Groningen Gas Drilling Resumes Despite Opposition and Legal Challenges
NAM begins work to restart gas extraction at Warffum after the Council of State upheld its permit for the second time, despite local opposition.
Community
Dutch Legal Cannabis Experiment Completes Its First Year with No Signs of Crime
One year after coffeeshops in ten municipalities switched to selling only legally grown cannabis, all ten licensed growers are operational and no criminal activity has been detected. Hash was the main early challenge, but most customers have since made the switch.
Economy
Private Sector Rents Rising Faster Than House Prices as Supply Keeps Shrinking
Rental prices in the Dutch private market rose 7.3 percent in the first quarter of 2026, outpacing the 5.4 percent rise in owner-occupied house prices. More than 42 percent of available private sector rentals now cost over €2,000 a month.
Crime
Basic-Fit Hack Exposes Personal and Banking Data of 200,000 Members
Hackers gained access to the fitness chain's member visit registration system in an international cyberattack. Names, addresses, bank account numbers and membership details were downloaded before the intrusion was stopped.
Legal
Netherlands Becomes First Country in Europe to Approve Tesla's Full Self-Driving Assist System
The RDW granted Tesla type approval for FSD Supervised on Friday after more than 18 months of testing. Drivers may use the system without hands on the wheel but must remain alert at all times. A broader EU rollout is possible this summer.
