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The Dutch are wearing orange at the World Cup and people are confused

Mihály Droppa
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The Dutch are wearing orange at the World Cup and people are confused

In the past weeks it was a joy to watch the confused Americans tweeting about the Dutch team in their orange jersey. 

The Dutchies have a very charming image on an international level, but still, they like to boost that with some colour-coded outfits. 

They like to do it as publicly as possible, to show their love for their beautiful flat country. 

The only problem is that no one has a clue as to why they like to dress up as a carrot on occasion. 🥕

While watching the World Cup, there is another new group of people, who are desperately googling why the Dutch team wears orange colours. 

But after all, it’s a more than legitimate question! The Dutch flag doesn’t even have orange in it (anymore) so many people wonder why they are not dressing up in red, white or blue.

Why do Dutch fans wear orange?

Around any international events where the Dutchies are competing with other countries, everyone dresses up in orange, all the stores start to sell orange accessories, and their excitement is more than visible. 

For some reason, when it comes to representing themselves at any world-renowned international events, like at the World Cup, they all jump into their closets for their carrot costumes. 

If you ever see this orange sea of people, you have two options: join or run! 

READ MORE: Challenge ahead: The Dutch to meet the U.S. in World Cup round of 16

If you don’t mind some oranje paint on your face, and you can learn the basic chant like, “Hup Holland hup!”

Why is there no orange in the Dutch flag?

Thanks for asking! Their flag does not include orange (and let’s be honest it might not be the most flattering colour to wear). 

But did you know that it used to be part of the flag? The flag was once orange, white and blue but the orange band was changed to red. Historians have a few theories as to why.

One of the most popular theories is that the dye used to stain the flag orange was prone to changing to a red colour over time. So to avoid confusion, the flag was officially changed to red.

So why is it orange? 🍊

The first blue orange blood member of the family was king William of Orange. He is known as the father of the Netherlands, bringing unity to the region for the first time. 

READ MORE: Why does the Netherlands love orange?

Since then, the name of the Dutch Royal family is Orange-Nassau. Don’t worry, it won’t be weirder than this. 

While the excitement and the so-called “orange fever” is less this year because of Qatar’s controversial human rights and corruption criticism, it is still quite visible. 

Do you have any orange clothes that you use to celebrate with the Dutchies? Tell us in the comments! 

Too many internationals: Dutch gov’t considers stopping student recruitment

Francesca Burbano
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Too many internationals: Dutch gov’t considers stopping student recruitment

The Dutch government is begging universities to quit advertising to foreigners to stem the flow of international students. 

While we know it’s great to study in the Netherlands (cycling and bitterballen anyone?), the housing crisis and ridiculously full lecture halls have got the Dutch government saying “nee.”

The House of Representatives and Minister for Education Robbert Dijkgraaf want to take action and stop actively recruiting international students.

The rise of internationals at Dutch universities

With more and more foreign students enrolling at Dutch colleges and universities every year, the number of international students has increased faster than the number of Dutch students.

In fact, the Central Bureau of Statistics reports that 40% of first-year students are from outside the Netherlands. 

Yet, this tiny country isn’t built for such huge numbers, leaving international students scrambling for rooms, paying huge amounts for hostels or hotels, or even having to sleep in tents for months at a time. 

Lecture halls at universities are also becoming overcrowded (and who likes to sit on the floor with their laptop awkwardly on their laps?)

Calling for action

In July, several universities already warned international students not to come to the Netherlands if they have not yet found a room. Now the government is stepping in. 

The government is asking universities to stop actively recruiting international students, for example, by not attending education fairs where students are encouraged to come. 

READ MORE | 7 things the Dutch government is doing to tackle the Dutch housing crisis

This way, students who plan to come to the Netherlands to study in the spring are already discouraged. 💔 Minister Dijkgraaf wants to release a plan in February that will attempt to contain the situation. 

Are internationals being given the same chance as Dutch students? Or is it simply the Dutch housing crisis at fault? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below!

Dutch zoo customers unknowingly eat vegan krokets for three years

Eva Gabriella
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Dutch zoo customers unknowingly eat vegan krokets for three years

For the past three years, Rotterdam Zoo has been secretly taking a stand against animal-cruelty by selling vegetarian krokets to hungry meat-eaters — and zoo-goers had absolutely no idea.

The unidentifiably veggie kroket left visitors of the zoo in disbelief when told that the otherwise meaty deep-fried snack was, in fact, meat-free. 

Meaty gossip

The zoo says that the decision was entirely on purpose. 

