Storm Benjamin struck the Netherlands on Thursday, October 23, 2025, bringing gale-force winds up to 120 km/h and heavy rain. The storm led to significant travel disruptions, including numerous flight cancellations at Schiphol Airport and reduced train services, primarily affecting coastal areas and western provinces.
The future of nuclear energy in the Netherlands faces significant hurdles, with political divisions and budget cuts pressuring development. The outgoing cabinet plans to fully finance two new power plants via a state-owned company due to a lack of private investment, as reported on October 23, 2025.
The Dutch government has opened direct talks with Beijing to resolve escalating tensions surrounding the Chinese-owned chipmaker Nexperia. This follows the Netherlands' controversial takeover of Nexperia's governance on October 13, 2025, citing national security concerns, and China's subsequent retaliatory export ban on Nexperia's Chinese-made products, threatening global automotive chip supplies.
The Netherlands women's wheelchair basketball team secured their 10th consecutive European title at the 2025 IWBF European Wheelchair Basketball Championships in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, defeating Great Britain in the final. The victory also qualifies them for the 2026 IWBF World Championships.
Hundreds of protestors gathered in Amsterdam's Museumplein on Saturday, October 18, 2025, for a 'No Kings' demonstration. The event expressed solidarity with anti-Trump rallies in the US, opposing perceived authoritarian policies and corruption of the administration.
A new report from Statistics Netherlands (CBS) reveals a significant decline in British nationals moving to the Netherlands post-Brexit. In 2024, the number of British immigrants was less than half of that recorded in 2019, marking a substantial shift in migration patterns between the two nations.
Anti-refugee protests in the Dutch towns of Houten and Uithoorn on Tuesday evening, October 14, 2025, led to multiple arrests after demonstrators threw fireworks and eggs, and chanted racist slogans. The unrest occurred amidst plans to establish new asylum centers in both municipalities.
The Dutch government has invoked emergency powers under the 'Goods Availability Act' to take control of Chinese-owned semiconductor manufacturer Nexperia. Citing serious governance shortcomings and national security concerns over technological knowledge transfer, the move aims to safeguard crucial chip supply for European industries. Nexperia's parent company, Wingtech Technology, saw its shares plummet 10% following the 'highly exceptional' intervention.
Around 1,000 far-right activists demonstrated against immigration in Amsterdam on October 12, 2025. The protest, organized by 'Nederland in Opstand', saw 29 arrests for vandalism and public disorder after scuffles and the use of fireworks, amid a heavy police presence.
The Netherlands national football team secured a commanding 4-0 victory over Finland in a FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier on October 12, 2025. This win at Johan Cruijff ArenA propelled the Dutch to the top of Group G with 16 points, significantly strengthening their bid for direct qualification to the tournament co-hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
Three British airmen, Pilot Officer Arthur Smart, Pilot Officer Raymond Moore, and Pilot Officer Charles Sprack, were reburied with full military honors in Workum, Friesland, 82 years after their Lancaster bomber was shot down over the IJsselmeer in 1943. Their remains were recovered in 2023.
Dutch police have arrested five individuals in connection with the abduction of a 49-year-old woman from Hoofddorp, who disappeared on Wednesday morning, October 8, 2025, while driving to work. Her car was later found, but she remains missing, prompting a large-scale investigation.
A massive fire in an apartment building in Amsterdam Nieuw-West on Monday evening, October 6, 2025, resulted in one fatality and rendered approximately 100 apartments temporarily uninhabitable. The blaze, which started on the third floor, led to the evacuation of all residents, with many requiring temporary accommodation.
Hundreds of thousands marched in Amsterdam on October 5, 2025, in a 'Red Line' protest, urging the Dutch government to adopt a tougher stance on the Gaza war, including sanctions against Israel and a permanent ceasefire. Organizers estimated 250,000 participants.
The Netherlands has become the first EU member state to officially delay the implementation of the EU Pay Transparency Directive, pushing its transposition into national law until January 1, 2027. The original deadline for all member states was June 7, 2026. This decision by the Dutch government cites the need for more time to develop effective legislation and minimize administrative burdens for employers.
D66 leader Rob Jetten has voiced strong criticism against the Dutch caretaker government's plan to extend the residency requirement for naturalization from five to ten years, arguing it could deter skilled workers and hinder integration. The proposal, approved by the cabinet, aims to foster a 'durable connection' but faces opposition ahead of upcoming elections.
The Dutch-flagged cargo ship Minervagracht was struck by a missile in the Gulf of Aden on Monday, September 29, 2025, resulting in a fire and injuries to two crew members. The vessel, operated by Spliethoff, was reportedly attacked by Yemen's Houthi rebels, prompting the evacuation of its 19-person crew.
The Netherlands made a strong start at the 2025 World Para Athletics Championships in New Delhi, claiming two gold medals on Day 1. Noelle Roorda triumphed in the Women's Javelin Throw F46, while Cheyenne Bouthoorn secured gold in the Women's Shot Put F36, positioning the nation at the top of the early medal standings.
The Dutch Federation of Pension Funds (Pensioenfederatie) will withdraw from PensionsEurope on January 1, 2026, following a rejected proposal to change the European association's management. This decision, stemming from 'difference of opinion' over strategy and financing, casts doubt on PensionsEurope's future and prompts its chair to step down.
The Netherlands is reportedly close to finalizing an agreement with Uganda to establish deportation centers for asylum seekers whose applications have been rejected. The controversial plan, spearheaded by Dutch ministers Reinette Klever and Marjolein Faber, aims to curb migration, but faces scrutiny over legality and human rights concerns.
