Home Blog Page 369

Going camping in France: what you need to know

Juni Moltubak
-
0
Going camping in France: what you need to know

Dutchies love camping, and France is by far their favourite destination. However, camping in France as, or with, a Dutchie, can be quite a daunting experience. Let’s talk about everything you need to know for a superb trip. 

With warm weather, a variety of landscapes, and a convenient distance from the Netherlands — France really has something for everyone. 

There are wild camping sites in the wilderness (for the Dutchies who crave the unstructured nature they don’t have at home), beach towns and lake sites (for those who need a water source nearby), and lovely cultural sights scattered all across the country.

The destinations: something for everyone 

Ok, so France it is. But where exactly? There’s a sea of options to choose from, so step one to making your decision is to identify what you want from the vacation. 

Narrowing down your landscape options is a good first step: ask yourself if you want the grand ocean, mother nature herself, a humble lake, or a cool cultural sight at your campsite.

photo-of-french-beach
Who wouldn’t love a chill beach vacation right now? Image: Depositphotos

1. The sunny seaside 

If the seaside is your thing, consider going camping by the Atlantic Ocean. It’s a dream for families and people looking for a comfortable summer stay. If the Mediterranean is more your vibe, the French riviera is always a good option, with classics like Nice, Cannes, and Saint-Tropez at your doorstep. 

The ocean waves and distant sea horizon, the clear blue skies, and white sandy beaches will give you that sweet, sweet vacation vibe. 

2. The heart of nature

If beaches stress you out, don’t worry. Why not check out some more nature-oriented options? France has vast woods and impressive mountain ranges — quite the change from the Dutch landscape! Sites such as Domaine du Verdon in Castellane allow you to enjoy water sports on the river and breathe in the fresh forest air. 

dutch-man-on-french-camp-site
Breathe in the fresh forest air! Image: Depositphotos

The green trees and chirping birds will give you a lovely, chill, holiday, whether it be in the Iraty forest of the Pyrenees, the cliffs of the Gorges du Verdon or the vast lavender fields of Provence. 

3. Land somewhere in between

If you want the water source nearby, but you’re not quite vibing with beach life, a lake vacation should be right up your alley. 

France can offer options such as La Nublière camping for people like you. It’s located near Lake d’Annecy and is great for water activities, and the views are immaculate. 

kids-paddeling-in-lake-camping
A lake vacay is always a good idea! Image: Depositphotos

Another good lake destination is Lake de Genève, on the border between Switzerland and France. It’s the largest lake in Central Europe and has a gorgeous village, a classic French chateau, and tons of water sports to show for it. You’ve got the water, you’ve got the woods; it’s the best of both worlds, really. 

4. Camp with culture

For the intellectuals among us, a simple sun-sea-and-sand vacation might just not cut it. But fear not, France is stuffed with amazing cultural attractions, from castles to vineyards, with campsites not far away. 

Culture geeks should not miss the many gothic cathedrals France has to offer, such as the impressive and famous Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Chartres, located in the charming city of Chartres (not far from Paris).  

mont-st-michel-in-france
The marvellous Mont St. Michel can be found on France’s north-west coast. Image: Depositphotos

Those seeking a more geologically thrilling experience on their cultural trip can explore the famous Gouffre de Proumeyssac, also known as “the devil’s hole” — a fascinating cave filled with crystals and legends.

Other examples include the beautiful English Canal campsites, Dordogne camping, or Château des Marais for breathtaking sights and interesting history. 

The accommodation: pick your level of comfort

Of course, the destination is important, but almost just as important is your accommodation. 

In general, there are three main types of accommodation that you’ll find yourself in when camping: tents, camper vans/caravans, and cabins/bungalows. 

photo-of-tent-at-french-camping
Ah, the tranquil tent life… Image: Depositphotos

Back to the basics: the humble tent

For those who want to get extra close to mother nature on their camping vacation, a tent is the best option.

Simply reserve a pitch on a campsite, put up your tent (with or without great struggle) and voila  — you’re enjoying the real, hard-core camping experience. 

A step up for comfort: the camper van 

For an ever so slightly less in-touch-with-nature, more in-touch-with-mattress option, you can opt for a camper van. 

Reserve a pitch for you and your trusty (motorised) travel companion, and enjoy the freedom of being able to move your house around wherever and whenever you like. 

couple-camping-in-france-with-camper-van
The camper van gives a special feeling of freedom. Image: Depositphotos

For those with higher standards: book a cabin

Luxury camping, or “glamping”, is also a popular option for those who don’t like the idea of sleeping in a car or on the ground for their vacation (weirdos). 

You can typically book anything from primitive wooden cottages to luxury houses, or even tree-top huts, depending on where you decide to go. 

Other important aspects to consider

Once you’ve decided on your accommodation of choice, it’s time to consider other facilities you’d like to have on your campsite. 

dog-camping-in-france
Of course, the family dog is coming with on vacation! Image: Depositphotos

Disability-friendly vacation

For people with disabilities, it might be worthwhile to take an extra look at which sites cater to different disability needs. La Grande Côte is an example of a site that ensures wheelchair-accessible accommodation, and most sites guarantee that service animals are welcome. 

Child-friendly vacation

Some sites have an extensive range of activities for children, while others cater more to other groups, for example, couples on vacation. If you’re travelling with children, it’s always smart to check your chosen campsite’s child-friendliness. 

dad-camping-with-kids-in-france
Camping with kids can be a handful! Image: Depositphotos

Les Tamaris, for example, has a lovely playground for the little ones and prides itself on being super family-oriented. Les Alicourts is another great example of a child-friendly destination, with a baby pool, waterslides, and a huge, private lake at your disposal. 

