Ah, October. The month of rain, cold weather, and hiding inside. No sorry, scrap that; October was the month of… sunshine and droughts?
While we here in the Netherlands have all gotten used to cold October weather and dreary autumn days, this October was one to remember.
Recorded as being the hottest October in Europe ever, temperatures were two degrees higher than the European average recorded between 1991 to 2020, reports the EU agency Copernicus Climate Change Service.
Sun, droughts, and a whole lotta rain
With higher-than-average temperatures across Europe, many countries faced droughts. In the Spanish Doñana Nature Reserve, the droughts have caused wetlands to dry up completely.
But, in other countries, there was more rain than usual. We can attest to that one; it felt like our umbrellas never got the chance to get dry in the Dutch weather this October. 🙄☔
October 2022 beats October 2020
The previous heat record for the hottest October was in 2020, but this high temperature was beaten last month by 0.5 degrees.
However, Europe wasn’t the only part of the world to beat heat records. In Canada, a heat record was also measured, and temperatures were higher in Greenland and Siberia.
In countries such as Russia, Australia, and parts of Antarctica though, it was colder than the average this October.
Europe is on a get-hot-fast mission
Europe has been getting warmer significantly faster than other continents. The UN’s World Meteorological Organization (WMO) pointed out that temperatures in Europe have risen faster than other parts of the world over the last 30 years.
In a report by the EU climate agency Copernicus, it was revealed that temperatures in Europe have risen twice as fast as compared to other continents.
Finally, a win for first-time home buyers; the Netherlands may soon offer a subsidy of up to €75,000 to help middle-income earners.
The subsidy, referred to as the National Fund for Affordable Homes, will offer huge discounts on new homes to people earning between €40,000 to €65,000 a year, reports AD.nl.
Buying a house in the Netherlands? Nice try
Home-owning in the Netherlands has become more of a myth than a reality for many middle-income earners. The housing situation across the country has seemed hopeless for people, leaving them reliant on renting housing.
But, no more! With the average price of a home in the Netherlands reaching €400,000, the subsidy can help to reduce this hefty price, making it easier (and more realistic!) for first-time buyers to purchase a home. 🏡😍
The new subsidy will allow first-time buyers to set up in a new home. Image: Unsplash
However, the discount does come with a small catch; if the house is later sold, the money must be repaid to the government. And, if the sale of the house comes at a profit? Part of that profit must also be repaid.
This helps the fund continue to help new starters over the next few years.
By 2030, up to 5,000 new homes will be sold to first-time buyers
The national expertise centre for the housing market, the OpMaat foundation, announced the launch of the fund last week.
The goal of the fund? To help first-home buyers in the Netherlands purchase 5,000 homes over the next eight years.
This is not the first fund of this kind to exist in the Netherlands. However, unlike other funds, this one is supported by the government. The Dutch government will provide €40 million to get it off the ground. 🤑
The parties of the VVD, D66, CDA, and ChristenUnie had already agreed to launch a fund for first-time buyers in the coalition agreement. A similar fund was in operation before but was abolished in 1988.
Do you think this will help the Dutch housing crisis? Tell us in a comment below! 👇
South Africa was hit with an astonishing 13 runs from Associate Cricketing nation the Netherlands, in a move that shocked cricket fans all over the world. 🏏
Why? Well, cricket just isn’t really a Dutch sport. Football? Yes. Hockey? Yes. Ice skating? Definitely.
Meanwhile, cricket is one of the most popular sports in South Africa. That meant when the Netherlands, the lowest-ranked side in the Super 12 stage, came up against South Africa, it was thought to be an embarrassing defeat for the Dutchies.
However, this all changed with the shocking conclusion of November 6’s match, which dramatically unseated one of the tournament favourites, the Proteas.
Imagine #Netherlands winning cricket worlds admiration .. a group of part timers or expats took down a major cricket nation .
South Africa’s defeat means that the Netherlands will qualify for the next Men’s T20 World Cup, taking place in 2024.
A great win for associate cricket
English bowler Alex Hartley echoed a sentiment many associate cricket fans share.
Talking to the BBC, he wondered how smaller cricketing nations would flourish if more money were pumped into supporting their teams and they played more matches.
Dutch opener Stephan Myburgh was also in agreement with this, telling the BBC that he hoped The Netherlands got more opportunities to play against bigger cricketing nations.
What do you think of The Netherlands’ spectacular win? Tell us all about it in the comments below!
