chinese gangs in Amsterdam and Rotterdam have bribed first division football players to influence the outcome of matches at the behest of influential Asian gambling operators. Dutch newspaper De Volkskrant writes that Hill’s accusations are based on conversations with sources in the Asian gambling world. (expatica.nl) more
November 2, 2009

NUCLEAR REACTOR GETS GOVERNMENT GO AHEAD
The Netherlands is going to build a new nuclear reactor, if the government gets its way. The reactor will produce medical isotopes which are important in the treatment of cancer. These radioactive particles are currently made in the 48-year-old nuclear reactor in Petten. Greenpeace has already announced it will campaign against the plan. (rnw.nl) more
November 2, 2009

LET'S NOT GET STUCK ON CARBON EMISSIONS
It is becoming obvious that the highly trumpeted meeting set for Copenhagen this December will not deliver a binding international treaty that will make a significant difference to global warming. Promises to reduce carbon dioxide emissions are never fulfilled. There is a need for soul searching and openness to other approaches. (nrc.nl) more
November 2, 2009

“LAST MOROCCAN LEAVES THE NETHERLANDS”
What if all the Moroccans in the Netherlands were to pack up and leave? This is the question posed by an internet video launched on Tuesday. The makers of Heads or Tails say they want to counter the popular view and show that “Moroccan Dutch people are an integral part of society. And that a large section of the Netherlands doesn’t identify with the hysteria surrounding ‘Moroccans’.” However, judging by the results of a survey on the website’s homepage, the visitors are not persuaded. A majority states: 'Can’t wait' (rnw.nl) more
November 2, 2009

THE HUMAN TRAFFICKING TRIAL IN ZWOLLE CONTINUES
Josephine believed the traffickers who lured her to Europe. On Thursday she was due to testify against them as part of a major trial in the Dutch town of Zwolle. On trial are eleven defendants, most of them Nigerian, who brought young women and one man from Africa under false pretences and forced them into a life of prostitution. (rnw.nl) more
November 2, 2009

DUTCH CABINET OKAYS LAND FLOODING TO ENLARGE BELGIAN PORT
The Dutch cabinet gave the green light Friday to flood a 320-hectare piece of farmland, named the Hedwige Polder, reclaimed from the sea to allow the enlargement of the port of Antwerp in neighbouring Belgium. The Dutch government has yet to decide on compensation for about two dozen Hedwige farmers who lease the 800 acres from a single owner, who has threatened to oppose the move by legal means. (expatica.nl) more
November 2, 2009

IT'S THE GANGSTA LIFE FOR KIDS IN SOUTHEAST AMSTERDAM
Everybody agreed that life in the Amsterdam suburb Bijlmer, once an infamous ghetto, had improved enormously since the renovation of the 1990s. Middle class families moved to the area and crime dropped substantially. So why did three people die in shooting incidents there in the past three months alone? (nrc.nl) more
November 2, 2009

PARLIAMENT OUTMANOEUVRES FOREIGN MINISTER OVER AFGHANISTAN
By voting against an extension of the mission in Uruzgan the Dutch parliament has shut the door on minister Verhagen's attempts to find a way to keep at least some troops in Afghanistan. The Netherlands currently has about 1,450 troops in the southern province Uruzgan, where it has been the 'lead nation' in Nato's mission since 2006. (nrc.nl) more
November 2, 2009

COMPUTERS EMIT SAME POLLUTION AS AEROPLANES
Aviation is often condemned, attacked as an example of our carbon-careless behaviour. But maybe it shouldn’t shoulder all the blame alone. Computers may not have an exhaust pipe but they are still gas-guzzlers. Being part of a big buzzing global internet comes at a price. The whole system runs off huge amounts of electricity, most of which comes from fossil fuels burnt in power stations. (rnw.nl) more
November 2, 2009

CITY COUNCIL TO HELP POLICE CLEAN UP RED LIGHT DISTRICT
The Amsterdam city council is going to help police track down illegal prostitution and crime in the Red Light District. The area has been earmarked for an upgrade. The council hopes to attract more restaurants, cultural institutes and businesses from the creative sector. Many Amsterdammers feel the council is taking its nanny state tactics too far and there have been a number of demonstrations against the council's plans. (rnw.nl) more
November 2, 2009

STRICTER RULES IMPOSED FOR IMPORT BRIDES
Under the new measures, Dutch citizens or residents who want to bring foreign brides and grooms into the country may also have to take the integration exams. Under the new policy, and marriages between cousins, aunts and uncles would be banned and would-be marriage migrants have to be at least 18 years old. (expatica.com) more
November 2, 2009

VAN GOGH THE WORDSMITH NOW ONLINE
Vincent van Gogh was more than just a painter - he was a keen wordsmith too. Now everybody can read some 819 of the letters written by the great Dutch artist. They have been published in six volumes and there's a specialist website too. Most of Vincent van Gogh’s letters are the property of the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam. A selection of these letters is on display at the museum until 3 January 2010. (rnw.nl) more
November 2, 2009

