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Finally! Lidl supermarkets in the Netherlands ditch flying in fruits and vegetables

Gaelle Salem
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Finally! Lidl supermarkets in the Netherlands ditch flying in fruits and vegetables

Lidl, famously known for being one of the cheapest supermarkets in the Netherlands, plans to stop stocking fruits and vegetables transported by plane in an effort to be more eco-friendly. 🌱

Surprisingly enough, while the Netherlands is known for its sustainable projects, the grocery store has become the first in the country to take this step — like a true green queen. 👑

Changing to a greener alternative

According to NU.nl, the majority of Lidl’s produce comes from Dutch soil. However, there are the occasional asparagus tips and legumes that the supermarket brings in from countries abroad. 

READ MORE | Lidl forced to recall products because (get this): there was too much weed in them

Now, Lidl wants to push for a more environmentally-conscious attitude by ensuring their fruits and veggies hail entirely from the grounds of the Netherlands, or through other means of transportation, such as by ship. 🚢

From air travel to boat travel

Lidl officially plans to switch to maritime travel altogether when it comes to getting their goods from abroad. This way, they’ll be able to reduce CO2 emissions and their overall footprint by quite a bit.

READ MORE | The first of many: Lidl officially stops selling cigarettes in the Netherlands

While transporting by boat does offer a more eco-friendly alternative to air travel, one disadvantage is that importing the goods will be a much slower process.

Nevertheless, Lidl believes that the change of pace won’t affect them too negatively to the point that their customers will see empty shelves on a regular basis. 🛒

Sustainable grocery shopping? Yes, please!

In a time when the inflation rate is at an all-time high, many Dutchies are relying on chintzy supermarkets, like Lidl, to offer some relatively low-priced goods.

That being said, it may be uplifting to hear that the next time we fill up our supermarket baskets at the Lidl, we’ll end up with both inexpensive and eco-friendly groceries. 🛒

What do you think about Lidl’s switch to a greener alternative? Tell us in the comments below!

Twelve Dutch IS women (and their 28 kids) brought from Syria back to the Netherlands

Heather Slevin
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Twelve Dutch IS women (and their 28 kids) brought from Syria back to the Netherlands

Twelve IS women, and their 28 children, are due to be brought back to the Netherlands, in order to be tried and arrested upon arrival. 

The Dutch cabinet ruled back in May of this year that the women had to be brought to the Netherlands to face prosecution for terrorist crimes, reports the NOS. 

The Dutch could lose the right to prosecution

To properly try the women for their crimes, the Netherlands must bring them back to Dutch soil. If they stay in Syria, the Public Prosecution Service loses its right to prosecute. 

Minister Yesilgöz of Justice and Security writes in a letter, “With the transfer to the Netherlands, the cabinet aims to prevent these twelve suspects from going unpunished.”

The women will also be able to defend themselves in the Dutch court of law once they arrive. 

Decision made in May

The decision to bring the women back to the Netherlands was made in May, and the court in Rotterdam ruled that the women must be transported within four months. 

Five of the IS women were collected earlier this year as they were accused of organising a terrorist crime. The Netherlands wishes to punish the rest of those who have moved to Syria to support the terrorist organisation. 

READ MORE | Turkey has returned two IS women to the Netherlands

Back in May, 29 children were due to be transported to the Netherlands, though now figures state that 28 children will be accompanying their mothers. Regardless, the children involved in this case will be put into the care of the Child Protection Board. 

Yesilgöz says to De Telegraaf, “In the interest of the security and privacy of those involved and in view of the necessary confidentiality of this type of operations, we cannot make any further announcements about these specific cases.”

The women are on their way to the Netherlands now and are due to be arrested and trialled immediately upon arrival. 

Stay up to date with all the news in the Netherlands by following DutchReview on Facebook. 

Missed your flight? Schiphol extends period for compensation claims

Liana Risseeuw 🇱🇰
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Missed your flight? Schiphol extends period for compensation claims

If you’re one of the many hundreds of people that missed a flight at Schiphol Airport in recent months, well…there may be a silver lining in sight.

Our good ol’ friend Schiphol will be extending the period during which travellers that have missed flights can claim compensation, says RTL Nieuws.

