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7 ways life in the UK is drastically different to life in the Netherlands

Chloe Lovatt 🇬🇧
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8
7 ways life in the UK is drastically different to life in the Netherlands

The quantity of beer consumed aside, how does life in the Netherlands compare to life in the UK? More specifically, what are the big differences between living in these two nations?

At first glance, it may not seem like these two old empires have much in common, but scratch the surface, and you’ll find they’re old allies for a reason.

However, what exactly are the big differences between these two rain-soaked countries? It’s not the abolition of the royal family, that’s for sure. 

But politics aside, there are a few clear differences for anyone who has lived in both the UK and the Netherlands. Here are just seven of them!

1. British politeness vs. Dutch directness

You knew this was coming, so we’re going to start off with the obvious. The Dutch are direct, and the British are not — in fact, they’re overly polite.

@myzyasmine Say it how it is #DIRECT #nofilter #dutch ♬ words – piri & Tommy Villiers

As a Brit, even I know that the British are far too polite and should just say what they mean straight-up (passive aggression is our second language, after all 💁‍♀️).

But at the same time, you could also argue that Dutchies could soften the blow of their honesty a bit. 

I think it’s safe to say there is a happy medium between the two.

I will always be an English gal and apologise for my existence in every email, but living in the Netherlands has also shown me the value of being upfront. 

2. British tea-drinkers vs. Dutch coffee kings

You’ll never change my mind that tea is the answer to everything. Ploughing through work? Going through a breakup? Need an excuse to have a biscuit?

There’s nothing like a good cuppa to sort you out.

picture-of-three-girls-drinking-coffee
These Dutchies would look a lot more relaxed if they were sipping a cuppa tea. Image: Depositphotos

But while the British are casually sipping on tea throughout the day, the Dutch are chugging tea’s adrenaline-infused older brother — coffee. 

Now, don’t get me wrong, I love a good cup of joe, but the Dutch drink it at all hours.

It’s not unusual to have a Dutchie on their third or fourth at 5 PM. How do they even sleep??

READ MORE | Dutch Quirk #9: Drink copious amounts of coffee at work

And don’t insult a Dutchie by offering them milk. That is literally referred to as a “coffee wrong” (koffie verkeerd). 

3. A proper pint vs. een fluitje

Say goodbye to your bank balance because drinking in the Netherlands is expensive! Okay, the plummeting of the pound hasn’t helped, so the Dutch aren’t fully to blame.

Sadly this, and paying €3 for een fluitje will have you longing for a good old English pub. 

But there is something that needs to be addressed.

Dutchies, why are your drinks so small? The Dutch like to talk a big game about beer, but there’s a reason it’s called een biertje. The serving sizes are tiny — at least in a Brit’s eyes. 👀

Picture-of-people-drinking-beer-at-a-rooftop-bar
Laughing through the pain of these prices. Image: Depositphotos

Where are the pints?! And I mean a proper pint, none of this 250ml fluitje nonsense.

And if you do find an “English” or “Irish” pub, you’ll be looking at €6 for a pint minimum. This is probably better for your liver, but it has got me missing the pie and a pint for £7 at my local pub. 😭

4. Britain’s mountains vs. the Dutch lowlands

Well, the Netherlands is called the lowlands for a reason. It seems like a pretty obvious statement, but the UK actually has hills and mountains.

This makes cycling considerably more difficult, but hiking considerably more fun. 

It’s the butt of every joke that the Dutch don’t know what a hill is, but it’s kind of true. Limburg is the only part of the country with some elevation, but it’s basically in Belgium. 

Meme-of-a-Dutch-man-cycling-in-netherlands
This meme says it all… Image: DutchReview/Canva

In the UK, a varied landscape is something you take for granted and even loathe when you have to run for a bus, but you do start to miss the white cliffs of Dover.

After all, unless you live in London, or maybe Birmingham, you’re never too far away from some picturesque countryside. 

Now, I’ll hold my hands up, the Netherlands does have us trumped when it comes to beaches. We have to put up with the stony seaside compared to the sandy shores of Scheveningen. 

5. The NHS vs. Dutch health insurance

It’s a British tradition to complain about something yet actually be grateful for it, like the NHS.

One of the biggest differences between the UK and the Netherlands was getting used to the concept of health insurance.

Dutch-doctor-and-senior-patient-sitting-across-each-other-in-pratice-during-consultation
Just moved to the Netherlands? It’s time to pay your local GP a visit. Image: Depositphotos

Now, it’s not US level with people forced to live in a tent to afford chemotherapy (yeah, that actually happens!), but health insurance is an expense you have to consider when living in the Netherlands.

READ MORE | The Dutch have finally got their head around British sport (watch inside)!