READ MORE: 3 weird Dutch food ‘things’ that will make you cry/laugh

“We want to encourage visitors to make healthier and more animal-friendly choices. A zoo is a perfect place for that,” a spokesperson tells EditieNL, RTL Nieuws reports.

You’re one to talk

While we’re in favour of anything that saves the animals, we can’t help raising an eyebrow — is a zoo where animals are locked up for human enjoyment really the best place to argue for vegetarianism?

READ MORE | The Dutch food dream: 13 unmissable dishes in the Netherlands

Although, we’ll give them this: the zoo’s krokets probably taste far better compared with the ones that fester in the vending machines at FEBO. 😉

Will you be heading to Diergaarde Blijdorp for your Meatless Mondays? Let us know in the comments below.

‘Sinterklaas isn’t the only one who’s coming’ says raunchy Dutch pharmacy ad

Lyna Meyrer 🇱🇺
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‘Sinterklaas isn’t the only one who’s coming’ says raunchy Dutch pharmacy ad

Christmas ‘came’ early to this Dutch drugstore in Leiden! The Leiden-branch of Kruidvat has come out with a heel spicy ad for the Christmas season… but not everyone is a fan. 👀

To promote the sale of the Satisfyer Pro 2, a highly popular sex toy, the staff at the store came up with a creative (to say the least) slogan: “Sinterklaas isn’t the only one who’s coming this year” and in smaller letters “(Santa Claus too).”

And its potential buyers, of course. 😏

“Sinterklaas isn’t the only one who’s coming”

A photo of the display, shared by an unexpecting shopper, went viral on Twitter, where reactions differed — let’s just say not everyone was satisfied.🙅‍♀️ 

Translation: Sinterklaas isn’t the only one who’s coming this year (Santa Claus too)

Difficult to explain

While many people responded positively to the initiative, others got a little hot and bothered by the raunchy ad. 

Dutch parents in particular, took to Twitter, writing that an ad of this type was “difficult for parents who have to explain [it] to their children.” 

Going, not coming 

While the display is certainly a conversation starter, Kruidvat has put a stop to it. 

In a statement to RTL Nieuws, Kruidvat explained that the cheeky display was a local initiative that the store staff came up with. The spokesperson added that Kruidvat wants to be a shop for the whole family, and although they “like a bit of humour … this is not [their] style.” 

As a result, the story ended (or should we say climaxed?😉) with the removal of the billboard, after Kruidvat urged the Leiden branch to remove the sign ASAP. 

Don’t worry though gals, the promotion still stands. So run (don’t walk) to Kruidvat if you want 50% off the Satisfyer 2 Pro. 🏃‍♀️

What do you think of this local Kruidvat’s bold initiative? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

Here’s what the Dutch listened to on Spotify in 2022

Liana Risseeuw 🇱🇰
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Here’s what the Dutch listened to on Spotify in 2022

Are you wondering what liedjes (songs) the Netherlands was dancing to this year? Wonder no more — Spotify Wrapped just dropped! 🪩

Wrapped, a viral marketing campaign by music streaming service Spotify shows users what songs they’ve been binging throughout the year as well as the total number of hours they’ve spent on the app.

Hoera, Netherlands for the win!

Dutch artists dominated the local charts this year, with eleven of the top twenty songs by singers from the Netherlands. 🇳🇱

Nabbing the title of the most listened artist on the Dutch charts was Antoon, whose hits ‘Hallo’ and ‘Olivia’ clearly struck a chord with listeners on Spotify.

He beat foreign heavyweights Ed Sheeran and The Weeknd, who came in second and third place, respectively.

It’d be careless of us not to mention all the fantabulous memes and clips made.

Rapper Drake and DJ David Guetta also swiftly followed in fourth and fifth place, respectively, summing up the top five most listened-to artists in the Netherlands.

Loads of hits…and a blast from the past

‘Vluchtstrook’ by Kriss Kross Amsterdam, featuring Antoon and Sigourney K, was the most streamed hit in the Netherlands this year.

Hot on its heels was Harry Styles’ ‘As It Was’ in second place and MEAU’s ‘Dat Heb Jij Gedaan’.

In fourth and fifth place were James Hype’s ‘Ferrari’ and Cristian D’s ‘Amsterdam’.

Meanwhile, Kate Bush’s 1985 bop ‘Running Up That Hill’ reappeared in the top ten — at number 10. 💃🏻

It was likely propelled there after being featured in the wildly successful (and dare we say wildly addictive? 👀) Netflix TV series Stranger Things.

What songs were in your Spotify Wrapped playlist? Tell us all about it in the comments below!

