On Thursday evening, a drunk man disrupted the two minutes of silence held in a Breda park. The man shouted loudly during the Remembrance Day ritual, exclaiming that he was a veteran.
As people gathered in Breda’s Park Valkenberg to remember the victims of the war by holding two minutes of silence, the drunk man ran into the middle of the field and shouted that he had served as a soldier, Omroep Brabant reports.
He shouted that during his time in the army, he had to do “things that even dogs wouldn’t like.”
An emergency service worker, tells Omroep Brabandt that before the commemoration, the man had walked around the park telling people that he was a veteran.
Two minutes of silence, not so silent
Every year in the Netherlands, the country falls silent on May 4 Remembrance Day (Dodenherdenking) to commemorate soldiers and civilians during World War II and other conflicts.
Unfortunately, this Breda park’s two minutes of silence were quickly cut short by the man’s shouts.
Once the man started shouting, an organiser of the commemoration tried to confront him — after which he only got louder.
It’s safe to say those gathered in the park were left shocked.
One member of the public took action and jumped on the man. Along with a police officer, they dragged him off the field and away from the gathering.
Unfortunately, it wasn’t just those at the park that saw this all go down — the entire incident happened during a live broadcast…
Editor-in-chief of the broadcaster, Tijmen Moelker from BredaNu, tells Omroep Brabant that “It happened very unexpectedly. The man walked into the frame. I think it took about 45 seconds.”
After being taken to the police station, the man was fined and banned from entering the park.
If you’re hoping to enjoy Liberation Day soaking up some sun, you’ll get a chance — but only for a short while. Heavy rain and winds are coming for the Netherlands.
The weekend is blowing in with gusto. In fact, a code yellow has even been issued for strong winds of up to 60 kilometres per hour across the country, reports NU.nl.
Friday morning starts out with rain and thunderstorms in the north and northeast, while the rest of the country is a bit luckier with some sun. However, clouds will be rocking up to put a damper on the day.
An appearance from the sun
However, it’s not all bad for the northerners. The rain in the north will die down later in the morning, and the sun will shine brightly, so put on those sunglasses. 🕶
But, maybe grab an umbrella too. Don’t get your hopes too high as the rain will shortly return, with clouds and heavy rain forecast across the country for the afternoon.
Goedemorgen! Na (onweers)buien in het noorden is het vanochtend droog met geregeld zon. Vanmiddag komen vooral landinwaarts flinke regen- en onweersbuien tot ontwikkeling. Lees meer op: https://t.co/zj9Y4wC9kQ Foto gemaakt door Jolanda Bakker pic.twitter.com/5G1BgPPUbr
Translation: Good morning! After (thunder) showers in the north, it will be dry this morning with regular sun. This afternoon, especially inland, heavy rain and thunderstorms will develop.
Helaas pindakaas, it gets even worse with the chance of hail and thunder for those of us living inland. Echt niet leuk!
However, there is one positive — the afternoon will reach a balmy 16 to 20 degrees Celsius.
The evening could get better
Thinking of grabbing your cat and performing an anti-rain dance/ritual to end the showers? Well, it might just work if you’re living in the west! Rain in this region is forecast to disappear at the end of the afternoon.
For the rest of the country, however, no amount of cat-rain-dance-rituals will help. There are expected to be scattered showers and even possibly some thunder in the early evening.
Is the weather putting a damper on your Liberation Day plans? Tell us your thoughts in the comments!
Putin deserves to be in The Hague, the “capital of international law” — to be sentenced for international war crimes, says the President of Ukraine.
“I’m sure we will see that happen when we win,” he says, “and we will win.”
In the context of Dutch National Remembrance Day, Zelensky stresses that the ongoing conflict is not simply about Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Rather, it is about freedom, justice, and universal values.
Impunity leads to further aggression
When Russia invaded and annexed Crimea in 2014, not much was done about it. This kind of “impunity is the key that opens the door to aggression,” says Zelensky.