HEADSCARF BAN A 'SLAP IN THE FACE' FOR FLEMISH MUSLIMS
A decision in one school in Antwerp rapidly led to a general ban on headscarves in public schools in the Flemish region of Belgium this month. All over Belgium Muslim women protest against the headscarf ban. Some in the Moroccan community now want to found their own schools. (nrc.nl) more
September 28, 2009

CAMELS NEW CASH COWS FOR DUTCH FARMERS?
Landscapes don't get much more typically Dutch than the one just outside the southern city of Den Bosch. Vast farmlands, cows, cornfields, a modern farm here and there and the outline of a small village on the horizon. But there's one element that doesn't seem to fit in the picture: a herd of forty camels, quietly grazing in a meadow next to a traditional dairy farm. (rnw.nl) more
September 28, 2009

DUTCH FARMER RUNS FOR GERMAN PARLIAMENT
For the first time in history, a person born in the Netherlands has a good chance of winning a seat in the Bundestag. Dairy farmer Kees de Vries is high on the Christian Democratic Union’s (CDU) candidate list for parliament. A politician friend suggested running for the Bundestag in 2005 but De Vries didn't have the backing of his party then. This time around, he is virtually assured of being elected to parliament. (rnw.nl) more
September 28, 2009

BENEFITS CUT FOR THOSE NOT INTEGRATING
About 1,300 foreigners in the Dutch town of Utrecht on social welfare face having their allowance reduced if they refuse to follow a formal integration course and improve their knowledge of the Dutch society. The integration courses are compulsory for non-EU
citizens who do not hold Dutch passports. (expatica.nl) more
September 28, 2009

INSIDE TRAFIGURA
Behind Trafigura, the company that came in the news because of the toxic waste scandal in Ivory coast, is a little-known but wealthy group of London oil traders, who have high-level connections in the Conservative party. The firm's profits have ballooned over 16 years; it made $440m last year on a $70bn turnover, as the world's third-biggest private oil and metals trader. (guardian.co.uk) more
September 28, 2009

BIG BROTHER, AN INTERNATIONAL TV SUCCESS STORY?
It rarely happens that an idea for a television series makes so much money as the Dutch format 'Big Brother'. On the other hand, it rarely happens that so many people who participate in a television series end up with as many psychological problems as those who have lived in a 'Big Brother house'. (rnw.nl) more
September 28, 2009

DIGGING FOR DINNER IN AMSTERDAM
A group of people in Amsterdam wants us to find our food in more natural surroundings.The initiative is part of a five-month project that pairs artists with nature lovers in Amsterdam. It’s really about taking up the challenge of finding what’s available in your immediate, local, urban environment and seeing how far – whether the ingredients are plants or animals - it’s possible to turn them into something edible. (rnw.nl) more
September 28, 2009

A PASSION FOR BARREL ORGANS
There are fewer barrel organs to be seen on Dutch streets nowadays. Mind you, there are still quite a few around. Lovingly taken care of by volunteers, the Netherlands’ 20 most beautiful barrel organs were to be seen earlier this month in Amsterdam’s Dam Square. A treat for eye and ear! (rnw.nl) more
September 28, 2009

THE COST OF IMMIGRATION
Is it possible or even desirable to make a cost-benefit analysis of immigration? This is the awkward debate being waged in Dutch politics after the far-right Freedom Party demanded to know the impact immigration has on the nation's budget. A Dutch professor in
economics argues that it is impossible to proof that migrantion costs more than that it brings in. 'Migrants provide a lot of profit'. (rnw.nl) more
September 28, 2009

REFLOODING OF POLDER CAUSES POLITICAL WAVES
The Netherlands signed a treaty with Belgium, agreeing to deepen the Westerscheldt river, and to flood the Hedwige polder as a compensation for the wetlands that will be lost by the dredging of the waterway. Local protest groups continue to oppose the reflooding of the polder, so the Dutch cabinet has promised it will look for an alternative to returning a polder in Zeeland province to the sea, but is out of options and especially time. The patience of the Belgians has been exhausted. (rnw.nl) more
September 28, 2009

SUGAR DADDY LOOKS TO PIMP ETHNIC ENTREPRENEURS
The Dutch Sugar Daddy foundation wants to help ambitious ethnic minority entrepreneurs set up companies with money and practical advice. Amos Frank spent the last three-and-a-half years setting up Sugar Daddy. He had seen how people from immigrant backgrounds had been consistently portrayed in a negative fashion ever since the 2002 murder or film maker Theo van Gogh by a radical Moroccan-Dutch Muslim. He wanted to change that. (nrc.nl) more
September 28, 2009