Holy smokes! Flavoured e-cigarettes to be banned from Dutch markets starting October 2023

Gaelle Salem
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Holy smokes! Flavoured e-cigarettes to be banned from Dutch markets starting October 2023

Starting in October 2023, some flavoured e-cigarettes will be banished from markets in the Netherlands. 🚬

Vaping has become a growing trend that’s particularly used for aesthetic purposes by the youth. 

Though, what many fail to realise is that a Juul pod has as much nicotine as almost two packs of cigarettes, hence why the Dutch government wants to deter youngsters from using it by taking away its flavour.

A New Year resolution

Folks can expect the ban to take place from October 1 of next year, covering many flavours of the vape.

By January 2023, stores selling the substance will have nine months to get rid of their existing stocks.

The ban will also include any packaging that contains images of e-cigarettes, as well as the liquids that are sold under incognito names, such as “bad boy fuel” or “chillin”.

A step towards healthier habits

Expert Esther Croes from the Dutch research institution, Trimbos, says that the ban is a step in the right direction, considering how addicting the flavourful e-cigarette can be for young people.

Oftentimes, a unique selling point about e-cigarettes is that the substance helps tobacco smokers quit their unhealthy habit — but in truth, it only worsens it. 

READ MORE | What Amsterdam bars can I smoke weed in (that aren’t coffeeshops)?

“And if you consider that one in five adults smoke, using something that should be the solution to stop smoking is quite disappointing”, Croes tells the NOS.

The addiction is all in the flavouring

In addition to the copious amounts of nicotine, e-cigarettes also come with 16 different flavours, and it’s one of the main reasons why youngsters are super hooked on them.

This is why the RIVM wants to ensure that a taste ban is implemented on the device, making it less appealing to the public. 

READ MORE | Visiting a coffeeshop in Amsterdam: etiquette, tips and tricks for first timers

“Essential parts are missing to get the taste right. With this, the Secretary of State goes beyond just a taste ban, because no tobacco can be made with these ingredients”, Emil ‘t Hart of the trade association, Esigbond, tells the NOS.

The plan was in the air for awhile 

According to the NOS, the plan to ban vape flavours was already set in motion back in 2020, when State Secretary Blokhuis brought its harmful effects on teens to light.

Several websites that sell them have already put up a last-call notice for folks to order their Juuls before it sells out completely. 

READ MORE | Amsterdam’s best weed: guide to coffeeshops and cannabis [2022]

“The expectation is that hoarding will occur before the taste ban comes into force. Since the expected hectic pace at the wholesalers, we cannot give any guarantees”, one seller’s website tells the NOS.

What do you think about e-cigarettes being banned? Tell us in the comments below! 👇

Amsterdam says no to rowdy stag parties and overexcited tourists; introduces new measures

Heather Slevin
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Amsterdam says no to rowdy stag parties and overexcited tourists; introduces new measures

Visiting Amsterdam for a weekend of boozing, smoking, and pre-wedding nonsense? You may have to rethink that party, as the municipality is making plans to limit the number of tourists in the coming years.

Amsterdam is officially tired of raucous stag parties and tourists visiting to ‘go wild’. The number of tourists staying overnight in Amsterdam grew to an outstanding 14.6 million in the third quarter of 2022.

And, the municipality has decided this is simply too many people. The council has decided that if the expected number of tourists rises to over 18 million in 2023, measures will be taken, reports NOS.

Earlier closing times and smoking bans

To curb the attraction of tourists coming to Amsterdam, the council has proposed a number of anti-fun rules.

Alderman Sofyan Mbarki of Economic Affairs proposed restrictions to the city council, though they have yet to decide.

Mbarki has targeted the Red Light District in particular, a popular destination for incoming tourists looking to attend strip clubs or experience the Netherlands’ open-minded attitude to sex work.

It has been proposed that catering establishments must close at 2 AM and window prostitution should end at 3 AM.

Other proposed measures to limit the number of tourists in Amsterdam were;

  • a new smoking ban in parts of the city centre
  • ban on selling weed after 4 PM
  • limiting the number of boarding places for party boats
  • encouraging hotels to host tourists for longer stays
  • increase tourist tax on river cruises and in certain areas of the city

Increase in tourism since the pandemic

Since the coronavirus pandemic, the number of tourists has reached higher than before the lockdowns.

Amsterdam residents launched an initiative called ‘Amsterdam has a choice’ out of concern for noise and public nuisance.

As Mbarki says in his letter, “We want to get rid of commercial parties who earn their money from vulgar tourist entertainment in the already scarce public space in the city centre.”

Many commercial businesses make massive profits from tourists, but this does not accommodate for Amsterdam citizens.

According to Mbarki, this “entertainment does not account for Amsterdammers who live or work in the city.”