Mandatory health insurance is a strange thing to get your head around as a Brit.

At least the Dutch government is there to help by providing an allowance for low-income workers, but you still have to cover your “own risk” (policy excess). 

Although it pains me to say, the Dutch healthcare system has its upsides. The waiting times are nothing compared to an NHS hospital.

READ MORE | I had a good experience with the Dutch healthcare system, am I the only one?

You will receive top-notch care — and rightly so because you’re paying for it (and might have a mini heart attack when you get your first insurance bill).

6. British make-up vs. Dutch fresh faces

This comes as a cultural shock for a lot of internationals moving to the Netherlands. The Dutch don’t dress up (unless, perhaps, you’re in a student association, that is).

Photo-of-people-singing-karaoke-at-party-dressed-casually
The Dutch want to be comfortable, even at a party. Image: Freepik

They’re the reigning champions of smart casual, or just casual. That means minimal make-up, no heels, and only wearing a suit if you’re an accountant or a frat boy. 

You don’t need a native to tell you that Brits love to dress up. Look to any episodes of Geordie Shore for reference. We use so much make-up, we call it “slap”.

Now, I don’t personally subscribe to the Only Way is Essex dress code, but I like to feel like I’ve made a bit of an effort for a night out.

I also miss the ritual of getting ready to go out on the town, putting on make-up, drink in hand while running in and out of my friend’s bedroom to try on all her clothes.

But don’t get me wrong, the Dutch have style, it’s just very understated. In the Netherlands, you would stand out from the crowd if you were wearing a fancy pair of jeans.

Maybe that’s what you want — if so, go for it!

7. Car culture vs. bikes ruling the road

It doesn’t take a genius to know that the Dutch are a dab hand at biking. The Brits, not so much. Mostly because biking in London — or any major city — is taking your life into your own hands. 

photo-of-couple-riding-bikes-through-amsterdam-in-netherlands
This casual approach to cycling would not be found in the UK. Image: Depositphotos

In the UK, you can’t really live without a car because public transport is pretty naff.

London is the exception to this rule, but try living in a rural county relying on a bus that comes once every hour, and trains that are in a permanent state of delay.

READ MORE | How to get from Amsterdam to London: the complete 2026 guide

Not only is public transport in the Netherlands en pointe, but you can even bring your bike on said public transport or rent a bike on your OV chip card. 

Yes, it’s cliché to say that the Dutch don’t drive, especially because it’s not particularly true. But how the Dutch can afford to drive when car tax is as much as €200 a month baffles us.

The Dutch vs. the British: how we aren’t so different

Okay, okay, it sounds pretty sappy, but it’s true. Despite all the ways that the UK is staggeringly different from the Netherlands, we still have a lot in common.

The two countries have a long history of cooperation. We’re a fair match when it comes to a drinking contest, and we both appreciate some dark humour. 😉

All in all, it’s unsurprising that many Brits (like myself) have opted to move to the Netherlands. We are, after all, both rainy Northern European countries with an antiquated royal family. 

What do you think are the big differences between these countries? Tell us in the comments below! 👇

Snow returns to parts of the Netherlands: here’s who will be affected

Kriti Swarup
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1
Snow returns to parts of the Netherlands: here’s who will be affected

We thought the days of waking up to a snow cover were over. Well, they’re not. For a lucky (or unlucky) few, the snow will make another appearance in the Netherlands this week. 

According to RTL Nieuws, wintry conditions will return to the country today, with snow and ice affecting the east and northeast, with the west staying dry. 

The split is caused by cold winds and is expected to last for the next few days, keeping temperatures low and travel conditions slippery. 

Today, snow and icy conditions in the east

Monday morning starts cloudy, with snowfall in the east and northeast expected to cause icy roads and paths. 

If you live in Drenthe or Twente and you love snow, we have some good news for you! The chance of wintry precipitation is high, with a layer of up to 3 centimetres of snowfall expected.

Meanwhile, much of the west, such as Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Haarlem, Leiden, and The Hague, will remain dry (and may even see some sunny spells!) 

But this doesn’t mean we can ditch our caps and gloves just yet. No matter where you are, a strong northerly wind will be felt across the country, coming from the Wadden Islands. 

Temperatures will stay cold, ranging from around -1 degree Celsius in the southeast to up to 4 degrees along the coast.

@dumpert Is keiglad jongens! #ijzel #winter #voorjou ♬ origineel geluid – Dumpert

Tuesday will be a boring winter day

Tuesday will be grey nationwide. Although the east and northeast may initially be dry, there will be bouts of rain. And a lot of wind. 

Yep, rain, not snow. While temperatures will hover between 0 and 3 degrees Celsius, the closest thing we’ll see to snow may be sleet in the North Holland region. 