The scoot mobile has been popular in the Netherlands for years — and while it’s certainly convenient for those who can’t get around by foot, it’s not as safe as one might think.
According to RTL Nieuws, the scooter and other vehicles for people with a disability rank as the most dangerous means of transport in traffic in the country.
Those who ride them are more likely to get into a fatal accident than drivers of a motorcycle or a moped.
It seems the humble scooter is not as humble as everyone believes it to be. 🤔
Total number of deaths by mobility scooters
Over the past 20 years, the number of scooter riders increased significantly — and because of this, more deaths by traffic have also been reported.
In fact, a study by Statistics Netherlands comparing fatalities to the number of kilometres travelled shows that 275 users of the mobility scooter die per billion kilometres.
And that number is much higher when you compare it to, for example, motorcyclists, who have an average of 50 deaths per billion kilometres.
For moped and light-moped riders, their number falls to 42, cyclists stand at 13, and pedestrians have 11 deaths per billion kilometres.
The Netherlands had over 200 biking deaths on a population of 18 Million with 80% of those being car-related.
I'm surprised that Americans are dying of not being hit by cars more than NL.
Also, 80% of their ER visits are single-bike crashes before attaching a motor to it.
— Poi is in Cleveland and Cincinnati this month (@poiThePoi) August 15, 2022
Yes, while one might think that the bike is the most dangerous transportation device in the Netherlands, alas — it’s the scoot mobile.
History repeats itself
In 2019, there were a whopping 42 deaths caused by the humble mobility scooter, and in 2020, this number was 34.
The number of deaths decreased by two during the pandemic period when fewer people were able to drive on the road due to lockdowns.
Still…courses will not be obligatory for riders
Despite the great risk that the mobility scooter brings, the Minister of Infrastructure and Water Management, Mark Harbers, doesn’t want to make following a course mandatory for those who use and often need the vehicle.
The mobility scooter allows elderly and disabled folk to get around with ease and remain independent.
Not just that, but riding on what is essentially an office chair with an engine is just one of the many reasons why the device is so popular. 🛵
“For them, a disabled vehicle (such as a scooter) is often the only option to be able to be independently mobile. A compulsory course is therefore not so easy,” Harbers tells RTL Nieuws.
What do you think about the scoot mobile being the most dangerous? Tell us in the comments below! 👇
Saturday afternoon, more than 200 activists were arrested who broke into Schiphol-East to occupy the area where private jets take off and land.
Later in the evening, the activists from Greenpeace and Extinction Rebellion were removed from the runway and identified.
Much better than hurling soup cans at Monet & Van Gogh
When the Dutch protest, they bring banners, placards and their bicycles. Climate activists block private jets at Schiphol airport and try to evade police arrest on cycles.
On Saturday night, all the activists were released and set free. According to the action group, one person was injured in the head in an arrest process, reports the NOS.
Wha… Why?
According to Greenpeace, the purpose of chaining themselves to the aircraft and cycling across the runway was to raise awareness that private jets are the most polluting mode of transport.
🚨 BREAKING: Hundreds of activists are PHYSICALLY STOPPING mega-polluting private jets from taking off from Amsterdam's main airport, @Schiphol.
"We want fewer flights, more trains and a ban on unnecessary short-haul flights and private jets".
Greenpeace previously announced that there would be a “disruptive action” against private jets because of the pollution they cause.
The action could also be in the Guinness Book of World Records, with by far the highest number of arrests ever at the airport of Amsterdam.
Many criticisms
Lately, some climate activists have taken more visible actions to raise awareness of climate change. Their actions after this protest were highly criticised, just like many other protests.
Mayor Marianne Schuurmans of Haarlemmermeer, which includes Schiphol, criticised the protest.
“This has nothing to do with the demonstration that was agreed upon before. This action is prohibited, dangerous and punishable.”
Het blokkeren van de werkprocessen, het zich onbevoegd op beveiligd gebied begeven en het zichzelf en anderen in gevaar brengen, vallen niet onder de WOM, zijn niet acceptabel en zeker niet in een veiligheidsrisico gebied als Schiphol.
Translation: Blocking work processes, the Public Manifestations Act (WOM) does not cover unauthorised entry into secure areas and endangering oneself and others, are not acceptable and certainly not in a security risk area like Schiphol Airport.
The EBAA, the European trade association of the business flight sector, also criticised their actions.