Took the train instead? The compensation still holds

Prior to this announcement, compensation schemes were only applied until August 11 — but will now be in effect till November 30.

These compensation schemes cover the costs of rebooking flights, finding replacement flights, or even using alternative methods of transport.

Travel costs spent by passengers when getting to Schiphol or an alternative airport will also be factored in.

Ultimately, this means that flight claim in the EU and beyond may be slightly easier.

Waiting times are shorter — but there’s a catch!

Waiting times during autumn were roughly 14 minutes on average, with a max of under half an hour.

However, this came as a result of Schiphol cancelling thousands of flights.

Translation: Situation in #Schiphol improved… Well, you can put it that way. Think it’s because a lot of flights have been cancelled, because many people are moving to other airports, etc. There will only be an improvement if the situation can really be compared to how it was in 2019, for example.

Due to staff shortages, the airport can’t cope with the strain of so many passengers passing through it.

This year saw one million fewer travellers use Schiphol than the previous year, a trend that is likely to continue into the first half of 2023 as well.

What do you think of Schiphol’s latest move? Tell us all about it in the comments below!

Hold on to your hats: the Netherlands announces a code yellow for strong winds

Heather Slevin
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Hold on to your hats: the Netherlands announces a code yellow for strong winds

It looks like the bad weather has only just begun, as strong gusts of wind are expected along the Dutch coast, in the Wadden Area and Flevoland. 

The yellow warning comes in as wind speeds pick up to a speedy 90 kilometres per hour — that’s enough to blow your socks off for sure, but the strong winds may also interfere with traffic, reports NU.nl. 

Hail and thunderstorms, oh my!

There will be some rain showers today as clouds move across the country. 

And, good news for thrill seekers: these showers are due to get heavier as the day goes on, with chances of hail and thunderstorms. ⛈

Stay away from the trees folks, but you may be able to catch a flash of lightning tonight, especially if you’re living in a Dutch coastal area!

While you may need your raincoat, you can ditch that heavy jumper seeing as the temperature is set to rise to between 16 and 17 degrees from today until Wednesday! 🥵

Body-building winds

The strong winds will continue as the week carries on. On Tuesday and Wednesday, strong gusts of wind will sweep up the lowlands, reaching 75 to 90 kilometres per hour. 

And, along the Dutch coasts, winds could pick up to nearly 100 kilometres per hour. The wind’s been hitting the gym and is ready to blow your house down. 💪🌬

But, by the end of Wednesday night, those billowing gusts of wind are set to end. 

Will you be watching the thunderstorms outside or from the comfort of your living room? Tell us in a comment below! 👇

Record-breaking warm October is leading to a freezing November

Mihály Droppa
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Record-breaking warm October is leading to a freezing November

Did you enjoy the weather in the past few days? We’re glad! Because the autumn temperature is over.

It’s the end of the postcard-perfect, Instagram-picture-shooting-autumn leaves temperatures: November will bring chilly weather to the Netherlands.

In the coming days, temperatures will drop, so it’s time to find your winter coat.

The stereotype of Dutch weather

It looks like the Dutchies will have something to talk about in the following days because the weather will continually change. 

“Especially during the morning hours, it is mainly cloudy, and a rain zone is moving northeast over the country. After that, several loose showers will be brought in with a strong south-westerly wind,” writes Roosmarijn Knol on Weerplaza.

Two-woman-with-umbrellas-walking-along-a-raony-canal-street-in-Amsterdam
Prepare those umbrellas! Image: Depositphotos

According to the meteorologist, this is a typical November. However, with the warm weather of the past weeks, it will be much harder to get used to it. 

Record-breaking temperatures

Overall, the Netherlands has had quite a warm year so far. With the temperature of the past few days, 2022 has already become one of the warmest years yet. (Um, yikes!) 

The measurements started in 1901; since then, only 2003 and 2018 have been warmer than this year, according to AD. 

Energy prices: here we come! 

So far, it has been easier to manage without heating and save some money on the crazy expensive energy bills. 

READ MORE: All you need to know about the Dutch energy subsidy and price cap

But it looks like the weather won’t support our bills anymore, so it’s time to spend that €380 energy compensation from the government. 