The warmest temperatures (a balmy 4 degrees) and mildest air will be found in Zeeland in the coming days. 

But Wednesday and Thursday may bring more snow

However, there’s a real chance of snow in the north on Wednesday and Thursday as a new precipitation zone moves in from central Europe.

While some models say it could stay dry, what is certain is the temperature split: around 2 degrees in the north versus up to 8 degrees in the south. 

There will be a bit of a dry spell on Thursday, before rain likely returns later in the week. 

Whether precipitation falls as rain or snow, it is clear that winter is not yet done with us. Swaddle yourself in caps, scarves, and gloves, as the wind makes even 2 degrees feel like -16. 

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EU Entry Exit System (EES): what travellers to the Netherlands need to know

DutchReview Crew
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1
EU Entry Exit System (EES): what travellers to the Netherlands need to know

After repeated delays in implementing the new EES (European Entry-Exit System) at the EU level, the Dutch Government has indicated that this futuristic electronic border system will become operational in the Netherlands in 2026. 

The new border apparatus is gradually being rolled out across EU Schengen countries and in some non-EU Schengen states, such as Norway and Switzerland. 

Those excluded are Cyprus, Bulgaria, Romania, and (as it is non-Schengen) Ireland, which will still use manual stamps to mark entry and exit of internationals. 

What is the EU Entry Exit System?

Imagine this: You’re entering Europe for the first time, ready for your big trip to Amsterdam. You’ve travelled hours, days even, and are just excited to get that stamp on your passport and crash into bed. 

However, as you approach the border check, an enormous queue sprawls before you. And, no one is stamping passports. Instead, they’re asking for… fingerprints? A scan of your face? What is this futuristic new addition to the nightmare that is international airports? 

Welcome, my friends, to the EES — the EU’s new Entry Exit System. 

The automated IT system registers “non-EU nationals travelling for a short stay for a maximum of 90 days within a 180-day period, each time they cross an external border of a European country,” according to the Rijksoverheid. 

This applies to visa-required and visa-exempt third-country nationals. 

The system requires internationals to hand over additional data, such as fingerprints and facial images, to border agents. 

Essentially, the system is replacing the old method of manually recording when an international visitor arrives with the collection of person-specific (biometric) data electronically.

Seems a bit Big-Brothery, no? Well, according to the EU, the switch is worth doing. 

Why is the EU bringing in the EES?

According to the European Commission, the purpose is largely security and efficiency-related. 

The aim is to reduce overstays and improve border management and security, according to the website dedicated to explaining the new system. 

“The EES will enhance the security of Europe’s borders and security in Europe in general,” according to the Government of the Netherlands.

Who is affected by the EES? 

In short, all travellers who do not hold the nationality of any European Union country or the nationality of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland,” as the website states. 

This means that UK, US, Canadian, Australian, and all other non-EU nationalities will need to be registered via the EES upon entry. 

What if I have a residence permit? 

In that case, you are exempt: non-EU nationals with residence permits or long-stay visas are free to travel without EES registration. You’re practically Dutch, after all. 

Short-stay visas are not exempt. Sorry, guys! 

For a full list of which travellers are exempt from the EES rules, see here. 

When will the EES be implemented? 

According to the EU’s Migration and Home Affairs website, this system is long overdue. 

  • It was first proposed in 2016 as part of the Smart Borders Package to help modernise European border security.
  • By the end of 2017, the system and subsequent amendments to the Schengen Border Code were approved by the European Parliament and Council.
  • Finally, by 2024, an agreement was reached to start the progressive rollout of EES operations in 2025. 
  • In October 2025, the system was first launched in several EU countries. However, the exact rollout varies by country. 
  • As for the Netherlands, the government has announced that the system will be fully implemented by April 10, 2026. 

Will this cause delays at borders?

Besides the ethical controversy of increased personal data acquisition, airports have warned that the rollout of the EES could cause delays and problems. 

According to Politico, Brussels Airport strongly warned travellers of longer wait times at the border when the rollout began last October. 

Ironically, one of the system’s benefits is listed as faster border checks…

But hey, switching from paper and ink to facial recognition and fingerprint scans is bound to have a learning curve. 

The moral of the story? Schiphol Airport may soon add day-long border control wait periods to its list of grievances in the coming months. Hopefully though, this will only be temporary.

What do you think of the new system? Let us know in the comments!

Buying a car in the Netherlands: 7 things to know

Emma Brown
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21
Buying a car in the Netherlands: 7 things to know

Have you thought about buying a car in the Netherlands? Is your old car crumbling to pieces? Or have you just moved and are in search of your perfect Dutch car?