Does this impact your plans to visit Amsterdam in 2023? Tell us in the comments below! 👇

The Dutch government wants to build two new nuclear power plants by 2035

Juni Moltubak
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The Dutch government wants to build two new nuclear power plants by 2035

The Netherlands will most likely host two brand-new nuclear power plants, based in the Zeeland village of Borssele by 2035. The project has broad support from the Dutch House of Representatives.

The Dutch government will ultimately contribute to construction costs. So far, €5 billion has been allocated to kick-start the project, writes RTL Nieuws.

A nuclear village

Borssele is fit for the task of being a nuclear village, well, because it already is. There’s been a nuclear power station in the area since 1973, meaning the space and infrastructure is already present for the two new plants.

Although the project depends on local support to go ahead, the Dutch government is optimistic about the prospects.

Costly, but forward-looking

The construction of two new nuclear power plants is not a cheap affair. However, additional subsidies will likely be made available to help the process.

Nuclear energy is seen as a sustainable alternative, and the new plants are expected to produce up to 15% of Dutch energy consumption in the coming years.

That’s more than five times as much as the current Borssele plant produces.

What do you think of the Dutch nuclear plans? Tell us in the comments below!

A sustainable success! No compensation for Dutch coal-fired power stations

Juni Moltubak
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A sustainable success! No compensation for Dutch coal-fired power stations

The German energy companies RWE and Uniper have just lost their lawsuit, claiming the right to billions in compensation because of the Coal Prohibition Act.

The Act bans all coal burning in the Netherlands from 2030, in a Dutch effort to limit the country’s CO2 emissions, and fight climate change.

And, you guessed it, coal-based power stations in the Netherlands are fuming with rage. 😬

A big investment

While some companies choose to put their money towards climate-friendly projects, RWE is an example of completely opposite behaviour.

The company recently splurged €3.2 billion on a coal-burning power station in Eemshaven, writes RTL Nieuws. And they are not alone.

READ MORE | 9 surprisingly unsustainable Dutch habits 

With the Coal Prohibition Act, however, stations like that in Eemshaven will have two options: find a more future-proof revenue model, or shut down.

Well, RWE and Uniper went for a third option: sue the government and hope for the best. But, despite how the saying goes, three wasn’t their lucky number.

No right to compensation

Honouring its name as the “City of Peace and Justice“, the judge in The Hague recently announced that the companies had no right to compensation, as they were given plenty of time to restructure before being forced to close down.

READ MORE | 17 ideas that make the Dutch sustainability super-heroes

Minister of Climate and Energy, Rob Jetten, has described the ruling as an important precedent for future climate conflicts between the Dutch government and large polluting corporations.

In a statement to RTL, RWE claims it is currently considering appealing the ruling, claiming the company’s property rights to be infringed.

The decision is nevertheless seen as a sustainability victory and an important symbol of the Dutch government’s climate priorities.

What do you think of the ruling? Tell us in the comments below!

Challenge ahead: The Dutch to meet the U.S. in World Cup round of 16

Juni Moltubak
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Challenge ahead: The Dutch to meet the U.S. in World Cup round of 16

The team of orange meets the Americans in the round of 16 of the football World Cup this Saturday, the first knockout round. Rumour has it they’re in for a rough ride.

The coach of the Dutch national team, Van Gaal, speaks from experience when he says that his orange players should expect a challenge this weekend, writes the NOS.

The stakes on Doha’s fields have increased, as the 2022 World Cup moves towards the round of 16.

Undefeated

The U.S. team has so far been undefeated in Qatar, with one draw against Wales, and their latest win against Iran, 1-0.

The Dutch victory over host-country Qatar last night sealed the deal for a Dutch spot in the round of 16. But, despite being a good team, the Dutch are up for a challenge.

So far, the men in orange have beaten the Americans four out of five times the two teams met on the field. So, let’s hope we’re in for a long winning streak!

READ MORE | Dutch supporter kicked out of Qatar stadium over “OneLove” armband

Fans are on edge across the Atlantic Ocean, as the U.S. team had to send one of its top players, Christian Pulisic, to the hospital for an abdominal injury caused during yesterday’s match against Iran.

Tensions are rising

After the 2015 game, where the Dutch lost to the Americans 3-4, tensions and expectations quickly rose as Saturday’s match was confirmed on the agenda.

READ MORE | Dutch cities riot after Morocco’s World Cup win over Belgium

The U.S. team has not gotten this far in a World Cup since 2014, but fans on both sides of the Atlantic are shaking in their soccer shoes.

What do you expect of Saturday’s game against the U.S.? Tell us your predictions in the comments below!

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