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All the Changes Coming into Effect on 1 January 2026

Dec 20, 2025

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6 min read

All the Changes Coming into Effect on 1 January 2026

An overview of the new rules and regulations on work, taxes, housing, payments, and daily life take effect in the new year, from minimum wage rises to VAT hikes and cash-payment limits.

Economy

Legal

Mandatory DUI Courses Rise Sharply in the Netherlands

Dec 19, 2025

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3 min read

Mandatory DUI Courses Rise Sharply in the Netherlands

A new reporting system and rising drug-driving detections mean tens of thousands of motorists now face mandatory courses or medical assessments.

Legal

Youth Unemployment Hits Four-Year High as Entry-Level Jobs Vanish

Dec 19, 2025

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6 min read

Youth Unemployment Hits Four-Year High as Entry-Level Jobs Vanish

Young workers face toughest job market since 2021 while AI adoption eliminates half of starter positions in three years.

Economy

Business

Concerns Grow Over Commercialisation of Veterinary Care in the Netherlands

Dec 18, 2025

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3 min read

Concerns Grow Over Commercialisation of Veterinary Care in the Netherlands

Watchdog warns that private equity and profit incentives may drive up costs and overtreatment, and asks lawmakers to step in

Business

Community

Dutch Health Institute Urges for More Trees and Green Views in Neighbourhoods

Dec 18, 2025

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4 min read

Dutch Health Institute Urges for More Trees and Green Views in Neighbourhoods

Updated “rules of thumb” for public spaces call for nearby play areas, wider pavements, and green views to support healthier daily life.

Environment

"Super Flu" in England May Soon Reach the Netherlands, Experts Warn

Dec 17, 2025

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4 min read

"Super Flu" in England May Soon Reach the Netherlands, Experts Warn

After record flu pressure in England, Dutch experts brace for similar impact at home.

Health

Dutch Government Approves Rent Increases of at Least 4.1% for 2026

Dec 17, 2025

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5 min read

Dutch Government Approves Rent Increases of at Least 4.1% for 2026

Social housing rents rise 4.1%, mid-range sector 6.1%, and private sector 4.4% as housing costs continue climbing

Economy

Netherlands Now Has More Elderly People Than Young Residents

Dec 16, 2025

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4 min read

Netherlands Now Has More Elderly People Than Young Residents

Statistics show the 65+ group has overtaken under-20s for the first time, raising questions about work, pensions and care.

Community

Net Salaries Expected to Rise in 2026 for Workers Across the Netherlands

Dec 16, 2025

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4 min read

Net Salaries Expected to Rise in 2026 for Workers Across the Netherlands

Payroll firm ADP says most employees will see a small net increase thanks to tax changes and higher minimum wage.

Economy

Military Trains to Get Priority Over Passengers Starting Late 2026

Dec 15, 2025

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6 min read

Military Trains to Get Priority Over Passengers Starting Late 2026

Government says urgent military transports will take priority as Netherlands becomes a key NATO transit point, but rail network is unprepared.

Economy

Politics

Data Centres in the Netherlands Now Use as Much Power as 2 Million Homes

Dec 15, 2025

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4 min read

Data Centres in the Netherlands Now Use as Much Power as 2 Million Homes

Consumption from data centres in the Netherlands has nearly doubled in five years, raising questions about grid capacity and sustainability

Environment

A Guide to the Best Christmas Markets Across the Netherlands

Dec 13, 2025

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8 min read

A Guide to the Best Christmas Markets Across the Netherlands

A seasonal guide to the most atmospheric Christmas markets across the Netherlands, from underground caves to historic canals.

Community

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