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No Extra Dutch Fee on Cheap Parcels From Outside the EU

Jan 14, 2026

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5 min read

No Extra Dutch Fee on Cheap Parcels From Outside the EU

The government is postponing a planned national surcharge on low value online orders, but an EU wide €3 customs duty is set to start on 1 July 2026 for parcels under €150.

LATEST ARTICLES

Basic Health Insurance Will Cover Three Quit Smoking Attempts in 2026

Jan 14, 2026

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4 min read

Basic Health Insurance Will Cover Three Quit Smoking Attempts in 2026

Netherlands expands the reimbursed stop smoking support from one to three programmes per year, so people can restart faster after a relapse with coaching and prescribed aids.

Health

Stones Thrown at Iranian Embassy in the Hague, Four People Arrested

Jan 14, 2026

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4 min read

Stones Thrown at Iranian Embassy in the Hague, Four People Arrested

Police intervene during solidarity protest as tensions rise around diplomatic site, authorities stress the need to protect embassies while allowing peaceful demonstrations.

Community

More Than Half of Dutch Street Robberies Are Linked to Minors

Jan 13, 2026

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5 min read

More Than Half of Dutch Street Robberies Are Linked to Minors

Police say minors now make up 55% of suspects in robberies, up from 35% a decade ago, as youth crime turns into more serious violence.

Crime

12,000 of Dutch Social Housing Tenants Also Own Other Homes

Jan 13, 2026

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5 min read

12,000 of Dutch Social Housing Tenants Also Own Other Homes

New figures reveal thousands of housing association tenants also own property, intensifying debate over access to scarce social rentals.

Legal

Dutch Colleges Launch Programmes to Operate Drones

Jan 12, 2026

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5 min read

Dutch Colleges Launch Programmes to Operate Drones

New vocational courses respond to rising demand for certified drone pilots as EU rules tighten and drones become standard tools in logistics, inspection, and public services.

Education

Trains Mostly Running, but Buses Still Disrupted in Parts of Netherlands Today

Jan 12, 2026

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4 min read

Trains Mostly Running, but Buses Still Disrupted in Parts of Netherlands Today

NS is operating an adjusted timetable as cold weather effects linger, while several regional bus networks are cancelling morning services or warning of delays.

Environment

Everything You Need You Know About Rob Jetten

Jan 10, 2026

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4 min read

Everything You Need You Know About Rob Jetten

D66 leader Rob Jetten becomes a central figure in coalition talks as fragmented parliament shapes the Netherlands’ next government.

Politics

Storm Goretti Will Bring Even More Fresh Snow to the Netherlands

Jan 9, 2026

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5 min read

Storm Goretti Will Bring Even More Fresh Snow to the Netherlands

Storm Goretti brings fresh snow, strong winds, and drifting “snow dunes” into a country already dealing with ice, and disruption is likely to continue into the weekend.

Environment

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POLITICS

Everything You Need You Know About Rob Jetten

D66 leader Rob Jetten becomes a central figure in coalition talks as fragmented parliament shapes the Netherlands’ next government.

Politics

How Cooperation Between the Netherlands and the US Is Quietly Changing

Dutch leaders avoid open conflict with President Trump, but security, trade, technology, and diplomacy show a clear shift in how the long-standing alliance now functions

Politics

Dutch Coalition Talks Resume After Christmas Break

D66, VVD and CDA return to negotiations with only 66 seats, weighing a minority cabinet, a fourth party, or outside support with pending budget decisions.

Politics

LEGAL

12,000 of Dutch Social Housing Tenants Also Own Other Homes

New figures reveal thousands of housing association tenants also own property, intensifying debate over access to scarce social rentals.

Legal

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.

Legal

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

CULTURE

Historic Amsterdam Church Destroyed by Fire on New Year’s Eve

Vondelkerk church largely destroyed in fire as authorities report dozens of firework related-arrests in Amsterdam and hundreds nationwide during chaotic celebrations.

Culture

Dutch Speed Skater Femke Kok Breaks 500M World Record

24-year-old Femke Kook becomes the first Dutch skater to claim the women’s 500m world record after beating a 12-year-old existing record.

Culture

“Netherlands, Get Better!” Reflects on 15 Years of Black Activism

Amsterdam Museum opens a new exhibition created with Nederland Wordt Beter, exploring how anti-racism movements reshaped Dutch society.

Culture