Although it may seem like scary foreign territory, we can help you make sense of it all. Here are seven things you need to know about buying a car in the Netherlands — if we can do it, then you can do it too!

Buying a car in the Netherlands is a big investment — so naturally, you’ll want to do it right. We’ve teamed up with Univé, the experts in car insurance, to tell you everything you need to know when buying a car in the Netherlands.

1. You need to have the correct driving licence

Before you even begin the whole task of buying a car in the Netherlands, you need to hold a valid driver’s licence in order to actually hit the road. In the Netherlands, that means you need to have an EU/EFTA license.

If you already hold one, then this means that you can drive on this licence for 15 years or until it runs out (then you must switch to a Dutch licence).

Man-holding-up-his-drivers-license-for-buying-a-car-in-the-netherlands
Making sure you have the right driver’s licence to buy a car in the Netherlands is easy! Image: Depositphotos

If you have a foreign licence, you can exchange it for a Dutch one as long as it’s on this list. To do so, you will need to make an appointment with your local Stadhuis (city hall) and bring the following documents:

  • Valid passport or ID
  • Your Dutch residence permit
  • A recent passport photo
  • Your foreign driving licence (and a translation, if issued in a foreign language)
  • Evidence of the 30% ruling (if applicable)
  • A certificate of medical fitness

Then, the municipality will forward your documents to the Driving Test Organisation, who will exchange your licence. The whole process takes between 2 and 4 weeks. After that, you’re good to go!

People with a licence from a country that’s not on the list will have to pass a theoretical exam and a practical driving test to obtain a Dutch licence.

2. You need to research your cars beforehand

Make sure you do your research before buying a car in the Netherlands. You don’t want to end up with a car with a reputation for being unreliable (or expensive to run!) or a car that was not looked after by its previous owners.

Car-sales-manager-helping-customers-buy-a-car-in-the-Netherlands
Check out as many cars as you need before you commit to something. Image: Depositphotos

Buying a car is an investment, so you must choose a car that’s right for you. Consider a few things, like whether you’re using the car for your daily commute, for road trips, or just for convenience, the size of the car (this is especially important for road tax!), and the mileage.

After you’ve thought about these factors, you can narrow your car search and save time only by looking at cars that’ll fit your preferences.

3. Know where to look for cars (and be prepared to haggle)

When buying a car in the Netherlands, you have the choice between going to a car dealership or finding a private seller.

The biggest Dutch car dealerships include Broekhuis, Emil Frey NL, Van Mossel and Hedin, and they have locations throughout the Netherlands. You can also use RDW’s locator tool to find dealerships in your area.

Alternatively, you can find a second-hand car online and buy it from a private seller. The most popular websites for this are Carvendo, AutoScout24.nl and auto.nl.

Tip: If needed, you can use your browser’s built-in translation tool to translate these websites into English.

Whether you’re going to a car dealership or a private seller, nine times out of 10 you should be prepared to haggle! This can be stressful if you’re someone who doesn’t like to haggle (or doesn’t even know how to haggle in the Netherlands).

4. You must register with the RDW to buy a car in the Netherlands

You may have found your dream car by now, but then what? The car is not officially yours until you officially register it in your name. You need to go to the Rijksdienst voor het Wegverkeer (RDW) for that. The RDW is the Dutch authority for vehicles and transport.

You must register your cars with them because they deal with road tax and liability insurance, and you agree to those terms. It is illegal to drive a car that isn’t registered with the RDW.

Registering-your-car-with-the-RDW-when-buying-a-car-in-the-netherlands
Make sure you go through the proper steps to register your car. Image: Depositphotos

How do you go about this? If you’re an expat, the chances are that you don’t have a Dutch ID. If you do have one, all you have to do is turn up at your local post office with your ID and your car/registration documents, and you’re all set.

If you don’t have a Dutch ID, you’re going to have to go to an RDW inspection station. Bring your gemeente (municipality) documents, car documents, certificate of ownership, passport, and driver’s license!

Tip: Before you start looking into buying a car in the Netherlands, make sure you set up your BSN (citizen service number) and DigiD. The car-purchasing process will be so much easier if you have these two things set up beforehand.

Thankfully, there is a way to avoid all of this. If you buy your car from a good car dealership, they take care of the official registration at RDW. It’s one less thing to worry about.

5. Double-check your road tax and parking permits

Part of the reason buying a car in the Netherlands is so expensive is all the associated costs. Road tax (known as BPM in the Netherlands) is the tax you have to pay if you own any type of motor vehicle in the Netherlands.

READ MORE | Having a car in the Netherlands: everything you need to know

Road tax is calculated based on your car’s CO2 emissions, so generally, the larger the car, the higher the road tax.