What is your ultimate technique to get through the winter? Tell us in the comments! 

We’re ecstatic! Netherlands tops the world for ecstasy use (wait, what?)

Liana Risseeuw 🇱🇰
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We’re ecstatic! Netherlands tops the world for ecstasy use (wait, what?)

The Netherlands boasts the highest (no pun intended) number of ecstasy users in the world — even at just 3.1% of the country’s total population. 📈

The Trimbos Instituut notes that ecstasy (XTC) use is almost becoming as popular as drinking alcohol on nights out.

And at least 430,000 adults took at least one pill during the last year, reports the Nationale Drug Monitor.

The ABCs of XTC in the Netherlands

In 2021, about 56% of all drugs handed over to DIMS (the Netherlands’ drugs information and monitoring system) for testing were ecstasy tablets.

And more than half of the ecstasy tablets tested contained dangerously high doses of MDMA.

Dubbed a “love drug” by Trimbos Instituut, it can trigger emotions of affection and lust.

As such, it sees much popularity amongst those aged 20-24 in nightlife and clubbing circles, and usage is higher among men than women.

Combining it with alcohol, other drugs, or medication can prove very risky.

You definitely won’t feel as ecstatic once these kick in

Like many drugs, ecstasy use is riddled with side effects which impact young people and women the most.

The nerves and brain are hit rather hard, and users are at risk of seizures or psychiatric symptoms like panic attacks, aggression, and psychosis.

READ MORE | Taking drugs in the Netherlands: ecstasy use in Holland

Ecstasy can also affect the cardiovascular system, resulting in an increased heart rate and high blood pressure.

And those warm feelings of tenderness and lust? Yeah, they may lead to episodes of hyperthermia — a dangerous increase in body temperature. Heel romantisch, hoor! 🔥

What do you think of the Netherlands’ rising ecstasy usage? Tell us all about it in the comments below!

Train between Amsterdam and London saved: will more than double capacity in future

Juni Moltubak
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Train between Amsterdam and London saved: will more than double capacity in future

Thankfully, the international trains will continue as normal to and from the Dutch capital, albeit with some changes to the logistics.

Dutchies and Brits were shaking in their boots this summer, with news breaking about the closing of the international train terminal at Amsterdam Central Station.

However, the international train service is not only now saved, but the trains’ capacities could increase from 250 passengers to 600, writes Het Parool.

It was previously announced that the international terminal could stop until 2028 because building work at the station needed more space. Specifically, the construction workers needed the exact space currently occupied by international train travellers.

READ MORE | How to get from Amsterdam to London: the complete 2022 guide

Now, the necessary security checks, and other logistics needed for international travel, will take place in the Amstel Passage.

The Amster Passage at Amsterdam Central has, until now, served as a tunnel of shopping opportunities, moving strollers, commuters, and travellers from their transit options to Amsterdam city centre.

Ehen the passage was built, part of the deal was that travellers would not have to check in and out when passing through. This promise is at risk with the new plans for the international terminal.

A look to the future

It is not clear when exactly the move will take place, but you can rest assured that the Eurostar service bringing travellers from London to Amsterdam in just four hours will continue as normal.

READ MORE | Packed NS trains: complaints rise as number of trains drop

This is happy news for the rail folks, who prefer a climate-friendly alternative when hopping between capitals.

What do you think of the plans to have the international terminal in the Amstel Passage? Tell us in the comments below!

Makeover time! Amsterdam’s Dam Square Palace is getting a new look

Juni Moltubak
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Makeover time! Amsterdam’s Dam Square Palace is getting a new look

Get the cleaning brushes out! One of Amsterdam’s most famous monuments is to undergo renovations in 2023. And, the work is said to be done by 2026.

The brush-up is intended to preserve the building’s 17th-century glory, and to ensure that visitors and spectators can enjoy the palace for many centuries to come, writes AT5.

It’s not yet known how much the renovations will cost, but the expenses will be covered by the regular government restoration budget.

People are noticing discrepancies in the Dutch government’s financial priorities. 🤔

What to expect from the renovations

The roof of the Dam Square Palace will get a well-deserved makeover since the rest of the exterior was given an overhaul more than ten years ago.