HOLLAND TO HONOUR WESTERSCHELDE DEAL
The Netherlands will honour its commitments to deepen the Dutch side of the Westerschelde estuary to allow bigger ships to reach Antwerp port. The question is how? Actually flooding the Hedwigepoler to create nature? Earlier this month, the Flemish regional government took the unusual step of summoning the Dutch ambassador in Belgium to a meeting to formally express its irritation at the delays. (dutchnews.nl) more
August 31, 2009

SHIFTING BLAME IN THE WESTERSCHELDE DEBACLE
Why did the decision making process over the dredging of the Westerschelde go so terribly wrong that it has now soured relations between the Netherlands and Belgium? The Dutch parliament would like to know too and has summoned prime minister Balkenende to explain
his role. (nrc.nl) more
August 31, 2009

20 YEARS SLOW FOOD
If the first blast of daily stress has already hit home after the summer holidays, there is no better place than the world's original "Slow City" to learn the art of taking it easy. Bra, the birthplace of the Slow movement, is a tiny town of pastel houses, elegant churches and cobbled streets in northern Italy. Twenty years ago founder Carlo Petrini clubbed together with friends to create the "Slow Food Manifesto" in their crusade to save local agriculture and promote regional cuisine. (rnw.nl) more
August 31, 2009

DUTCH TV REPORTER TAKES MOSCOW TO COURT
A Dutch TV reporter is taking Moscow to court over the death of his cameraman Stan Storimans during the fighting in Georgia last year. TV reporter Jeroen Akkermans is taking Russia to the European Court of Human Rights. RTL has been saying all along that Russian forces used outlawed cluster munitions in the attack on Gori. (nrc.nl) more
August 31, 2009

WILDERS SHUNS LOCAL ELECTIONS, SETS SIGHTS ON 2011
Geert Wilders' Party for Freedom (PVV) will only run in two municipalities for the 2010 local elections; Wilders is planning to go all out for the 2011 national elections. Although his popularity is slightly
deceasing, Wilders wants to cash in his projected victory in the opinion polls – a tripling of the PVV's current
nine seats in the Dutch parliament. (nrc.nl) more
August 31, 2009

WHEN BLOOD STARTS FLOWING, WHERE WILL WILDERS' VOTERS BE?
Do the many supporters of anti-Islam politician Geert Wilders fully realise the dangers of a divided society? When people feel rejected, they will start to display hostile behaviour. (nrc.nl) more
August 31, 2009

EUROPEAN TRANSPORTERS ARE STILL AFRAID OF THE WATER
Water transport is both cheaper and cleaner than road transport. So why does nobody want it? The Netherlands introduced the regional transshipment centre, a new formula where inland vessels discharge cargo and the last 5 kilometers of the delivery is done by small trucks. (nrc.nl) more
August 31, 2009

NETHERLANDS HAS MOST PART-TIME WORKERS IN EUROPE
The Netherlands stands lonely at the top in Europe with almost 50% of the Dutch working population working part-time. Especially women, but also many men have a part-time job in the Netherlands. Sweden comes
second with only 26% part-time workers. Germany comes in third place with 25%. (dutchdailynews.com) more
August 31, 2009

AMNESTY CALLS ON DUTCH TO RECEIVE JEAN-PIERRE BEMBA
Amnesty International today called on The Netherlands and other countries to urgently agree to receive Jean Pierre Bemba, following a decision by the International Criminal Court in The Hague to grant him
temporary release pending his trial. Bemba, a politician in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, was arrested near Brussels on 24 May 2008 on the basis of an arrest warrant issued by the ICC. He is charged with three counts of crimes against humanity and five counts of war crimes. (allafrica.com) more
August 31, 2009

SOMALI PIRATES URGE DUTCH COURT TO SPEED UP TRIAL
Five alleged Somali pirates urged a Dutch judge earlier this month to speed up their trial following their arrest in January. One alleged pirate says his family needs him to support them and seeks for trial to be carried out quickly. "I have three small children; there is nobody to help them. I am the sole breadwinner for my family." (expatica.com) more
August 31, 2009

AMSTERDAM CAUGHT IN 'CULTURE WAR' WITH FOX NEWS
Fox News has responded to criticism of its portrayal of Amsterdam as a “cesspool of corruption” after
thousands of videos were posted on Youtube in the city's defence. Out of the 1,100 Youtube videos that
have gone online since The O'Reilly Factor slammed Amsterdam as a corrupt city, a Dutch film student's
film has been the most popular. (expatica.nl) more
August 31, 2009

WORLD HERITAGE A STATUS SYMBOL FOR THE WADDEN SEA
UNESCO has added the Wadden Sea to its prestigious list of World Heritage Sites. The sea – stretching
along the northern coast of the Netherlands and Germany – supports millions of birds, but also hosts various human and industrial activities. While environmental groups are enthusiastic, the fishing community harbours suspicions. (rnw.nl) more
August 31, 2009