If you live in an area where you have to pay for car parking (usually in big cities like Amsterdam and Rotterdam), you can apply for a parking permit with the municipality. This permit is particularly handy because it lets you park in the city without paying at a parking meter or via a parking app.

photo-of-Cars-parked-on-the-street-next-to-a-canal-in-delft-after-buying-a-car-in-the-Netherlands
A parking permit can save you a lot of money. Image: Freepik

Most homes in the Netherlands don’t have their own parking spaces or garages, and if you’re travelling a lot within a city using your car, a parking permit could be extra helpful.

6. Don’t forget about car insurance

Let’s say it’s official, you have a car! Before you get too excited and drive off with it, there’s one important thing you need: car insurance. It’s illegal not to have car insurance in the Netherlands, so this is an absolute must before taking your new ‘whip’ for a spin.

When you get car insurance in the Netherlands, the car is insured, not the person. This means that, as long as they have your permission, anybody who drives your car will be insured. This may be different from what you’re used to in your home country.

You can go on online comparison sites (some are in English too), pick the best deal, register with them, and you’re all set. (Now it’s just the monthly payment you have to worry about 😉).

Don’t wanna deal with the hassle of price comparisons and reading through policies? We recommend Univé. Univé’s car insurance offers 24/7 road assistance, a replacement vehicle in case of damage, and competitive prices. Sounds like a good deal to us! 🤝

7. Consider Dutch sustainability efforts

The Dutch pride themselves on their sustainability efforts. The result? You can’t just go out and drive any car you want wherever you want. Instead, there are some sustainability regulations you have to keep in mind.

photo-of-electric-car-parked-and-charging-alongside-canal-in-the-Netherlands
The Dutch are big on sustainability, keep this in mind when buying a car in the Netherlands. Image: Dreamstime

As of 2020, national rules apply to certain municipalities with low-emission zones. In these zones, municipalities may ban older diesel cars, lorries and buses that cause a lot of air pollution.

READ MORE | What’s up with those tiny cars in the Netherlands?

In Amsterdam, for example, you may not enter the low-emission zone with a diesel car with an emissions standard of Euro 3 or lower.

The Netherlands also strongly encourages the use of electric cars, and the government offers various benefits to electric vehicle owners, such as tax incentives, reduced registration fees, and even free parking in some areas.

Tip: If you plan to own an electric vehicle, look into and sort out what you’re going to do about your charging station. If you don’t have the option to charge at home, you can work out your situation with shared charging stations around your neighbourhood with your neighbours.

Once you’ve got all of these in the bag, then you’re well on your way to buying your perfect car in the Netherlands. Enjoy the ride! 😉

Did these tips help you on your car-purchasing journey? Tell us what you think in the comments!

Dutch Quirk #74: Become exhausted when cycling over a bridge

Juni Moltubak
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1
Dutch Quirk #74: Become exhausted when cycling over a bridge

The Dutch are famously great bikers. That is, until there is even the slightest incline — then the Nederlanders struggle.

You’d think all that cycling would make the Dutch ascent-ready, but the lack of hills in the landscape means they get exhausted pretty easily. 

What is it?

Everyone bikes in the Netherlands; that’s just the way life has been for decades, if not centuries.

READ MORE | How the Netherlands became a cycling country

But the Dutch are not used to biking uphill, making them totally unprepared for any terrain that’s not smooth, flat, and horizontal.

You can expect the Dutchies to graciously float around the flat Dutch countryside, but they’ll be clumsily panting their way over each of the thousands of bridges in this watery land.

Why do they do it?

How exactly do the masters of cycling get stumped by a minor bump in the road?

Well, obviously, the extreme lack of hills in the Netherlands plays a role.

And by hills, we mean literally any inclination whatsoever. Dutchies find comfort in their pancake-like landscape, using it to their advantage in most aspects of life. 

READ MORE | 19 things the Dutch did to make cycling easy and attractive

But the general flatness of the Netherlands might have caused more harm than good. The Dutch are best friends with first gear and first gear only.

@jack_shore That’s the one #dutch #jackshore ♬ original sound – jay 👩🏽‍🦲

Also, let’s talk about the amount of cheese Dutchies consume. Some might say it’s calcium-fuelled pedal power, but maybe it’s just weighing — um, slowing — Dutch bikers down.

Why is it quirky? 

Biking in most other countries is just a healthy hobby. In the Netherlands, it’s a way of life that you can’t avoid.

People of all shapes and sizes have no choice but to bike, which means they also have to struggle over bridges, simply because the Netherlands is designed that way.

READ MORE | Dutch Quirk #2: Bike with an umbrella

Come rain or shine, Dutchies’ main mode of transport is their bike: it’s part of their casual, easygoing lifestyle.

