No more cute pet videos and viral face filters during lunch breaks in The Hague. The Dutch government has asked all civil servants to immediately stop using certain apps, including TikTok, on their work phones.
This move comes as part of the Dutch Cabinet’s decision to strongly advise against certain potentially high-risk apps on government officials’ mobile work devices.
Why? According to RTL Nieuws, there are concerns that some apps could lead to government data leaks via the apps on phones. 😮
The government is now working on a plan to ensure that only approved apps can be installed on government work mobile devices — meaning yep, no more scrolling TikTok while civil servants take their breaks.
TikTok isn’t the only victim?
The ban is not purely focused on TikTok — though this is probably the app we’re most bummed about (we’ll miss the VVD TikTok account 🥲).
The Dutch State Secretary for Digitization, Alexandra Van Huffelen, explains that “recent parliamentary questions and international developments have led us to a careful consideration that goes further than advising against one application.”
All apps from countries with an offensive cyber program against the Netherlands are on the list. Meaning that the Chinese-owned app, TikTok, is among them.
The AIVD (Dutch intelligence and security agency) concluded that these apps pose an increased risk of espionage from potential data leaks of sensitive government data.
Even on TikTok — the app where everyone’s dancing, complaining about the Dutch weather or showing off their cats.
While there is little evidence at the moment, there are concerns that the Chinese-owned app could come under pressure from their government and sensitive Dutch government information could be leaked.
Van Huffelegen writes in a letter to the lower house of the Dutch parliament that “the national government must be able to do its work safely, also via its mobile devices.”
How was this decided?
The Dutch government advised the halt on these apps on government phones after the AIVD flagged the risk and a parliamentary majority called for the restriction to be brought in.
Many in the House of Representatives, such as from the VVD, D66, CDA and ChristenUnie, evaluated the risk as too high.
And the Dutch are not alone in this fear. The United States government already agreed at the end of last year to ban TikTok on work phones of government officials for similar concerns over the risk of espionage.
So to everyone working for the Dutch government, we wish you the best of luck without TikTok on your breaks or commutes home, which sometimes, let’s be honest, does help us get through the long work week.
What do you think about this move by the Dutch government? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below.
If there’s one obstacle the Netherlands probably didn’t expect to tackle in 2023, it’s badgers. Those sneaky bois are at it again, causing damage to train tracks between Den Bosch and Eindhoven.
Let’s just say the badgers are definitely digging train timetables into a hole by doing what they do best, burrowing, in the most impractical place possible — under Dutch train tracks.
As a result, rails are at risk of sagging, meaning you’re going to have to use a new route to work.
Using the Den Bosch-Boxtel-Eindhoven route? It is expected that travelling between Utrecht and Eindhoven or Limburg will now require a different connection or buses until at least March 28, reports the NOS.
They are pulling something like in that Breaking Bad episode.
"Badgers burrowing below railway tracks have wreaked havoc on train services in the Netherlands" https://t.co/UkAI5sIFw7
Alternative routes for while the badgers… do their work
While the badgers are being evicted, you can use stopbussen (rail replacement buses) when travelling between Den Bosch and Boxtel, an NS spokesperson tells NOS. “Travellers can also detour via Tilburg.”
Usually, sixteen trains run per hour between Den Bosch and Boxtel. Thanks to — we’d like to say it again — BADGERS, travellers on these trains will have to join other ones, so get ready for crowded carriages.
So, how do the Dutch plan on tackling this niggling problem? That’s tricky. The track and subsoil need to be repaired, but ProRail does not know when they will be able to do this. Badgers are protected, so creative methods are needed to persuade the badgers to move.
So they figured, “what’s more persuasive than a proper cosy badger home?” ProRail is building an artificial den in hopes that the badgers will find it much cosier than their burrows by the tracks.
Perhaps some scented candles and a gezellige couch will help?
Track reinforcements will only be completed once our furry friends decide to move and it’s certain that they aren’t going to return.
That’s right. Everything is on hold until the badgers decide to move into their new home. Let’s hope it’s up to standard.
Badger déjà vu?
Last year, badgers in Friesland stopped trains from running between Workum and Stavoren until the end of April.
While you would think this is quite a unique difficulty, apparently, it’s just one of those little inconveniences that can come with life in the Netherlands — but hey, we’ll take it.
Do you think the artificial den will work to entice the badgers? Tell us in the comments.
Aid organisations have expressed their worry as they have received a number of reports of Ukrainian refugees being exploited while living in the Netherlands.
FairWork, an organisation that supports victims of labour exploitation in the Netherlands, has had to step in and help a whopping 212 Ukrainians since the beginning of the Russian invasion.
The organisation is concerned about this vulnerable group. Specifically in terms of how they’re treated and taken advantage of in the workplace, reports the NOS.
How are Ukrainians being exploited?
The organisation has received many complaints concerning shocking acts by employers in the Netherlands.
These include the non-payment of salaries, in addition to other employment law complaints, such as people having to pay an intermediary to get their citizen service number (BSN).
An example of such exploitation can be seen in the case of a middle-aged Ukrainian man who fled the war in April and has been living in the Netherlands ever since.