Their spokesperson said that people often think of private jets of “the richandfamouswho want to go to Ibiza,” but medical flights and repatriations are a big part of their work, among other things.
The EBAA could not land their plane with a patient on board. The pilot decided to swerve because of the protesters on the platform.
“Otherwise, he couldn’t guarantee safety,” the EBAA spokesperson said to the NOS.
Extinction Rebellion and Greenpeace Netherlands say in a response that no incoming flights have been blocked.
“According to the authorities, the Oostbaan has been accessible all day. We have been in close contact with the authorities during this day to make room for the necessary flights. We regret that this flight would have been diverted. That was not necessary because of our action.”
Do you think their action effectively raised awareness of climate change? Tell us in the comments!
With the NS cutting down its timetable, we’re going to see much fewer trains running from November 7. Oh well, at least we have the bus?
In a new travel bulletin, the NS announced that it would be adjusting its timetable to accommodate the ongoing staff shortages.
Hoera, there’ll be even fewer trains than usual
Fewer trains will be running during off-peak hours for multiple routes. These routes include those between Den Haag Centraal and Amsterdam Centraal, and Rotterdam Centraal and Utrecht Centraal.
Are you heading to work on a Friday? Well, we’ve got bad news for you, because there’ll be fewer trains running along several routes all day on Fridays.
@NS_online what is this with all the train delays??? and fewer train will run from 7th of Nov?? How are we even gonna commute if everything is delayed AND full ..
You can also expect Intercity trains from Schagen to Alkmaar, and Alkmaar to Haarlem to be in short supply during rush hour on workdays.
A handful of sprinter routes are also running less frequently during working days, including Utrecht Centraal and Leiden Centraal and Dordrecht and Rotterdam Centraal.
When will things return to normal?
As most of the train mayhem can be traced to an ongoing staff shortage, which has unfortunately not yet been resolved, things are very much up in the air.
A spokesman for the NS, Arno Leblanc, told RTL Nieuws that the rail company is doing their best to deal with the issue, but they don’t know when they can expect a resolution.
What do you think of the NS’ latest announcement? Tell us all about it in the comments below!
Grab some hot, buttery popcorn and your favourite slushie, because the Leiden International Film Festival is officially back from November 3 to 13!
Whether you’re a film fan or you’re just looking for an excuse to binge some of the best films to come out this year, LIFF has your back!
This is the 17th instalment, which promises 11 days full of special screenings, premieres, and parties. We promise, you definitely don’t want to sit this one out! 😉
Three films you absolutely can’t miss
There are SO many interesting films on show this year, and we do suggest that you have a look at the full programme. However, there are three films that we couldn’t help but rave about — and here they are!
Emily
This charming costume drama portrays the life of famous British novelist Emily Brontë, played by the talented Emma Mackey (or Jacqueline de Belfort, for those of you who’ve seen Death on the Nile).
The film is a wild ride of romance, passion, and rebellion — culminating in the creation of Brontë’s famous novel, Wuthering Heights.
Marcel the Shell with Shoes On
If quirky indie films are your jam, then you will likely find this a hit!
The film is about Marcel, an adorable shell that lives with his grandmother Connie. Their lives soon get upturned when the filmmaker finds them living in his Airbnb. (We promise this film makes sense.)
It’s one of the most creative and heartwarming films to come out this year, and a definite must-see!
Three Thousand Years of Longing
Pragmatic academic Dr. Alithea Binnie (played by the incredible Tilda Swinton) accidentally unleashes a Djinn (Idris Elba), after he offers her three wishes in exchange for his freedom.
We don’t want to spoil this one for you, but we will say that the film’s fascinating concoction of fantasy and romance hits just right!
Well, how about it Leidenaren? Ready to get cultured and have a good laugh, scream, or cry? Then we suggest that you have a look at the full programme where you can choose from a terrific menu of international films.
So, what films have caught your eye on LIFF? And which ones are you going to see? Tell us all about them in the comments below!
We’ve put together the ULTIMATE guide on child benefits in the Netherlands. If you’d like some support but don’t know where to begin, then look no further! Take a seat, beloved reader. You’ve come to the right place.
Congrats! You’re moving to The Netherlands or becoming a parent — or both! Whatever reason you’re here for in regards to Dutch childcare: we want to help.
What are child benefits in the Netherlands?
Let’s start with the basics.
Child benefits are where the government gives you money towards the expenses of raising a child. Yay!