What struck me the most when I moved here is how easy life feels. Everyone speaks English, everything is designed to be efficient and productive, and everything is either a bike ride or a train ride away.

Should you join in? 

You might find yourself struggling on the Dutch bridges, and don’t worry, you’re not the only one.

@dutchreview It takes a while… 🤕 #dutchlife #thenetherlands #cycling #dutchmemes #expatlife #expatsinthenetherlands #learndutch #dutchreview #meme #memecut ♬ son original – Caroline #prendresoindesoi

But it might be a nice fitness goal to aim for an exhaustion-free bike ride in the long term. 

What do you think of this Dutch quirk? Have you experienced it? Tell us in the comments below!

Wild shootout on Dutch highway leads to three arrests and full police investigation

Liana Risseeuw 🇱🇰
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1
Wild shootout on Dutch highway leads to three arrests and full police investigation

A seemingly ordinary Thursday evening drive took an unexpected turn when Breda local Robbie Thijssen witnessed shots being fired from one car to another.

Thijssen was driving along the A59 between Nieuwkuijk and Drunen when a black Kia suddenly cut him off at high speed.

Feeling a bit miffed, he told Omroep Brabant that he “turned on [his] high beams and chased after it.”

From high-speed chase to shootout

However, this little bit of road rage was soon to be dramatically overshadowed, as a large black car came tearing down the emergency lane.

In response, the Kia started weaving between cars before finally hitting a guardrail and coming to a stop just before the highway overpass.

Meanwhile, the black speedster “stayed on the road, and someone shot a pistol into the Kia,” Thijssen recounted. Shortly after the shots were fired, this car fled the scene and hasn’t been seen since.

Instead of driving away from the chaos, Thijssen parked his car in front of the damaged Kia.

But before he could check on the three men in the Kia, yet another car entered the picture: a white Golf.

This attempt at intimidation ended in fisticuffs

“A man got out and opened the trunk [of the crashed Kia] to look for something,” Thijssen told Omroep Brabant. “I think it was a bag of drugs or money.”

When the suspect from the white Golf told Thijssen to clear off, claiming he had nothing to do with it, the witness wasn’t having any of it.

“I said, ‘F**k off,’ and punched him in the face,” Thijssen recalled, still buzzing with adrenaline. His reasoning? “If they’d run over a family with children…” Well, fair enough.

A police investigation is still ongoing

The A59 was closed for hours while police investigated the scene, complete with a helicopter circling overhead in the Waalwijk area.

A large-scale forensic investigation has also been launched, though police can’t yet comment on whether this was a criminal dispute.

Both cars — Thijssen’s and the damaged Kia — have been impounded as evidence.

According to RTL Nieuws, the Kia’s three occupants have since been arrested by police for their involvement in the shooting. The actual shooter and the occupants of the white Golf, however, remain at large.

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You’ll soon enjoy free Wi-Fi on KLM’s European flights: here’s what to know

DutchReview Crew
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0
You’ll soon enjoy free Wi-Fi on KLM’s European flights: here’s what to know

Dear old KLM has finally caught up with the times! The Dutch airline will now offer free Wi-Fi on all flights within Europe, starting today. 

What used to be a rare treat will soon be commonplace. KLM has decided that charging for in-flight Wi-Fi in this day and age is no longer justifiable. 

As of this week, most KLM passengers flying within Europe can use the internet on board for free, reports (aptly named) AeroNews.

Now, your in-flight entertainment can include YouTube videos, sending emails, and more!

Pioneers in gratis Wi-Fi?

KLM, however, is not the first airline to offer complimentary Wi-Fi. According to AD, Airlines such as Emirates and Qatar Airways have graciously provided free connectivity for some time. 

European carriers like Lufthansa, Finnair, and Icelandair also offer this luxury on longer flights. 

What makes KLM’s decision different, though, is its focus on short-haul European flights. 

In these shorter trips, seatback entertainment screens are often missing; it seems free WiFi is a cheap way for the airline to provide an alternative.

Hey, we’re not complaining: now you can stream whatever you want! 

We suggest starting with this: 

@dutchreview Political turmoil, angry crowds, and an unshakeable desire to #eattherich ♬ original sound – DutchReview

Nothing like some Dutch fun facts to spice up the journey! 

Payment is in the past

Previously, KLM passengers could access the internet during their flight, but it cost a whopping €18. 

From Thursday onwards, that fee has been scrapped, although passengers still need to register to access the service. 

So, they do still want your data, but what else is new? 

What to expect

The rollout will occur in stages. Currently, about half of KLM’s European fleet can offer free Wi-Fi, while the other half requires technical updates before it can offer this treat to all. 

The airline plans to expand the service over the coming years to all A321neo and Embraer E2 aircraft, as well as some Boeing 737-800 planes, according to their press release. 