With that, he implies that impunity ultimately led to the full-scale invasion of the Ukrainian mainland on 24 February 2022.
Demand for a new tribunal
As the title of his speech, “No Peace without Justice for Ukraine,” suggests, Zelensky is not open to compromise.
He demands “full-scale justice, not hybrid peace.”
In a reference to the Nuremberg trials, Zelensky says that what is needed is “a full-fledged tribunal and full justice.”
As the NOS writes, the problem with this is that the UN Security Council must agree to it. This would block Russia as a permanent member.
It’s time for some good news! The press freedom rankings of 2023 are in — and the Netherlands is back in the top 10.
The Netherlands has made a comeback from its 28th-place ranking in 2022. In fact, it has now bounced back to a much more impressive 6th place.
This is according to the annual international press freedom index rankings carried out by Reporters Without Borders (RSF), reports the NOS. Wat leuk!
To make it even better, the rankings were based on the findings among a total of 180 countries. This means landing in the top 10 definitely has us trots (proud).
The results are in
Both Germany and Belgium have fallen in the ratings, with the countries placing 31st and 21st respectively. The lowest-ranked European country is Greece, which stands at 107.
So, without further ado, here are the countries with the highest press freedom! 👇
Country
Ranking 2023
Ranking 2022
Norway
1
1
Ireland
2
6
Denmark
3
2
Sweden
4
3
Finland
5
5
Netherlands
6
28
Lithuania
7
9
Estonia
8
4
Portugal
9
7
Timor-Leste
10
17
Protection of Dutch journalists
After the July 21 assassination of Dutch crime reporter Peter R. de Vries, the Dutch rankings took a serious hit. This makes sense, as the freedom index places a large emphasis on journalist safety.
The ongoing dangers of organised crime in the Netherlands mean that some reporters receive police protection.
Thankfully, physical attackers of reporters are usually prosecuted, and reporters can also use an emergency number to report threats that they receive both offline and online.
Media freedom is still under pressure. Journalists should be able to report without fear, media freedom is a pillar for democracies.
🇳🇱 supports freedom of expression and the safety of journalists via the Dutch Human Rights Fund. #WorldPressFreedomDay2023
— Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs 🇳🇱 (@DutchMFA) May 3, 2023
This has become necessary as issues such as immigration, agriculture, and climate change have led to an increase in physical and verbal attacks against journalists.
With the rise in the use of social media, abuse on the internet has also worsened, with women and people of colour experiencing the brunt of it.
Thankfully, this year there have been fewer threats against journalist’s safety, allowing our ranking to rise once again.
Diverse Dutch media
On top of this, a diverse media landscape and a wide range of national and regional daily newspapers and magazines are a groot positive for the country.
In fact, according to the RSF, the media is largely independent and trusted by most of the Dutch population.
However, it’s not all sunshine and stroopwafels. While Dutch media isn’t limited in sharing information and opinion, there is concern that the two media companies (DPG Media and Mediahuis) own a large majority of the papers.
What do you think of the Netherlands’ ranking on overall press freedom? Tell us your thoughts in the comments!
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky landed in the Netherlands yesterday evening and is scheduled to deliver a speech.
Although the location and time of his speech have yet to be announced, the title ‘No peace without justice’ has been made public, reports Nu.nl.
Peace and Justice
Zelensky’s speech will likely take place in the international city of peace and justice, The Hague, to discuss support from Ukraine’s partner countries.
It’s feared that “without military support from partners, Ukraine cannot defend itself against Russian aggression,” writes Defence Minister Kajsa Ollongren to the House of Representatives.
In addition to this, the outcome of the war poses a threat to the Netherlands’ national security. This means that “the Netherlands is, therefore, determined to continue to support Ukraine militarily and politically in defending itself against Russian aggression,” continues Ollongren.