In the Netherlands, this is paid for by the SVB (Social Insurance Bank or Sociale Verzekeringsbank).
Dutch child benefit (toeslagen) is paid on a quarterly basis.
The government will shoulder some of the financial burdens of taking care of a child! Image: Depositphotos
If your child is due to be born here, the first payment you receive will be for the next quarter after your child’s birthday — starting in January, April, July or October.
Have we lost you yet? Don’t worry — we know this is a lot of information, so we’re going to break it down.
There are 3 types of child benefits that you can receive, depending on your situation.
Children’s Allowance: Kinderbijslag
First of all, there’s Kinderbijslag, which helps cover the general costs of raising children.
To receive this type of child benefit, you must be registered and living in the Netherlands.
In some special cases, you can be living abroad, but only if you have a “social security agreement” with the Netherlands and are insured by the Dutch child benefit scheme (AKW).
If you live and work here, then the allowance should be provided automatically to you via the SVB when the baby is born, but if not, you can always apply using your DigiD code.
The amount of child benefit you receive depends on how many kids you have and how old they are.
It will also change if the child has a disability, if they live at home, and/or if they have a part-time job.
Here’s a list to give you an idea of the serious coinage you could end up receiving for child benefits in the Netherlands!
In 2018 the general amount of child benefits per child per quarter is:
€249,31 for children up to age 5
€302,74 for children aged 6 to 11
€356,16 for children aged 12 to 17
Child Benefit: Kindgebonden Budget
Secondly, to most Dutchies and honorary Dutchies alike, this is probably the most important child benefit in the Netherlands.
This will help pay for your child’s schooling. Image: Depositphotos
The Kindgebonden helps parents and guardians cover the cost of their children’s clothing, food and school/international school.
Again, this depends on your level of income, and how many kids you have. To put it in simpler terms: the higher your income, the lower your child benefit will be.
Remember to spend wisely, people!
The requirements for this child benefit are as follows:
You have at least one child under the age of 18
You receive the Kinderbijslag (children’s allowance) from the SVB
The last one is a weird one — but this is all about “capital.”
If you don’t have a fiscal partner, your capital can’t exceed €120,020. If you do, then the maximum combined capital is €151,767.
Every individual is different (hooray for multiculturalism and uniqueness!), so there may be conditions and exceptions that apply to you personally that we haven’t listed here — in which case you should head on over to the Belastingdienst.
This is a government organisation (that deals with all that Dutch tax and customs admin stuff) which can help you with the child benefit system.
You can find out all the nitty-gritty specifics of what kind of benefit you’ll be receiving. Here’s a nice one, for example: are you a single parent? Then you’re entitled to more money!
Childcare Benefit: Kinderopvangtoeslag
Finally, the Kinderopvangtoeslag is the last child benefit in the Netherlands.
Are you studying alongside raising your child? The Kinderopvangtoeslag can help! Image: Depositphotos
This is for parents or guardians who are working, studying or following an integration course, who already receive the Children’s Allowance (kinderbijslag) and/or are partially responsible for the child. Woah, that’s a mouthful! Let’s break it down.
If the child is registered at your address (which you have a valid residence permit for), has not yet started secondary education and still attends a registered daycare facility, you are eligible for the Childcare Benefit.
You must have a contract with a childcare centre or childminder, and you must pay (part) of the childcare costs. The child benefit is calculated on an hourly basis.
The exact amount of child benefit you receive will depend on your personal income (as usual) and the type of childcare.
The specific expenses of the childcare you choose, therefore, will come into play.
Can I get child benefits in the Netherlands as a foreigner?
Help will always be given to those at Hogwarts — I mean, Holland.
Whether you are an expat or an international student, you will always have options for child benefits as a foreigner.
Not Dutch? No problem! You’ll still have options for childcare benefits. Image: Depositphotos
If you live or work in the Netherlands and you have a child or children under 18, never fear — you will get Dutch child benefits.
Sign me up! How do I apply for child benefits?
So, you’ve probably been reading this and exclaiming at regular intervals, “Wow! Sounds tremendously phenomenal!”
But by now, you’ll be wondering, “how do I actually get this so-called toeslagen and claim some real moola, man?”
Well, it’s pretty easy: contact SVB!
The office in your particular region determines what child benefit you’re entitled to.
Whether you already have a DigiD code and an account with “My SVB” or not, they’ll send you a claim form to fill out (you can ask for an English one), and you’ll be on your way in no time.
