Asylum seekers in the Netherlands face significantly longer waiting times for case assessments by the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND). Over half of new requests now exceed 15 months, despite a recent decline in first-time asylum applications. The IND attributes delays to a persistent backlog and increased complexity, leading to substantial penalty payments.
Dutch low-cost airline Transavia has cancelled all flights between Amsterdam and Dubai until at least January 28, citing geopolitical tensions and safety concerns over Iranian, Iraqi, and Israeli airspace. The decision follows similar moves by other carriers.
Dutch consumer confidence declined in January 2026, dropping to -23 from -21 in December, according to Statistics Netherlands (CBS). This figure remains significantly below the 20-year average of -11, driven by increased pessimism regarding the economic climate and a reduced willingness to make purchases.
Europe's largest pension fund, ABP, has substantially cut its U.S. Treasury holdings by approximately €10 billion between March and September 2025, reducing its exposure from €29 billion to €19 billion. The move reflects a strategic shift towards diversification and concerns over U.S. assets, with funds largely reallocated to European government bonds.
Fifty homes in Lichtenvoorde, Netherlands, were evacuated on Friday, December 26, 2025, following the discovery of explosive material in a residence on Marishof. A resident was arrested in connection with the find, which prompted a large-scale response from emergency services and the Dutch military's bomb disposal unit.
The Netherlands, alongside 13 other countries, issued a joint declaration on Wednesday, December 24, 2025, condemning Israel's approval of 19 new settlements in the occupied West Bank. The nations asserted that these actions violate international law and jeopardize prospects for a two-state solution and regional stability.
A Rotterdam court has ordered Ayoub M., the man responsible for a fatal stabbing near the Erasmus Bridge in September 2024, to undergo compulsory psychiatric treatment (TBS) due to severe mental illness, rather than a prison sentence. The decision, which found him criminally incompetent despite terrorist intent, has been met with an appeal from some survivors.
The Netherlands' caretaker government has finalized a draft bill to implement a nationwide ban on face-covering clothing during demonstrations. The proposal, driven by concerns over vandalism and violence, includes penalties of up to two months in jail or a €5,150 fine, with exceptions for specific cases. The bill is now open for consultation.
The Dutch Council of State has advised against a proposal to explicitly outlaw ethnic profiling, stating it offers insufficient added value as the practice is already prohibited. The advisory body believes the bill would complicate the existing legal framework rather than clarify it, despite acknowledging that ethnic profiling still occurs.
The Netherlands has signed a contract for three additional NH90 NFH helicopters for the Royal Netherlands Air and Space Force, featuring the latest Block-1 (Software Release 3) upgrades. This acquisition, with an option for two more, aims to enhance maritime capabilities, including anti-submarine warfare, and is expected to be delivered by 2030.
Dutch migration minister David Van Weel has welcomed a new EU agreement on rules for returning third-country nationals staying illegally in the bloc. The deal, part of the broader EU Migration Pact, introduces EU-wide return procedures, allows for 'return hubs' outside the EU, and mandates cooperation from individuals facing return decisions.
Na een anonieme tip heeft de Amsterdamse politie op 30 november honderden kilo's illegaal vuurwerk en verboden wapens ontdekt in een garagebox direct onder het politiebureau Overtoomsesluis en in een nabijgelegen appartement. De vondst, die als 'levensgevaarlijk' werd bestempeld, leidde tot de afzetting van de omgeving en een lopend onderzoek.
The Netherlands will raise the Value Added Tax (VAT) on accommodation services from 9% to 21% starting January 1, 2026. This move, part of the 2026 Tax Plan, aims to boost government revenue but faces strong opposition from the tourism sector, which warns of reduced visitor numbers and economic repercussions.
The 'Kick Out Black Pete' (KOZP) movement has declared victory in its 15-year campaign against the blackface tradition of Zwarte Piet in the Netherlands. The group, led by Jerry Afriyie, announced it would cease operations, citing a significant shift towards 'Sooty Petes' and a decline in traditional blackface portrayals across the country.
The Netherlands has deployed 300 troops, two Patriot missile defense systems, a NASAMS unit, and counter-drone systems to a critical NATO logistics hub in Rzeszów, eastern Poland. The six-month mission, operational from December 1, 2025, aims to protect military aid routes to Ukraine and deter potential Russian threats.
Over 900 local officials in Limburg, Netherlands, have published a full-page advertisement appealing for respect and an end to threats and intimidation. The appeal comes amidst a surge in hostility, particularly concerning plans for new refugee centers, which officials say is hindering democratic processes and forcing some politicians into protection.
A significant bird flu outbreak has been confirmed on multiple poultry farms and a petting zoo in the Netherlands, particularly in regions bordering Germany. The highly pathogenic virus has led to the culling of hundreds of thousands of birds and the imposition of strict 10-kilometer transport bans and restricted zones by both Dutch and German authorities to curb further spread. The resurgence of avian influenza in October 2025, after a six-month hiatus, is raising concerns about the poultry industry and potential price increases.
The Netherlands will extend its reduced excise duties on petrol, diesel, and LPG until January 1, 2027, averting a planned price increase. This measure, costing the treasury approximately €1.6 billion, aims to maintain affordable fuel prices. Separately, Dutch MPs previously allocated €420 million to public transport to prevent fare increases.
The Netherlands plans a significant military infrastructure expansion across 56 locations, driven by global security concerns, particularly in Eastern Europe. The plan, set for a final government decision in December 2025, includes new F-35 bases and barracks, with completion aimed for 2040. This initiative is part of a broader defense budget increase and personnel growth to 100,000 by 2030.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi is set to visit The Hague, Netherlands, on November 25, 2025, to participate in the 30th Session of the Conference of the States Parties (CSP-30) of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW). The annual meeting, running from November 24-28, focuses on the implementation and compliance of the Chemical Weapons Convention.