#Zelensky from Finland flew to Amsterdam on a plane of the government of the Netherlands – at night he landed at Schiphol Airport. Today Zelensky will meet with Prime Minister Mark Rutte and deliver a speech in The Hague "There is no peace without justice for #Ukraine" pic.twitter.com/Mj04yfMOxn
On top of that, the Netherlands continues to support Ukraine through military and humanitarian means. As Rutte has stated in the past, “Our values are at stake.”
What are your thoughts on Zelensky’s visit? Tell us in the comments below!
Good news! Employees in the Netherlands earning under €3,000 gross per month will enjoy a more generous holiday allowance (vakantiegeld) this year.
Working hard and dreaming of your next holiday while sitting at your desk? Hopefully, now you can actually make that fantasy a reality with an extra chunk of money in your wallet.
While those earning less than €3,000 are eligible for more holiday allowance this year, those who earn more than that sum will receive slightly less, according to NU.nl.
What we know about more holiday allowance
In the Netherlands, many employees receive a holiday allowance, usually in May, which is given on top of their monthly salary.
This sum usually amounts to around 8% of the employee’s annual salary and is meant to pay for some well-deserved time off.
How much more will you be getting this year? This depends on where you fall on the pay scale. However, if you’re earning below €3,000 gross per month, it will look a little something like this:
Gross monthly wage of €1,000 = €15 more
Gross monthly wage of €1,250 = €18 more
Experts are also noting that, in 2023, more employers are switching to letting their employees decide themselves what they want to do with their holiday allowance and when to receive it.
Please, not (just) Amsterdam.
It’s time for the holidays. Canadians will visit Europe, including the Netherlands.
So here is my summer advice: don’t just go to Amsterdam, the standard choice.
If you like canals, go visit Utrecht, Delft, Haarlem, Leiden, or even Dokkum! pic.twitter.com/FI9wBXCBAR
Unfortunately, it’s a different story for those earning more than €3,000 a month. If you earn above that amount, your holiday allowance is decreasing this year.
Put simply: the more you earn above €3,000 a month, the less holiday pay you’ll be getting this year compared to 2022.
Update: An earlier version of this article stated that employees earning €3,000 a month would get €259 extra. This data from the ADP was incorrect and the article has now been corrected.
What do you think about the change in the holiday allowances this year? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below!
That summer vacation in Germany or Belgium might be calling your name, but the NS won’t let you get very far without a reservation.
Did you take a train to Brussels or Berlin last summer? Were they overcrowded, or did the train skip the station you wanted to board at because it was too full?
According to RTL Nieuws, that is precisely what the NS is trying to avoid this year.
New reservation system
The NS has come up with a solution to prevent problems with international trains from the Netherlands this summer.
Translation: This summer, together with the DB, we are taking measures to improve the ICE timetable.
A new reservation system to be implemented on June 17, will hopefully prevent long queues, cancellations, and safety issues caused by large crowds.
What is the new reservation system, you ask? Well, you won’t be able to just buy an Early Bird ticket to Antwerp or Brussels and board a train whenever you want.
Instead, you’ll have to book a seat with your ticket on a specific intercity train.
These groups are going to advise the Dutch Railway (Nederlandse Spoorwegen) against the NS measures, stating that they will make international train travel less attractive.
Instead, they want the NS to use more frequent and longer trains to Belgium and Germany.
Are you going to reserve your international train ticket this summer? Tell us in the comments.
Well, well, well… Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson was arrested in Groningen on Saturday night for drunk driving. Except it wasn’t Boris Johnson, but a random man with a forged driver’s licence.
“Unfortunately for this person, we didn’t fall for this forgery,” the Groningen police writes on Instagram. They confiscated the fake licence.
Valid until the year 3000
As the NOS writes, the fake license got most of BoJo’s info right: the name, the photo, the date and the place of birth all corresponded to the correct details of the former British Prime Minister.