AMSTERDAM REDEFINES TOWN TWINNING AS AID
Many places in the Netherlands and the world have 'twin' or 'sister cities' in other countries. Amsterdam has decided to take the concept in a new
direction: its city services are now involved in development aid in 13 countries. They help out with public transport, housing, fire fighting, health care or even citizen participation. (nrc.nl) more
August 31, 2009

MAN WHO MADE AMSTERDAM 'MAGIC CENTRE' DIES
Poet and author Simon Vinkenoog, who had been known as Amsterdam's "weed ambassador" since the 1960s, has died aged 80, his family said on Sunday. He had been ill for some time, having undergone a leg amputation and suffered a fatal brain haemorrhage. (rnw.nl) more
July 14, 2009

QUEENS DAY KILLER'S MOTIVES MAY REMAIN A MYSTERY
Karst T., the man who killed seven bystanders during the Queen's Day parade, did not have any plans for his life after April 30, experts involved in the investigation told NRC Handelsblad. (nrc.nl) more
July 14, 2009

ELECTRICITY MADE AT HOME SAVES MONEY AND THE ENVIRONMENT
Fifty homes in the Netherlands are now able to generate electricity as well as heat their homes via their boilers. Energy producer Eneco has installed 50 HRe boilers - ordinary heating boilers with a built-in generator - as part of a field test to determine if decentralised energy production works in practice. Of course, the company also wants to see if it's profitable. (rnw.nl) more
July 14, 2009

NEW LOW IN DUTCH-SERBIAN RELATIONS
An attempt to improve relations between the Netherlands and Serbia backfires as Dutch foreign
minister Maxime Verhagen postpones a planned visit to Belgrade indefinitely. Serbians see the Dutch as their main obstacle to EU membership. (nrc.nl) more
July 14, 2009

ROTTERDAM CLOSES 16 COFFEE SHOPS
Sixteen coffee shops in Rotterdam have been shut down following a new government policy banning the sale of soft drugs from outlets within 250 meters of schools. Rotterdam police said they would monitor the situation and to make sure drug dealers do not set up business from home in a bid to circumvent the ban. (expatica.nl) more
June 12, 2009

ROTTERDAM REGISTRATION OF ETHNIC BACKGROUNDS HIGHLY DISPUTED
More than half of young Dutch men with Moroccan backgrounds in Rotterdam have had problems with the police. Criminology professor Frank Bovenkerk calls his findings alarming, but in his farewell speech at Utrecht University said, “It’s not due to ethnic backgrounds”. (rnw.nl) more
June 12, 2009

DUTCH SURVIVORS SEEK 'JUSTICE NOT VENGEANCE' FROM DEMJANJUK
Sixteen Dutch survivors and relatives of victims of the Nazi extermination camp Sobibor plan to stand as the injured party in the trial against alleged former camp guard and war criminal John Demjanjuk. (nrc.nl) more
June 12, 2009

IN AFRICA, FARM LAND IS USED TO FEED THE RICH COUNTRIES
New research commissioned by the FAO and the International Fund for Agricultural Development says the leasing of farm land to foreign companies, investment funds and foreign governments is now a worldwide phenomenon.
Developing countries are leasing farm land so rich countries can feed their populations. Neo-colonialism? Or do the poor countries benefit? (nrc.nl) more
June 12, 2009

NETHERLANDS PROPOSES INTERNATIONAL ANTI-PIRACY TRIBUNAL
The Netherlands proposed Friday the creation of an international tribunal to try Somali pirates."The government submitted the proposal to a meeting of the International Piracy Contact Group in New York," announced a Dutch foreign ministry spokesman. (expatica.nl) more
June 12, 2009

HELD BY THE TALIBAN
Dutch journalist Joanie de Rijke was held hostage in Afghanistan by Taliban fighters for six days in November 2008. She has now written a book about her ordeal. She was raped, but says she doesn't hate her abductors. From the moment she was captured, she believed she would be killed: "I'm going to be beheaded" was her first thought. Her ideas did not change much. (rnw.nl) more
June 12, 2009

LESS IS MORE IN DEBATE ABOUT PRISON POPULATION
The Netherlands may be closing eight prisons, but not because of any lack of criminals, says researcher Ben Vollaard. There are plenty of criminals; they just don't end up in prison as much. Not everybody thinks this is a bad thing. (nrc.nl) more
June 12, 2009

GOING DUTCH? NOT SO FAST!
NRC columnist Heleen Mees begs to disagree with Russell Shorto's raving article in The New York Times about the benefits of living in the Dutch welfare state. Mees, who lives in New York, has recently published a book in which she argues that European welfare states would do well to look to opportunity-based societies like New York for inspiration. (nrc.nl) more
June 12, 2009