So if you get on a plane tomorrow, there’s a chance you might still be Wi-Fi-less. Sorry guys! 

Ultimately, KLM is rocketing into a new era of commercial aviation with this move, where Wi-Fi is a necessity, not a luxury. 

Dank je, KLM! 

What do you think of the new gratis Wi-Fi? Let us know in the comments! 

Rutte and Trump: brown-nosing or diplomatic brilliance?

Ida Allen-Auerbach
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Rutte and Trump: brown-nosing or diplomatic brilliance?

In the last year, there’s been headline after headline detailing NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte’s continued flattery of POTUS Donald Trump. 

NATO’s Dutch leader has found a way to communicate with Trump: praise, bordering on slijmen (sucking up) as we say in Dutch.

There seems to be strategy in the sweet talk: just yesterday, Rutte managed to rein in Trump’s threats of military action in Greenland, hailing him as the ultimate “Trump whisperer,” reports ABC News.

But how long can this go on?

Rutte and Trump pre-NATO

Their chummy relationship certainly isn’t a new phenomenon — Rutte and his pal go way back, all the way to 2016, when Trump was first elected to the White House. 

At the time, when Rutte was still Prime Minister of the Netherlands, their interactions were driven by a need for cooperation between the two nations. 

While Trump has never been one for the status quo in international trade relations, a joint statement from both leaders at their first official meeting in 2018 described an “unbroken, peaceful relationship.”

Furthermore, they agreed in 2018 that “the NATO Alliance remains the cornerstone of their common security,” a very different tune to the one being sung by Trump today. 

Rutte was even, on occasion, able to say no to Trump: 

As his responsibilities were vastly different between his time as the Netherlands PM and his current role as NATO Secretary General, though, it’s not surprising that their relationship has changed. 

Alas, no one expected it to change into a festival of excessive flattery…

Appointment to NATO: A big responsibility 

When Rutte was initially appointed as NATO Secretary General in 2024, it was celebrated by many here in the Netherlands. 

A former Dutch PM in such a prominent position of power is bound to stir up at least some pride, after all. It seems, however, that he was in part chosen for his ability to please NATO’s well-resourced prima donna (the US). 

As reported by NOS at the time, he was “the preferred candidate of the US, the most important NATO partner.” 

While it wasn’t a given then (June 2024) that Trump would win the presidential election, it’s clear that appeasing the US is part of the job description. 

READ MORE| From calling Trump “Daddy” to increased defence spending: Here’s what happened at the NATO Summit

But has Rutte taken this too far?

Trump 2.0: a new ballgame 

Since he’s returned to the US presidency, Trump has (no pun intended) waged his own war against NATO. 

At the 2025 summit, he made it abundantly clear that US membership in the alliance is by no means a guarantee, demanding increased defence spending from other member nations.  

More recently, his insistence on a US takeover of Greenland has deeply undermined NATO’s collective defence tenet. 

Clearly, the things once considered constants in the organisation are now up for debate. 

So, no one is saying Rutte has an easy job; managing Trump’s rollercoaster of changes in international defence policy is certainly difficult and unwanted.  

However, Rutte’s reliance on flattery to appease Trump has struck a sour note among European leaders and citizens 

President Emmanuel Macron of France, for instance, said on Tuesday that the French “prefer respect” over “bullies,” reports Reuters. 

Mixed reactions to Rutte’s strategy

Some have championed Rutte’s “negotiating skills”. 

As written by journalist Jan Driessen in an opinion piece for De Trouw, Rutte’s “pandering isn’t a weakness, but a means to an end,” and that we should not “mistake his soft communication for weakness.” 

READ MORE | Netherlands receives invitation to ‘peace council’ and a copy of Trump’s wild letter to Norway

Indeed, it’s possible Rutte’s sweetness toward Trump is just about running out the clock with as little damage as possible: appeasing Trump while he’s in office and keeping NATO intact could be a way to minimise his impact overall. 

But this is a risky approach, as several European leaders have acknowledged. 

Former NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen, for instance, wrote earlier this week in a piece for The Economist that “enough is enough,” and that European NATO members must “play Trump’s game of strength,” in order to beat him at his own game.

Online commentators have also weighed in: 

Does Danish sovereignty still matter?

The most recent meeting between Trump and Rutte in Switzerland resulted in the announcement of a “framework” for a deal on US involvement in Greenland, the BBC reports. 

But while a military takeover has seemingly been ruled out by Trump, his continued insistence on “owning” the island pushes at a boundary that Europe is unwilling to cross: sovereignty. 

Even after the framework announcement, Rutte surprisingly said that the issue of Danish sovereignty didn’t come up in their discussion. 