Only one little detail wasn’t completely accurate: the licence, which was “issued” in 2019, is valid until the end of the year 3000. 🤨
Although the driver’s license resembles a Ukrainian driver’s licence, it’s not clear if the arrested drunk driver is actually from Ukraine.
“Boris Johnson” was arrested in the Netherlands: in fact, the law enforcement officers detained a drunk driver who had a Ukrainian driver’s license with the name Johnsonyuk 😁
On the forged document, in addition to the name, photo, date and place of birth also match the data of… pic.twitter.com/EicMWisw2v
— Malinda 🇺🇸🇺🇦🇵🇱🇨🇦🇮🇹🇦🇺🇬🇧🇬🇪🇩🇪🇸🇪 (@TreasChest) May 1, 2023
All we know is that he’s a 35-year-old man from the small town of Zuidhorn. (Definitely not Boris Johnson.)
Abandoned car
According to the Guardian (yes, Dutch BoJo made international headlines), the driver’s car was found abandoned on a bridge in the north of Groningen, after having crashed into a pole.
Thijs Damstra, a police spokesperson, tells the Guardian that “the person could not identify himself and refused to undertake a breathalyser test.” As the police searched his car, they found the hilarious fake licence.
Police could not say where the forged document was made, but Kysia Hekster, a former Russia correspondent for the NOS, said in a tweet that fake driving licences could easily be bought in tourist shops in Ukraine.
She herself has a couple of Angela Merkel and Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
What do you think about fake BoJo’s antics in Groningen? Tell us in the comments!
Cold Dutch weather is finally giving us a break, as May brings some much-needed sun and drier days.
It’s fair to say the Netherlands hasn’t really been blessed with warm spring weather this year. In fact, it wasn’t till the very last week of April that we started to see hints of summer creeping over the horizon.
So, onto the question you’ve all been waiting for: will we finally get hours of sunshine to enjoy a drink on a terrasje? Sure, but only at the beginning of May (cue: rolls eyes in frustration). 🙄
The first week of May: drier days
April gave us disappointingly cold and rainy days, where we were more than happy to stay inside to avoid getting soaked. To make up for it, May will be kinder and will start off a whole lot drier, reports Weeronline.nl.
While a few showers are possible at the beginning of the week (this is the Netherlands, after all!), the chance of rain gradually decreases over the following days.
Temperatures over the upcoming days may hit a max of 15 degrees Celsius in the south, whilst the north isn’t quite as lucky and only averages about 12 degrees Celsius.
Despite the week ahead alternating between sun and clouds, the weather should at least stay dry enough that we won’t need our warm rainproof jackets.
Back to disappointment: winds ahead
For those hoping that the Netherlands would eindelijk give us balmy sunny days where we can throw on our shades and go swimming, we’re afraid to be the bearer of bad news.
Strong westerly winds will hit our country during the second and third week of May, bringing with them a higher chance of rain. Since wind direction strongly determines the temperature, temperatures in mid-May will be between 16 to 19 degrees Celsius.
im so sick and tired of the dutch weather, wdym its almost may and there is still no sun??? I was made to live in the mediterranean sun😭😭 pic.twitter.com/rHKk6li1uQ
(So close to that 20 degrees Celsius we’ve been longing to hit, but, unfortunately, not close enough. 😓)
There’s no need to despair just yet, though! The last week of May may give us what we’re all hoping for: temperatures between 17 and 20 degrees Celsius, making it the perfect weather to plan some fun outdoor activities. 🏖️
How are you planning to enjoy the drier weather ahead? Tell us in the comments below!
Whether you’re a digital nomad, a student, working or just need a place to get stuff done, Delft has plenty of places to work or study for whatever mood you’re in.
Ranging from public libraries to quaint, cosy cafes and even to a furniture store (???), here are 11 top places to work or study in this picturesque and innovative Dutch city.
De Barbaar is a cosy café located inside The Prinsenkwartier — a dynamic centre for the creatives where art, technology, and music meet.