PREVENTING MASS ATROCITIES
During the International Conflict Conference that was held in Amsterdam last month, experts spoke of the need to put mechanisms in place to prevent the misuse of the 'responsibility to protect' doctrine. It is 10 years since the ethnic cleansing in the former Yugoslavia, 15 years since the Rwandan genocide and three decades since the Cambodian killing fields. The international community cried 'never again', but it has failed to prevent similar bloodshed in Bosnia, Darfur and elsewhere. (rnw.nl) more
June 12, 2009

AMSTERDAM PLANS SUSTAINABLE ENERGY COMPANY
Amsterdam city council has launched a plan for the city to sustainably produce almost a third of the energy it uses by 2025. The council says it wants the city to be the Netherlands' leading wind and solar energy city and a frontrunner in sustainable energy production. To achieve the target, Amsterdam plans to set up its own sustainable power company. (rnw.nl) more
June 12, 2009

AMSTERDAM DISTRICT MAYOR WANTS GAYS AND MUSLIMS TO GET ALONG
Ahmed Marcouch, the chairman of the Slotervaart borough council in Amsterdam, has chosen the confrontational approach to make his ethnic minority neighbourhood more tolerant towards homosexuals. (nrc.nl) more
April 12, 2009

AMSTERDAM GETS TOUGH ON SQUATTERS
Amsterdam has recently toughened its stance against squatters in the capital. Although up to now the city council has opposed an outright squatting ban, the closure of a squatter nightclub and a call by the mayor for legislation to secure the right of police to evict "illegal" squatters indicate a subtle departure from its soft approach to the practice. (radionetherlands.nl) more
April 12, 2009

DUTCH FOREIGN MINISTER LASHES OUT AT WILDERS
Foreign Minister Maxime Verhagen has issued a stinging criticism of the Freedom Party's leader Geert Wilders. According to the minister, Wilders is forcing people to centre their identities on their religion – which is just one factor in their lives. He added that Wilders' remarks were dividing the Netherlands into a country and “us against them”. (expatica.com) more
April 12, 2009

LOWER U.S. DEMAND IMPACTS DUTCH FLOWERING BULB TRADE
The hectares in tulips is nearly unchanged in the current flowering bulb season. There is a significant decline however in the number of hectares planted with daffodils, crocuses and irises. The decline in hyacinths is less significant. Other flower bulb varieties also experienced a drop. The bulb industry decline can be attributed to a dropping demand in the U.S., the biggest customer of flowering bulbs. In 2007, exports to the U.S. declined by 7 percent. (godutch.com) more
April 12, 2009

POLICE TAKE PARENTS OF YOUNG OFFENDERS TO TASK
The city of Amsterdam wants to involve the parents in the fight against youth crime - whether they want to or not.Parents of young people between 12- and 15-years old will have to report to the police station for a 'risk assessment' if their children are arrested for crime or misdemeanour. The measure is part of a two-year pilot project in Amsterdam West that hopes to involve the parents in battling youth crime. more
April 12, 2009

CRITICAL IMAM HAS NO PLACE IN THE DUTCH ARMY
The Dutch parliament usually doesn't interfere with individual government appointments, but it made an exception with the controversial appointment of a Muslim chaplain for the Dutch army. Eddaoudi, who previously worked as a spiritual caretaker in prisons and hospitals, has a right to his opinion - even if it shows little delicacy to call prime minister Balkenende "less worthy than a doormat". (nrc.nl) more
April 12, 2009

DUTCH HOMES TO BE POWERED BY SALTWATER
EcoWorldly reports that Saltwater Power Could Supply Energy for Most Dutch Homes. A new proposal to improve a 75-year-old dike, the Afsluitdijk, in The Netherlands could make it the world’s leading site for generating saltwater power— a clean, Blue Energy source which is 30-40% more efficient than burning coal. (ecoworldly.com) more
April 12, 2009

AMSTERDAM MAYOR WANTS TO DROP MOROCCAN NAME LIST
Following a move by Rotterdam, Job Cohen, the mayor of Amsterdam is calling for the removal of official Moroccan Arab name list from the city hall. In March, Rotterdam mayor Ahmed Aboutaleb said he will set fire to any list of official Moroccan names he comes across in the city’s town hall. (expatica.com) more
April 12, 2009

THE MOSASAUR PAYS A VISIT BACK TO MAASTRICHT
The original skull of the first known Mosasaur is back in Maastricht! The famous fossil is the prime item on display until June 21, 2009 at the Natural History Museum in the new exhibition: ‘Darwin, Cuvier et le Grand Animal de Maestricht’. It took the Maastricht museum two long years of negotiations with the French museum of Natural History in Paris to finally obtain the specimen on loan. The suggestion was made that it could be lent to Maastricht to feature in an exhibition celebrating the 200th anniversary. (crossroadsmag.eu) more
April 12, 2009