He reported to FairWork that he worked more than ten hours a day for less than minimum wage, only to get fired after a month — and put on the street without a salary. Lovely.
In fact, in 2022, FairWork aided 173 Ukrainians out of 1,200 people who approached the organisation with questions and complaints.
And it doesn’t just concern the workplace. Last year, FairWork noted that 69 Ukrainians were also at risk of human trafficking. In comparison, five Ukrainians faced this risk in 2021.
Empty promises in exchange for work
Speaking with the NOS, Oksana Savchuk of the Ukrainian House in the Charlois district of Rotterdam explains that many Ukrainians are forced to turn to social media to find work.
Many are told they must pay an intermediary to arrange work — which should never be the case — and then things take an even worse turn.
FairWork tells the NOS of one Ukrainian man’s story. He had found an employer through an advertisement on Facebook. While he had no contract, the employer claimed he would arrange this after a month, and he was promised a salary of €12 an hour.
Guess what? The employer never delivered on these promises.
These acts of exploitation happen frequently, reports Savchuk, who has estimated that about five Ukrainians with similar complaints come to the centre each week.
“They partly experience the same as other migrant workers. They are often recruited via social media with the promise that the paperwork will be in order. They work for free for a month, and then it turns out that the papers are not in order and that they are not paid,” she explains to the NOS.
She expects that people who turned to FairWork for help are just the tip of the iceberg. According to her, many Ukrainians “don’t dare to talk.”
Someone call Pharell Williams because we’re happy! The 2023 World Happiness Report finds that the land of bikes and canals ranks as the fifth happiest country in the world.
Although this might seem obvious during the annual Koningsdag(King’s day) festivities or during the tulip season, we’re proud to see it on paper once again! 🎉
So how did the Netherlands end up on the podium? The report takes into account a list of measures to evaluate the final ranking of each country’s happiness levels. They look at:
The World Happiness Report is compiled every year in the United States based on surveys conducted by the Gallup Institute.
How did other countries do?
Happiness ranking
Country
1
Finland
2
Denmark
3
Iceland
4
Israel
5
The Netherlands ✨
6
Sweden
7
Norway
8
Switzerland
9
Luxembourg
10
New Zealand
Finland ranks as the happiest country in the world for the sixth year in a row. The Finnish are followed by the Danes and Iceland at the top of the list.
Sadly, Afghanistan and Lebanon are ranked as the two least happy countries in the world in 2023. Both countries’ citizens have experienced civil unrest in the past years.
Powering through the coronavirus pandemic
The scientists compiling the report say that the people of the world have proved “remarkably resilient” throughout the past three years.
Global pandemic aside, they noted that global happiness levels actually haven’t dropped lower than the pre-coronavirus years of 2017 – 2019.
Somehow we’ve made it through the lockdowns, curfews, weekly press conferences, and anxious return to “normal life” with the same level of happiness.
All in all, we can proudly say that the Dutchies are thriving on stroopwafel, boterhammen, and good vibes — and we internationals are happy to join in.
What do you think about this year’s ranking? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
We’re all in search of the perfect work-life balance, but office jobs can make that extremely difficult for employees. Enter: freelancing!
Freelancing has absolutely taken off in the Netherlands, with the amount of self-employed people growing to 1.24 million since the start of the coronavirus, reports NU.nl. In fact, it’s an upward trend that shows no signs of slowing down any time soon.
The rise of freelancing
So, what’s the hype about freelancing?
Well, with benefits ranging from a better balance between work and private life, less work pressure, and higher rates, we aren’t surprised that more people are getting into the world of freelancing. 👩🏼💻
Erik Stam, professor of economics at Utrecht University, even reported to NU.nl that the Netherlands is considered a frontrunner when it comes to flex.
He’s definitely not alone in thinking so, as figures from the CBS (the Dutch bureau of statistics) indicate that there has been a huge increase in the number of self-employed professions. This growth is mainly seen in healthcare, closely followed by commercial and technical professions.
Freelancing in the Netherlands has many benefits! Image: Freepik
Chief economist Peter Hein Van Mullingen told NU.nl that “people with flexible jobs, in particular, decide to become self-employed. They are better able to organise their own time and also earn more.”
Golden times for employees, but not the government
The government, however, is a little less happy about the surge in the number of self-employed people.
Since most freelancers are not insured against work disabilities and get no pension, this makes them a major risk to themselves and the economy.
This is because self-employed people can only fall back on social assistance in the event of a breakdown, and can get into serious financial trouble as a result.
For this reason, the cabinet wants to reduce the number of freelancers.
With the government taking measures to phase out the self-employed deduction, this, in turn, will make freelancing less attractive. However, the rise of freelancing isn’t over yet, as the government’s measures are only taking effect very slowly.
What do you think about the government’s new measures toward freelancing? Tell us in the comments below!
Fed up with the uncertainty of not knowing how much extra you have to pay on electricity each month? Well, these Dutch energy companies have announced an annual set price!
Energiedirect, Mega, and Essent are the first of many companies that are soon to be offering a year-long fixed-price contract again, reports RTL Nieuws.