The café offers a calm and relaxing environment with free WiFi. A mix of standard chairs, benches, and stools, are available though we recommend getting in early to snag the best spot.
Need a break from studying or working while you’re in Delft? There are board games available for a kleine pauze!
🏢 Type: Cafe 💰 Price: Free, except for the price of food and drinks ⏰ Opening hours: 11 AM until 5 PM Tuesday and Wednesday,10:30 AM until 7 PM Thursday to Sunday 📍 Location: Sint Agathaplein 4, Delft
2. Cafe Labs: Feel like an academic among academics
Cafe Labs’ floor plan allows you to sit quietly away from the hustle and bustle of others. Image: Freepik
Now, this place is THE place to work or study in Delft. Cafe Labs is the perfect spot for students and workfolk alike. This all-in-one extravaganza offers everything from meeting rooms and workspaces to coffee and lunch.
The cafe’s sleek and modern design will immediately inspire you to get your work or study done and its open floorplan allows you to find a solitary-enough spot to concentrate.
The cherry on the cake? A 600 square-metre terrace to soak up the sun — while you work, of course. 😉
🏢 Type: Cafe 💰 Price: Free, except for the price of food and drinks ⏰ Opening hours: 10 AM until 6 PM, Monday to Wednesday. Until 8 PM on Thursday and Friday 📍 Location: Stieltjesweg 226, Delft
3. DOK (Bibliotheek van Delft): Tranquil haven
Delft’s award-winning public library is teeming with knowledge. Image: Depositphotos
The DOK is Delft’s award-winning public library which is covered from top to bottom with glass windows. Studying inside while soaking up some vitamin D? Ja, alsjeblieft!
There are many spots for you to set up your laptop, however, you might need to compete for a seat with a power outlet.
Being a library, this place to work or study in Delft is quiet — but you probably won’t want to take video calls from here. 🤫
🏢 Type: Public library 💰 Price: Free ⏰ Opening hours: 9 AM until 11 PM, Monday to Saturday, 10 AM until 6 PM, Sunday 📍 Location: Vesteplein 100, Delft
4. Lot. Coffee Boutique: Lo-fi beats to meet your deadlines
You may be drawn to Lot by the relaxing rhythms of lo-fi music escaping through the door — the perfect sounds to make you concentrate on your studying or work.
The cafe’s minimalist interior creates a relaxing atmosphere for studying or working and it’s located on a quaint street away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Even better, Lot’s staff members are very friendly and won’t be rushing you out the door before you’ve finished your coffee.
🏢 Type: Cafe 💰 Price: Free, except for the price of food and drinks ⏰ Opening hours: 10:30 AM until 4:30 PM, Wednesday to Saturday 📍 Location: Voldersgracht 6, Delft
With its many locations dotted around the Netherlands, you’ve probably heard of Coffee Company, a sizzling hot spot for students and workers boasting excellent WiFi and good coffee.
Arrive early to grab the best spot, with a choice of a bar stool, chair, or even a lazy leather sofa. Beware though, you might end up squashed between two strangers on the cafes’ long wooden tables.
The staff here are top of the class. If you order one coffee at 9 AM, they likely won’t pester you to order another for the rest of your stay — ideal for the penniless student.
🏢 Type: Cafe 💰 Price: Free, except for the price of food and drinks ⏰ Opening hours: 8 AM until 6 PM, Monday to Friday, 9 AM until 6 PM, Saturday and Sunday 📍 Location: Markt 19, Delft
6. Cortado Cafe: Get lost in thought in the historical centre
Cortado Cafe owns its warm and work-friendly cafe with pride. This gem can be found buried in Delft’s historical centre among which lie benches, chairs, and reading corners of your choosing.
There are plenty of places to sit inside to bang out your work on a keyboard as well as strong WiFi to speed up the process.