'CULTIVATED GUT' MEDICAL BREAKTHROUGH
Tissue of the gut, cultivated from stem cells harvested from the same gut. The Utrecht based Hubrecht laboratory can now claim that impressive scientific feat. Nature magazine acknowledges the importance of this discovery with a feature article. At the moment the cultivated gut is mouse gut, but according to the researchers the technology works just as well in humans. (radionetherlands.nl) more
April 6, 2009

CLINTON ASKS NETHERLANDS TO STAY ON IN AFGHANISTAN
Washington would welcome a Dutch decision to stay on in Afghanistan, US secretary of state Hillary Clinton told RTL4 tv. A longer Dutch presence in Afghanistan would be "very welcome", US secretary of state Hillary Clinton said in an interview with RTL4 television last Tuesday. The Dutch government has assured parliament that the current mission will end in 2010. But it has left open the possibility of the Netherlands maintaining some military presence in Afghanistan. (nrc.nl) more
April 6, 2009

DUTCH CENTRAL BANK HAS DOUBTS OVER 2010 RECOVERY
The Netherlands' Central Bank has said it doubts whether the economy will recover in 2010, as many
analysts are assuming. The bank writes in its annual report over 2008 that it is "virtually impossible" to predict how deep the crisis will be, and when the economy will pick up. Problems that have been solved are constantly being succeeded by new ones, the central bank writes. (radionetherlands.nl) more
April 6, 2009

WATCH OUT - ELECTRIC CARS ARE COMING TO AMSTERDAM
It's a good thing Amsterdammers are used to looking over their shoulders for bicycles - because the electric cars the city wants to promote are just as noiseless. If the Amsterdam city government get its way all taxis, scooters, cars, vans, buses and even the canal boats will soon be running on electricity. (nrc.nl) more
April 6, 2009

RIJKSMUSEUM DISPLAYS NEW YORK'S 'BIRTH CERTIFICATE'
Last Thursday an exhibition in collaboration with the Dutch National Archive opened in the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam displaying the "birth certificate" of New York. The letter, dated 1626, documents the sale of Manhattan which was "valued at 60 guilders". It is the only evidence of the historical event as the actual purchase contract for Manhattan no longer exists. (radionetherlands.nl) more
April 6, 2009

SHAKE-UP PLANNED FOR SCHOOL SEX EDUCATION
Education Minister Ronald Plasterk plans to give young people more help in dealing with sexual images and pornography. He has written to parliament following government research into the ever-increasing emphasis on sex in society and what should be done about its influence on the young. (radionetherlands.nl) more
April 6, 2009

DUTCH PHOTOGRAPHER AMONG "WORLD’S BEST JOB" FINALISTS
The 25-year-old photographer from Amsterdam is aiming to be the caretaker of a tropical island paradise off Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. He is among one of the 16 finalists shortlisted for the competition for "the best job in the world" – to be a caretaker of a tropical island paradise off Australia's Great Barrier Reef. (expatica.com) more
April 6, 2009

COUPLE FURIOUS AS BABY BECOMES TURKISH
A couple from Amsterdam are furious that their new baby Friso has been given Turkish nationality by city civil servants against their express wishes, the Telegraaf reports on Wednesday. The child is entitled to be Turkish because his maternal grandfather is Turkish. But his parents are strongly opposed because they do not want their son to have to undergo military service with the Turkish army. (dutchnews.nl) more
April 6, 2009

INTERNATIONAL COURT ISSUES WARRANT FOR SUDANESE PRESIDENT
The International Criminal Court in The Hague has issued an arrest warrant for Sudanese president Omar al-Bashir on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Darfur. The ICC's arrest warrant for Bashir does not mention genocide. The three-judge panel said there was insufficient evidence to support charges of genocide against Bashir. (nrc.nl) more
March 5, 2009

GANG ARRESTED FOR ILLEGAL DUMPING IN GHANA
Thousands of fridges, washing machines and tv sets for which consumers in the Netherlands have paid a recycling levy are being dumped illegally in Ghana, reports Wednesday's Volkskrant. Police have arrested eight people in connection with the illegal trade. The gang leaders, three men who are related, were picked up in Deventer while five Ghanians were arrested in other parts of the Netherlands, the paper says. (dutchnews.nl) more
March 5, 2009

HARIRI COURT GETS UNDERWAY IN THE NETHERLANDS
The Special Tribunal for Lebanon, set up by the United Nations to try the killers of former Lebanese prime minister Rafiq al-Hariri formally opened on Sunday in the Dutch town of Leidschendam, four years after his assassination. He was killed in a car bombing in Beirut. Twenty-two other people also died in the explosion. Some skepticism about its chances of success is warranted. more
March 5, 2009