Greater security
Last year saw many people struggle to make ends meet when their monthly energy bills arrived, especially after the Netherlands was branded as having the highest gas prices in the EU.
Wanting to avoid the unpredictability of gas prices on households, energy companies decided on separate plans that were below the energy price ceiling.
However, in response to consumers’ growing need for greater security, some energy providers have brought back their annual contracts.
This plan has some great advantages. For example, you don’t run the risk of your energy bill increasing if the prices of gas rise. Hoera!
However, if the gas price lowers, you will still have to pay the set price, which may be more than you need to without the contract.
TIP: Looking for expert advice on getting your energy need sorted out?
Just reach out to PartnerPete with any questions you may have, and let them guide you to an energy contract that offers you the most bang for your buck!
Gas gambling
Of course, the nightmare of last year’s energy crisis is still at the forefront of your memories, and with the geopolitical uncertainties, it looks like next winter may follow suit.
We suggest you do some research into what each energy company offers because some are asking for a cancellation of €100 on top of your monthly energy bill.
Experts suggest that you can also wait until more companies start offering permanent contracts, as energy prices may continue to fall due to the falling gas prices.
What do you think about the set prices? Tell us in the comments below!
For anyone hoping to start wearing their spring clothes this week, you may want to gently nudge the brakes, as the latest weather forecast predicts anything but fun in the sun! ☔️
Despite spring being on the horizon, there’ll be lots of clouds and rain showers across the country, according to Weeronline.nl.
Rain, rain, and more rain!
This morning’s forecast will give you a brief taste of the weather for the rest of the week, with lots of cloud cover and some light rain. The wind from the southwest is moderate but strong on the IJsselmeer.
Morgen begint de lente, maar in het weer merken we daar niet zoveel van. Er is weinig zon en het is wisselvallig. Ook de rest van de week nog geen lenteweer. https://t.co/zj9Y4wCHaopic.twitter.com/VjIld06xnh
Translation: Spring starts tomorrow, but we don’t notice that much in the weather. There is little sun and it is changeable. No spring weather for the rest of the week either.
The rest of the day will be grey and cloudy, making us all want to stay inside and cuddle up with a cup of tea or hot chocolate. The chance of rain tonight will increase in the southwest of the country, with a minimum temperature of around 7 degrees Celsius.
The rest of the week: no fun
Need to set off early on Tuesday morning? You may want to take the wet conditions into account, as the rain may cause road delays for much of the country. Helaas pindakaas!
Luckily, we won’t need our rain jackets much that afternoon, as it will be largely dry throughout the Netherlands. In fact, for the lucky crowd in the west of the country, the sun might even make an appearance at the end of the afternoon. 🌞
On Wednesday and Thursday, the rain will continue to bother us, as it moves from the northwest to the southeast of the country.
Thursday, however, will see the weather in true Dutch style: unpredictable! The forecast has it all, from thunderstorms to a chance of hail to strong gusts of wind (and maybe even some sun).
Dying for a break from the wet weather during the latter half of the week? We’ve got bad news for you, as there’ll be little change on Friday or over the weekend. 😅
How are you preparing for this rainy weather? Tell us in the comments below!
It’s another one in the books for the city of Amsterdam, as a study reveals that the Dutch capital is ranked among the top 10 European cities for cinema lovers. So go ahead and grab the popcorn!
Are you a cinema buff who runs to the cinema for the newest romantic comedy, Marvel action movie, or artsy film? All that you need to satisfy your movie cravings can be found in Amsterdam.
And the city won’t let you down! A study by Holidu ranked Amsterdam as the 10th best city for cinema lovers in Europe. 🎉
Can you guess who ranked first? Geneva, Switzerland takes first place with the city’s cinemas gaining an average rating of at five out of five stars. Berlin and Paris rank in third and sixth place with a whopping 77 and 81 cinemas.
Rank
City
Country
Total no. cinemas
Average rating of cinemas
1
Geneva
Switzerland
15
5
2
Warsaw
Poland
37
4
3
Berlin
Germany
77
4
4
Bologna
Italy
23
4
5
Munich
Germany
32
4
6
Paris
France
81
4
7
Athens
Greece
59
4
8
Porto
Portugal
11
5
9
Nuremberg
Germany
14
4
10
Amsterdam ✨🇳🇱
Netherlands
18
4
What now?
Jump onto your fiets, grab some popcorn and make your way to one of Amsterdam’s great cinemas this weekend.
A truck carrying offal lost its load on the A67 near Geldrop. The result? Intestines and other entrails raining onto poor unsuspecting cars — followed by a traffic jam.
According to the NOS, a truck with a trailer filled with about 10 tons of offal slammed its brakes before crashing into another truck during a traffic jam. This resulted in a very unpleasant waterfall of offal sloshing out of the truck’s trailer. 🤢
The highway between Asten and Leenderheide interchange, in the direction of Eindhoven, was closed for hours to remove all the spilled guts.
Wondering what offal is? Usually, it is the byproduct left over once butchers carve up their meat. It can be edible or inedible and consists of internal organs, skins and other membranes.
Jeroen Hendrikson didn’t have such a great drive home. He tells the NOS he was driving past when the accident happened and thought that stones were falling from the truck.