This time around, architect Hans Vlaardingerbroek will focus on the statutes, roof panels, and the famous dome of the building. 🏰

READ MORE | 12 World Heritage Sites in the Netherlands: the country’s best monuments

But the palace’s new look doesn’t end with a simple cleanse. As part of the work to recreate the 17th-century glamour of the exterior, the renovation team will add shiny new gold leaves to the corners of the building. 🍁

Don’t worry, you can still visit the palace

Still want to visit the palace? No worries! Sure, the facade might look a little different for a while, but tourists and other visitors can still enter the building just like always.

READ MORE | What to do when it’s raining: the ultimate guide to Amsterdam indoors

The national monument in the centre of the Dutch capital is one of the most popular things to do in Amsterdam, and it’s not about to lose out on the 300,000 visitors it receives a year!

So you can rest assured that you’ll still be able to enjoy the palace in the years to come.

What do you think about the move to renovate the Royal Palace? Tell us in the comments below!

Thanks, Schiphol! KLM flights will be getting even more expensive

Liana Risseeuw 🇱🇰
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Thanks, Schiphol! KLM flights will be getting even more expensive

KLM, the Netherlands’ flag carrier, has been plagued by various problems in recent months. The airline is currently passing this cost onto customers, by making tickets more expensive.

Air France-KLM has been hit hard by everyone’s least favourite villain (Schiphol) — to the tune of millions.

This is a burden that we, the passengers, will likely have to cover, says RTL Nieuws.

READ MORE | Chaos at Schiphol: why the biggest Dutch airport is struggling so much

KLM’s wallet is taking a hit — so ours should, too (apparently)

Issues at Schiphol cost KLM a whopping €175 million, reported the NOS.

This figure comprises €30 million in passenger compensations and €145 million in lost revenue.

All of this, in addition to fuel prices that are pitching skyward faster than any plane leaving Schiphol, means more costs for customers to cover.

But wait…didn’t KLM make a PROFIT this year?

The airline did indeed make a profit — of €460 million. Turnover was half a billion euros higher than in 2019, at €8.1 billion.

READ MORE | KLM sees soaring profits as airport chaos reigns on

Top executive Ben Smith even told the NOS that the company benefited from a “strong demand”. Flights were well-filled, with 88% of seats usually sold.

In fact, Air France-KLM is actually making more profit per euro than it did in pre-coronavirus times.

What do you think of KLM’s latest move? Tell us all about it in the comments below!

Only emission-free cars allowed to be sold in the Netherlands from 2035

Juni Moltubak
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Only emission-free cars allowed to be sold in the Netherlands from 2035

All cars sold in the European Union will have to run on either hydrogen or electricity by 2035, as fossil-fuel-driven vehicles were banned by EU member states yesterday evening.

The new law is part of the EU’s “Fit for 55” package and will drastically change the market in the world’s largest trading bloc.

This will likely make electric driving cheaper and more accessible than it currently is, writes NU.nl.

An urgent matter

The transportation industry is often referred to as the most pollutive sector there is, and action to curb the dangerous effects of climate change is therefore urgently needed.

When the law was proposed a year ago, it was seen as highly controversial, and the move to finalise the legislation this week was, somewhat surprising.

READ MORE | 9 surprisingly unsustainable Dutch habits 

But, according to the European Commission, switching to zero-emission cars will be relatively straightforward.

That’s because the technology for electrifying cars is well-established and common in most countries across the globe.

It’s not all straight roads ahead

Naturally, not everyone’s happy about the new EU regulation, so there are bound to be some bumps in the road towards green transportation.

At the moment, prices and access to electric charging stations play a central role in a consumer’s choice of vehicle.

Therefore, the EU must get to work at expanding the network of charging infrastructure, if they want to make the transition to non-polluting vehicles as comfortable as possible for its consumers.

READ MORE | The Netherlands is home to the most electric car charging points in all of Europe

And, of course, the producers of fossil fuel-driven cars are not cheering about this either.

But, an exception will ensure that manufacturers producing a relatively small number of vehicles a year will be granted one extra year to turn their production around. 😉

What do you think of the EU’s move towards clean vehicles? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below!

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