DUTCH PRINCESS HOLDS BANKS RESPONSIBLE
Banks have to go back to the basics of their business of saving and lending, says Dutch princess Máxima. The former banker spoke at a symposium on social banking on Tuesday. Princess Máxima had nothing good to say about her former colleagues, bankers who have plunged the world into a deep financial crisis. (nrc.nl) more
March 5, 2009

ING ON STOCK MARKET ROLLER-COASTER
A year ago Dutch banking and insurance group ING was worth 50 billion euros. Now it's no more than six billion. ING's shares are fluctuating wildly, and the reasons are by no means clear. (radionetherlands.nl) more
March 5, 2009

DUTCH BORDER TOWNS TO SHUT COFFEE SHOPS
Two Dutch towns Thursday said their eight cannabis coffee shops would be closed within the next six months to ward off the 25,000 marijuana-smoking tourists who flood their communities every week. Closures in Roosendaal and Bergen-op-Zoom will take effect on 16 September. (expatica.com) more
March 5, 2009

CAMERAS TO TRACK ILLEGAL RUBBISH DUMPERS
The Amsterdam borough of Zuidoost is to place hidden cameras at household waste collection containers in an effort to track down people who dump their rubbish on the street. (dutchnews.nl) more
March 5, 2009

ANOTHER DUTCH ENERGY PROVIDER IN FOREIGN HANDS
The Netherlands' no. 2 on the energy market, Nuon, has agreed to a friendly takeover by Swedish energy provider Vattenfall. The move follows last month's takeover of Essent by Germany's RWE. (radionetherlands.nl) more
March 5, 2009

CONTROVERSIAL CERVICAL CANCER INOCULATIONS UNDERWAY
A vaccination program against cervical cancer has begun in the Netherlands this week. Girls between the ages of 13 and 16 have been called up for the inoculation program. The jabs have to be repeated another two times within six months to be effective. (radionetherlands.nl) more
March 5, 2009

DUTCH GOVERNMENT REFUSES DAMAGE CLAIM
The foundation Committee Dutch Debts of Honour says the Dutch government should apologise and pay damages for the 1947 massacre in the Indonesian village of Rawagedeh. After World War II, the Netherlands carried out two major military offensives in an attempt to defeat the independence movement in its then colony. But until now the Dutch government refuses to grant a damage claim. (expatica.com) more
March 5, 2009

BELGIAN MEDIA TYCOON BUYS MAJOR DUTCH NEWSPAPERS
The Belgian media company Persgroep Publishing is set to acquire a majority stake in the Dutch media group PC+M Uitgevers, publishers of NRC Handelsblad, de Volkskrant and Trouw. Persgroep Publishing has agreed to pay 100 million euros for 51 percent of the shares in PCM. The capital increase will be used in large part to reduce PCM's debt. (nrc.nl) more
March 5, 2009

AFRAID FOR CO2 STORAGE
The oil company Shell wants to store CO2 in old natural gas fields underneath the Dutch town of Barendrecht. Professor Cees van den Akker doubts if the CO2 storage is as safe as other specialists say. Researchers of a Dutch technical institute do not see any special risks, but the Barendrecht inhabitants are scared for the greenhouse gas. This coming Wednesday they massively signed up for a special CO2 storage information evening. more
February 16, 2009

DUTCH MAGAZINE TO INTERVIEW KARADZIC
The Yugoslavia tribunal in The Hague has granted a journalist from the Dutch magazine Revu permission to interview Radovan Karadzic. It is the first time that the war crimes tribunal has given permission for an interview with a suspect. more
February 16, 2009

NEW SQUATTING BAN LAW PROPOSAL
Last week a law proposal to ban squatting was submitted in the Dutch Lower House. The Christian democrat and liberal parties want to fight both squatting and vacancy and it should become possible to jail squatters for up to three years. Last month the Dutch squatter movement presented a so-called 'white book', to show that squatting has a very important role in today’s society. It seems that the mayors of the larger Dutch cities agree. more
February 16, 2009

BAR OWNERS FACE FINE FOR FLOUTING DUTCH SMOKING BAN
Dutch prosecutors sought a 1,200 euro fine for the owners of a small bar in the country's first-ever court case for flouting a smoking ban imposed on the hospitality industry. The decision on the case will be given on February 20. more
February 16, 2009

AMSTERDAM CRIME WORLD MURDER TRIAL DEPENDS ON STATE WITNESS
The Dutch public prosecution department hopes that a trial that started Monday will help solve a number of killings in the Dutch crime world. Eleven suspects, ten killings and one state witness. But how reliable is the state witness that had an active role in some of the liquidations? more
February 16, 2009

BLACK MEN FOR HIRE
'Black men for hire' is how a business in Groningen is marketing their services. BlackPack, as the business is called, offers women the chance to hire personal DJs, chauffeurs, security personnel, personal shoppers, salsa teachers, masseurs, strippers and cooks. more
February 16, 2009