While Rutte may be keeping the peace (if you can call it that), the cost could be steep. 

Believe it or not, the Danish Greenlanders haven’t taken kindly to the possibility of their country’s home-governance being traded like candy. 

@vicenews

Thousands gathered in Nuuk for what organizers call the largest protest in Greenland’s history. Chants echoed through the city: Greenland belongs to Greenlanders.

♬ original sound – VICE News

On the other hand, losing US support for Ukraine would be disastrous for the ravaged country — and potentially catastrophic for the EU. 

So, one might ask, why hasn’t Rutte publicly negotiated the terms of this latest development with more backbone?

Rutte may have entered into Trump’s good graces with sugary compliments, but now that his foot is in the door, he hasn’t changed his approach. 

As circumstances grow more serious, however, this strategy has become increasingly untenable.

In the end, there is more to the NATO-US relationship than keeping Trump happy. 

What do you think of Rutte’s negotiating tactics? Let us know in the comments.

In need of a giggle? This American comedian perfectly explains the hilarity of learning Dutch

Chloe Lovatt 🇬🇧
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In need of a giggle? This American comedian perfectly explains the hilarity of learning Dutch

Ever done a double-take when someone yells “kijk uit“? Do Dutch names still tickle you? Michelle Buteau knows the struggle. 

Dutch is a wonderful and diverse language, but when learning to speak it, it’s hard not to laugh sometimes.

A struggle we know all too well

Whether it’s the absurdly long words that you’ll never be able to pronounce no matter how many times you practice in the mirror, or you still chuckle when someone exclaims “helaas pindakaas…”

Michelle Buteau expresses it all perfectly in her Netflix special, “Welcome to Buteaupia.” As she expresses, she married a Dutchman and has found herself on the steep learning curve that we expats are all too familiar with.

READ MORE | Need a laugh? Watch this hilarious clip of John Cleese talking about the Dutch

From Jewish slurs being normal words to having dedicated verbs for “hitting your dick on something,” Buteau talks about the struggles of loving a Dutchie and learning their language.

We hope this clip gives you a giggle. It certainly brought a smile to our faces. 😂

Are there any other Dutch words that you find side-splittingly funny? Let us know in the comments!

No more tariffs, Trump and Rutte plan a Greenland deal 

Kriti Swarup
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No more tariffs, Trump and Rutte plan a Greenland deal 

Following talks with NATO chief Mark Rutte, Donald Trump has withdrawn additional tariffs on the Netherlands and all EU countries in support of Greenland. 

Rutte’s cosy texts to Trump seem to have paid off, as Trump ruled out military action on Greenland, and the two “friends” have agreed on a framework for the security of Greenland and the Arctic region. 

Details of the future deal remain elusive, but it definitely takes the edge off this most recent geopolitical conflict. 

Extra tariffs dropped 

Trump announced Wednesday evening on Truth Social that the tariffs he planned to impose on NATO countries backing Denmark in the Greenland dispute are officially off the table.

This announcement follows the American president’s discussion with Mark Rutte at the World Economic Forum in Davos.

Rutte later confirmed the account to CNN, saying simply: “It’s exactly right.”

What is this “framework” anyway?

So far, no one really knows. 

Trump refused to share details about the deal but told reporters in Davos that it would take care of “security and minerals and everything else.”

NATO and EU correspondent Kysia Hekster tells NOS that Trump may have been rattled by resistance within his own party, a lot of hate from the EU, and a slumping stock market. 

What is clear, she notes, is that Rutte would not have spoken to Trump without coordinating with Denmark first. 

Denmark is unmoved  

Although Rutte noted that the issue of Greenland’s sovereignty “didn’t come up” during discussions, Denmark remains committed to supporting its cause.

Denmark has refused to play along with Trump’s provocations that Greenland must be protected from Russia and China.  

Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen reiterated that Copenhagen will not negotiate any transfer of sovereignty. Full stop.  

Yet, Trump’s elimination of military action caused a thaw in the dispute that quickly revitalised stock markets. 

As it turns out, investors were more interested in stability than debates over sovereignty. 

The hero of Davos?

International media are hailing Mark Rutte as the “hero of Davos” after the NATO chief convinced Donald Trump to back down on his territorial demands for Greenland. 

German tabloid Bild called it a “diplomatic masterstroke,” while French newspaper Le Monde credited Rutte’s longstanding rapport with Trump (including the infamous “daddy” moment) for securing a military base compromise instead.

Not everyone’s convinced, though. The Guardian points out that Danes and Greenlanders weren’t actually involved in the deal, and Rutte himself admits there’s “still much work to do.”

Are we all relieved and entertained? Is Rutte the man of the hour? Tell us what you think in the comments below. 

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