Europe Netherlands The Affordable Rent Act has passed the vote of the Eerste Kamer, the Dutch Senate; aimed at reducing rental prices in the medium and social housing sectors, it will be implemented as of next Monday
Europe Netherlands Almost 60% of electors voted against the municipality's green plans in the Amsterdam referendum; the turnout for the referendum was 37,5%, about 10% lower than the number of voters for the European Parliament
Europe Netherlands The number of tourists visiting Amsterdam reached a new record last year, with some 9,4 million tourists spending at least one night in the city, despite efforts to discourage over-tourism
Europe Netherlands Amsterdam follows the example of Utrecht and Leiden and abandons the central armrest of park benches as this type of bench is increasingly considered hostile architecture and the capital wants to be more welcoming to its homeless residents
Europe Netherlands Newborn mothers in the Netherlands need more support for breastfeeding, according to the Nutrition Centre: 71% stopped breastfeeding earlier than they had hoped and two-thirds are disappointed because they felt forced to give up
Europe Netherlands The 'coronavirus pass', a digital certificate introduced in September 2021 that allowed people vaccinated or cured of Covid to access museums and events, did not violate fundamental rights, the Hague judges stated
Europe Netherlands Amsterdam has launched an experiment that allows cyclists with fast electric bikes to use the road instead of a designated bike lane
Europe Netherlands There is a decrease in the number of cyclists killed on Dutch roads, although cyclists represent the largest group of road accident victims for the fourth consecutive year; in 40% of cases they were using an e-bike
Europe Netherlands The Veendam hyperloop test center is ready for use, and in a few weeks, the first vehicle will make a test run on the 420-meter track, made of prefabricated steel pipes
Europe Netherlands The number of firebomb attacks in the Netherlands is on the rise, and this year there were 250; last year the police were called out 900 times for attacks and attempted firebomb attacks, according to updated police data
Europe Netherlands The Dutch government announced it has "provisionally selected" French shipbuilder Naval Group to build its future submarines as part of the Walrus-class replacement program
Europe Netherlands Twice the median income is no longer enough to afford an average home in the Netherlands, according to calculations by the data company Calcassa
Europe Netherlands Persons subject to integration obligations must integrate within three years and if they do not obtain the integration certificate the government can fine them; the European Court of Justice will assess whether this is contrary to European standards