BALKENENDE AGREES TO IRAQ INQUIRY
Dutch Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende has agreed to an inquiry into the Dutch decision in 2003 to support the invasion of Iraq by the US. He announced to the press that there will be a special committee, manned by 'heavyweights'. A result should be on the table before 1 November 2009. Through this Balkenende creates nine months' breathing space. more
February 16, 2009

HUNDREDS OF CHILD PORNOGRAPHY CASES REMAIN UNSOLVED
The number of child pornography cases unsolved or unhandled by police has tripled in the last year. There has been a backlog for years in dealing with cases of child pornography, with too few officers available to tackle the increasing workload. more
February 16, 2009

CALVINISM AND THE CRISIS
Calvinism is undergoing a curious resurrection. The Netherlands, in the words of James Kennedy, the American historian who teaches in Amsterdam and specialises in Christian history, is in need of a sort of "cultural Calvinism." more
February 16, 2009

INDIAN WORKERS CHANGE DUTCH EXPAT DEMOGRAPHICS
Counter to previous trends, the largest group settling in the Netherlands the last three years from outside of Europe is now highly educated people from India. Almost 3,000 Indian ICT professionals and engineers moved to the Netherlands in 2006 and 2007. more
February 16, 2009

MINISTER WANTS CHEAPER SCHIPHOL AIR TICKETS
Dutch transport minister Camiel Eurlings is pushing for air travel tickets in the Netherlands to be made cheaper. He is worried by the dramatic fall in the number of passengers using Amsterdam's Schiphol airport. The move comes just six months after Eurlings imposed a green tax on all outgoing flights. more
February 16, 2009

DECISIONS CLOSURES RED LIGHT DISTRICT TAKEN IN JUNE
It turns out that most of the window brothels, coffee shops, tourist- and fast food shops in the Amsterdam red light district will have to close. Final decisions are already planned to be taken by the council in June this year. The employers' lobby organisation is not amused: ‘The arrogant administration is shoving the new policy down our throats, destroying the traditional Amsterdam red light district culture.’ (incl. video link reportage Swiss TV) more
January 26, 2009

NETHERLANDS' FIRST MOROCCAN MAYOR INAUGURATED
Ahmed Aboutaleb has been inaugurated as Mayor of Rotterdam. He was sworn in by Royal Commissioner Jan Franssen, who remarked that "a world city has gained a world mayor". The former Labour deputy minister for social affairs is the Netherlands' first mayor with Moroccan roots. more
January 26, 2009

INVESTIGATION ANTI-ISRAEL DEMONSTRATORSThe Public Prosecutor's Office in the Netherlands is investigating whether to prosecute anti-Israel demonstrators for using hate speech. During various demonstrations against the conflict in the Gaza Strip earlier this month, some people shouted anti-Semitic slogans, such as 'Hamas, Hamas, Jews should be gassed'. more
January 26, 2009

OMA PLANNING NORTH SEA 'ENERGY SUPER RING' OF WIND FARMS
While the Dutch government finally speeds up the realisation of large windparks in the North Sea, the famous Dutch architecture company OMA, from architect Rem Koolhuis, comes with a futuristic windpark plan for all the surrounding countries. The OMA Sea Power project manager: 'Now every countriers is making plans individually. A super grid of cables is much more efficient. We have to think big, if we also want to drive electric cars.' more
January 26, 2009

ARMY TO CONTRACT OUT AFGHAN INTELLIGENCE
The Dutch army in the southern Afghan province of Uruzgan is to contract out the collation of intelligence on roadside bombs and Taliban positions to a private Israeli firm using British staff. Leiden professor for international relations Fred van Staden tells the paper that such a vital task should not be in the hands of a private company. more
January 26, 2009

RADICAL MUSLIM PREACHER WELCOME IN ROTTERDAM
Dutch Justice minister Hirsch Ballin wrote to parliament last Thursday that the preacher, American citizen Khalid Yasin, is free to enter the country and address audiences over the weekend. The justice minister adds that Mr Yasin will risk prosecution if it turns out that his speeches incite hatred. more
January 26, 2009

SALE OF ENERGY GIANT SPARKS DOUBTS AND QUESTIONS
German energy giant RWE's takeover of Dutch provider Essent is causing concern among environmental groups. Some MPs are asking questions about the sale. Greenpeace spokesperson Meike Barretta told Radio Netherlands Worldwide that her organisation is not happy about the takeover. more
January 26, 2009

HEROES OR COLLABORATORS?
The province of North Holland has agreed to partially fund a new investigation into the Velzer Affair, a murky World War II case involving the betrayal of communist resistance fighters and collaboration with the Nazi occupiers. So far there have been 12 investigations into the case as well as dozens of books, including the best-selling novel The Scandal, along with several films, including The Girl with Red Hair. more
January 26, 2009