If the weather permits, there are wooden benches outside to lap up the sun too. ☀️
🏢 Type: Cafe 💰 Price: Free, except for the price of food and drinks ⏰ Opening hours: 9 AM until 5 PM, Monday to Sunday 📍 Location: Burgwal 30, Delft
At Kek, life is all about balance — it’s a no-laptop zone between 11 AM and 3 PM. However, if you’re an early bird looking to pump out a few hours, then hop on over.
There are plenty of places to sit with power sockets nearby, but once again, this place does get busy, so get there as early as possible to snag a seat.
Kek is a concept cafe, so the food is a bit on the pricier side — but as a pro tip: The carrot cake is to die for. 🤤
🏢 Type: Cafe 💰 Price: Free, except for the price of food and drinks ⏰ Opening hours: 8:30 AM until 5 PM, Wednesday until Monday, closed Tuesdays 📍 Location: Voldersgracht 27, Delft
Koffie & Zo is a charming cafe located on a cosy corner in central Delft which is filled with miscellaneous items and a melodic air.
It is quite small, which means there won’t be much space between you and your neighbour. Luckily, the WiFi and cushioned green chairs offer a comfortable environment for you to spend long hours working or studying in Delft.
This cafe is on the pricier side. However, the staff are very welcoming and friendly and won’t pester you to buy more than you’d like while you study or work.
🏢 Type: Cafe 💰 Price: Free, except for the price of food and drinks ⏰ Opening hours: 9 AM until 5 PM, Tuesday to Friday. 9:30 AM on Sunday. 📍 Location: Peperstraat 17, Delft
Tazz is a gezellig coffee bar located at the corner of Oudemanhuissteeg and the Voldersgracht in the old centre of Delft.
It has a cosy and quaint country cottage feel with a calming atmosphere for the days you feel overwhelmed. It’s a favourite place to study or work in Delft thanks to its great WiFi and plenty of little wooden tables to choose from.
Heb je honger? (Are you hungry?) Tazz is on the cheaper side so you won’t break the bank while breaking your back over your laptop. Lekker!
🏢 Type: Cafe 💰 Price: Free, except for the price of food and drinks ⏰ Opening hours: 9 AM until 5 PM, Monday to Saturday 📍 Location: Markt 58, Delft
Vakwerkhuis is a co-working space that offers an endless amount of spaces to work or study, such as a green oasis-inspired cafe, a terrace, and several rooms for whatever occasion.
You book a room for four hours a day, which comes at a price, though the co-working space provides post-its, pens, notepads, and blazing-fast WiFi to stimulate creativity.
Need a break to clear your head? Well, you’re in luck. There are yoga classes available and quiet rooms if you prefer to work in silence.
🏢 Type: Cafe 💰 Price: Free, except for the price of food and drinks ⏰ Opening hours: 8:30 AM until 8 PM, Monday to Thursday 📍 Location: Professor Snijdersstraat 2, Delft
11. IKEA Delft: A surprisingly great location
Furniture store? Nup, turns out working at IKEA might be the perfect spot for some work inspo. Image: Depositphotos
IKEA might be the last place you think of when deciding where to work or study in Delft, but really, it’s not such a bad idea.
The cafe is a great place to work or study on weekdays when it’s far less busy. What’s more? There’s plenty of space for you to sit, unlimited WiFi and plenty of IKEA’s famous hot dogs at arm’s length.
Don’t worry — you don’t have to assemble your own personal desk and chair first. 😉
🏢 Type: Furniture Store 💰 Price: Free, except for the price of food and drinks ⏰ Opening hours: 10 AM until 9 PM, Monday to Saturday, 10 AM until 6 PM, Sunday 📍 Location: Olof Palmestraat 1, Delft
Whether you’re keen to hand in that paper or work all day and night, these 11 inspiring places to study or work in Delft will help you get work done.
Don’t forget to check out some other fabulous things to do in Delft when you’re not working towards a deadline!
Which of these ideal study spots will you be heading to? Tell us in the comments below!
