Writing from New York for the UN General Assembly, Michel examines the rising prominence of the 'Global South' on the international agenda. The article questions whether this grouping serves as a genuine tool for weaker states to assert influence or if it functions primarily as a mechanism for Russia and China to undermine Western power.
The Chess Olympiad in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, is overshadowed by political disputes rather than gameplay. The Israeli team’s refusal to play on Yom Kippur led to walkover wins for the Netherlands and Bulgaria, while Pakistan declined to compete against Israel in solidarity with Palestinians. Simultaneously, the election for FIDE president features candidates Wadim Rosenstein, Jan Henric Buettner, and Timur Turlov. They accuse each other of unethical campaign tactics and lack transparency. Turlov faces scrutiny due to his Russian origins, though he claims Kazakh citizenship and supports Russia's suspension from chess events.
Consumers ordering packages from outside the European Union will face a new 2 euro handling fee starting in November. This additional charge is imposed on top of the existing 3 euro tax that has been in effect since summer for orders valued under 150 euros.
Elif Eralp, 45, has emerged as a prominent figure on the political left in Berlin. Her proposals, which include soup kitchens, rent caps, and the expropriation of housing corporations, have resonated with residents but also drawn criticism. Observers compare her rising influence to that of New York City Council member Zohran Mamdani.
Neighborhood centers run by the Buurtwerkkamer and The Salvation Army in Utrecht face potential closure due to losing municipal subsidies next year. This funding shift results from changes in how subsidies are distributed, raising questions about where the money is now allocated.
The municipality of De Bilt is consulting residents to find a suitable site for asylum seekers. Officials are asking citizens to propose alternatives to the Berg en Bosch terrain, which the Central Agency for the Reception of Asylum Seekers prefers for a temporary facility.
Experts and the housing sector state that rental housing targets will not be met, despite government measures in the Miljoenennota. The Dutch Central Bank (DNB) and industry alliances criticize the insufficient investment climate, noting that rising interest rates and costs have deterred international investors. While housing corporations may add 22,000 units, private investors struggle to meet their 16,000-unit goal due to policy uncertainty and reduced profitability.
Network operators received approximately 600,000 requests for residential electricity connections by July 1, with only half likely to be fulfilled over the next three years. Despite this capacity constraint, the Jetten cabinet's goal of building 100,000 homes annually remains viable.
Brussels provided further details on the newly announced Kids Act, which aims to prevent children from becoming addicted to social media by maintaining a minimum age limit of 13, supported by parental involvement and an identity wallet system.
CBS statistics reveal that the number of non-working individuals is rising, while the workforce size remains unchanged. This trend indicates that an increasingly smaller group of workers is bearing the financial burden of the welfare state.
Utrecht neighborhood centers face closure due to a change in municipal subsidy allocation, causing organizations that previously received funding to lose tens of thousands of euros. Staff express shock and disappointment over the sudden financial shortfall and lack of strategic vision.
The mayors of Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague, and Utrecht are requesting permission from Minister Sophie Hermans to pilot the distribution of dexamfetamine to homeless individuals. This request addresses the rapid increase in homelessness and the deteriorating health conditions among this vulnerable group.
De monarchie kost de Nederlander in 2027 iets meer dan dit jaar. Er komt volgend jaar ruim 1,3 miljoen euro bij op de begroting van het koningshuis, in totaal komen de kosten uit op 62,1 miljoen euro. De stijging komt vooral doordat de salariskosten omhoog gaan, bijvoorbeeld als gevolg van cao-verhogingen. Ook de uitkeringen voor de Oranjes vallen daardoor hoger uit. Waar bestaan de kosten voor het koningshuis uit? De kosten voor het koningshuis (in totaal ruim 62 miljoen) bestaan vooral uit de uitkeringen voor de leden van het Koninklijk Huis en de functionele uitgaven. Functionele uitgaven z
Following a disruptive Prinsjesday marked by protests, the Dutch Second Chamber will debate the minority coalition's 2027 budget plans. Prime Minister Jetten’s government seeks broad support from opposition parties despite internal divisions and failed preliminary deals with JA21 and SGP. Key disagreements persist over nitrogen policy, asylum, housing, and taxes, while King Willem-Alexander urged unity in his throne speech.
On 2026-09-15, NOC*NSF called on Dutch politicians to continue investing in sports, emphasizing its societal value in an open letter signed by figures like Sarina Wiegman, Louis van Gaal, and Ireen Wüst. The letter warns that amateur sports may face at least €30 million less funding due to government cuts. Director Marc van den Tweel stated, "Society will pay a high price if we don't invest now." The appeal is supported by medical and scientific organizations, highlighting sports' role in public health and social cohesion.
The official opening of the new parliamentary year is about to begin during Prinsjesdag. Today, on the third Tuesday of September (2026-09-15), the Dutch government will present its new plans for the coming year. The article invites readers to follow all developments on Prinsjesdag through a live blog. Some government plans have already been leaked, but the article does not specify details. The event marks a significant moment in Dutch politics, with nationwide attention on the government's policy announcements.
This week marks thirty years since the Dutch House of Representatives concluded, after a parliamentary inquiry, that urgent action was needed against climate change. Despite this early recognition, climate policy developed slowly in the Netherlands. The article notes that even within the investigative committee, not everyone was convinced about global warming at the time. The report highlights the early parliamentary awareness of climate issues, ongoing debates, and the gradual pace of policy implementation since the 1990s.
The far-right AfD party won the regional elections in the eastern state of Saxony-Anhalt. Meanwhile, the burial of convicted war criminal Ratko Mladić in Belgrade today, after the EU warned against any glorification of him, is testing Serbia's EU bid.
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