You just need to print it out, fill in your deets and send it back to them. Simples!
If you’d like to see a quick estimate of the amount of child benefits you’ll receive, here is a handy calculation tool that works it all out for you!
And if your browser can’t translate Dutch, here’s a PDF showing you how to calculate your child benefits in English.)
Note: all this includes step-children and foster children! If you already receive child benefits and you’re looking into fostering or adopting a child, you can use your DigiD code to report this as a “change in domestic circumstances.”
Did we miss something, or do you have any further questions? Be sure to let us know in the comments below!
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in October 2018, and was fully updated in November 2022 for your reading pleasure.
If you’ve ever lived in the Netherlands, you’ll be familiar with this feeling; rushing up to the train, digging through your wallet to get your yellow (or blue!) chipkaart, only to find the verdomd thing isn’t there.
Well, no more missing trains as a result, good folks! Say goodbye to last-minute card disasters, because by the end of this year, you’ll be able to check in with your very own bank cards, reports Het Parool.
One less card in the wallet
In December of this year, the NS will launch a new method of payment, called OV-Pay, across the country.
The NS has been trialling this new method of payment in Lelystad Station since March 2021. Apparently, the trial run has been successful, and now the service will be available in all major stations, such as Utrecht, Rotterdam, and Amsterdam.
OV-Pay will enable public transport users to check in and out of trains using bank cards and will rule out the need for the OV-chipkaart completely.
Finally, we say, because we are tired of having so many different cards all the time.
No more minimum balance
There’s more to benefit from than just having one less card. A notorious, and annoying, aspect of some OV-chipkaarts is the fact that you need a minimum amount loaded onto the card to even check-in.
With OV-Pay, you can say doei to problematic checking in and out. Image: Depositphotos
Without a personalised OV, even if you have €15 on your anonymous card, don’t even think of checking in.
According to the NS, your measly €15 is getting you nowhere, and you’ll need minimum €20 to check in for your train journey, no matter how short or far the trip. 🙄
With the new system, passengers will be able to check in and out of trains without requiring a minimum balance on their cards. The card will be debited overnight, and, if payment happens to be unsuccessful, the card will be blocked from making any further travel until the charge goes through.
The only issue with OV-Pay is that the system cannot tell yet if you have a discount or subscription loaded onto your OV-Chipkaart.
So, for now, those of us with handy discounts will have to stick to using our Chipkaarts.
It took y’all long enough
Though we surely appreciate the new initiative, we can’t help but think; dear NS, it took you long enough.
The Netherlands, it seems, is a bit late to this whole bank card-checking-in thing. Passengers have been able to check in using bank cards on London trains since, em, 2014. And, in Nice in France, this has also been possible since 2010.
It has been possible to check in using card on the London underground since 2014. Image: Depositphotos
Thanks, NS! While we’re celebrating how much easier things are about to get, let’s not forget the fact that train tickets are about to get more expensive.
On a side note, we’ve been able to check onto most buses and trams in the Netherlands with our bank cards for some time now.
No more OV-Chipkaart by 2024
As the NS rolls out the use of OV-Pay, it also has other plans; to scrap the use of the Chipkaart altogether.
By 2024, the Chipkaart will be replaced with something else; the OV-pass — sounds… similar.
What do you think of this payment method? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below!
A formal apology by the Dutch government to the tune of €200 million will be made, along with projects to raise awareness of the Netherlands’ past slavery.
The Dutch government will also be setting aside an additional €27 million for a museum on slavery, reports the NOS.
An apology has been in the works for a while
On a recent visit to Suriname, Prime Minister Rutte stated that the next year should be dedicated to acknowledging the Netherlands’ involvement in the slave trade.
The majority of the Tweede Kamer also pushed for a formal apology to be made.
And even the king agrees! He brought up the subject of an apology on Prinsjesdag — noting that 2023 would commemorate 150 years since the Netherlands abolished slavery.
King Willem-Alexander didn’t hesitate to point out the importance of taking responsibility for this part of Dutch history.
Not everyone thinks it’s necessary
Although the Dutch government’s persecution of Jews and their horrific treatment of Indonesians (following the decolonisation period) have been formally apologised for, slavery hasn’t been directly addressed.
Dutch conservatives: We must teach children to be proud of our [colonial] past when we were rich thx to the East/West Indees Company!
Also Dutch conservatives: I have nothing to do with the genocides in Indonesia or slavery! Why should we teach kids about the past? Now is now!