Pet-friendly vacation

Got a four-legged friend you’d like to bring along on your camping trip? Many campsites cater specifically for pet owners, allowing you to include all family members in the vacation fun. Pet-friendly vacation destinations might include dog showers, grounds for free frolicking, and houses suitable for campers of all kinds. 

Life hacks for a pain-free trip

Now that you know where you’re gonna stay, and how you’re gonna camp, it’s time to plan everything else. Let’s talk tips and tricks for planning the trip of your dreams. 

girls-packing-for-camping-in-france
Packing can be a challenge, but the key is in the planning. Image: Depositphotos

Pack like a pro

No matter your accommodation, certain things are just a must-bring; 

  • The ultimate night of sleep while camping can depend on good earplugs. Trust us, you don’t want to stay up all night because the neighbours are having fun, and mosquitoes somehow always find their way in with their infuriating buzzing. 
  • A decent eye mask can save you many a fight with your camping buddies, who might get up at the crack of dawn, while you want to sleep in. That summer sun also tends to sneak in just a bit too early… 
  • Another smart gadget is a microfiber towel. If you camp like most Dutch people, chances are there’ll be some sort of water source nearby for cooling dips and swimming.
  • If you want to be guaranteed a nice, dry towel every time, you cannot go wrong with a microfiber one. They dry faster than you can say “breakfast mimosa.”
  • A final key point on the packing list is a Dutch/English-French dictionary. Make it an e-book for easy access, or go old-school with an actual paper copy, but make no mistake: French people hate to speak anything but French. 

If the Dutch habit of bringing everything they need from home fails you, you can always pick up stuff in France if you forget something. Believe it or not, the French have stores too. 

Evaluate Dutch habits

Now that you’ve packed everything you need for the perfect, stress-free camping trip, it’s time to plan things more in detail. 

First of all, if you wanna be a proper old-fashioned Dutch camper, you’ve got to bring your own food from home. It might be a questionable habit, but with the proper planning, it can save you tons of time and money and will ensure you don’t have to buy as much as an ounce of French food. 

dutch-car-packed-with-food
Let the Tetris begin! Image: Depositphotos

If you’re not dead-set on following the stingy Dutch code of conduct, you can also ignore this part, and get your food in France like a regular tourist. 

Still, if you’re down to save some money on your camping trip (like the good, stingy Dutch person you are/strive to be), it might be worth researching where the closest large-ish supermarket is. Small-town convenience shops and campsite stores can be ridiculously expensive. 

Wearing shoes inside is another controversial Dutch habit that should arguably be scrapped when camping. No matter your accommodation, shoes should definitely be left outside. 

Nobody wants the dirt, grime, and pool water from a campsite in their (sometimes very limited) living space. 

It can be intimidating to join the Dutch tradition of camping in France and understand all the norms and habits that come along with it. It does not, however, have to be overwhelming. 

With some planning and preparation, you’ll quickly find yourself loving the Dutch tradition of driving across the border for the summer!

Have you ever been camping in France? Tell us your best tips in the comments below!

Looking for work? Dutch vacancies have nearly doubled in one year

Gaelle Salem
-
0
Looking for work? Dutch vacancies have nearly doubled in one year

On the hunt for a job? You’re in luck. All professions in the Netherlands have a shortage of personnel — leaving folks with a plethora of vacancies to apply to. 

The Netherlands is currently undergoing a tight labour market, with unfilled vacancies nearly doubling in a single year.

This has affected the Dutch economy significantly — and woners (residents) are left to deal with the consequences.

Technical jobs are high in demand

At the beginning of the year, there were still a good amount of employees in certain sectors, like travel guides, painters, construction workers, and drivers.

Now, 75% of all professions are understaffed, and the number of filled positions decreased twice as much as the year before. Because of this, the UWV (Employee Insurance Agency) labelled the Dutch labour market as tight.

READ MORE | Lost your job in the Netherlands? What you need to know about Dutch employment law [2022]

Of course, the chaos at Schiphol Aiport and the tedious NS train strikes bear witness to the tough Dutch labour market — but facilities, like healthcare and education, are also under pressure. 

Jobs in the technical sector, such as engineers, electricians, technicians, nurses, and software developers, are especially high in demand as well. 

READ MORE | Where to find a job in the Netherlands: 9 places to start the hunt

“For a long time, the economy has determined the labour market. Now that the shortage in the labour market has taken on such extreme forms, that relationship seems to have been partially reversed,” labour market adviser at the UWV, Frank Verduijn, tells the NOS.

Companies must improve working conditions

“As the supply of available candidates dries up, retaining and developing existing staff becomes more important”, Verduijn tells the NOS.

READ MORE | Webinar: how to be the best candidate in job interviews

If the NS strikes taught us anything, it’s that companies in the Netherlands need to up their wages, and provide workers with better working conditions to attract new candidates.

What are your thoughts on the current Dutch labour market? Tell us in the comments below!

Dutch MP Baudet accuses finance minister of being a secret service spy

Liana Risseeuw 🇱🇰
-
0
Dutch MP Baudet accuses finance minister of being a secret service spy

Ultra right-wing FvD leader Thierry Baudet strikes again, throwing allegations against Finance Minister Sigrid Kaag of Democrats 66 (D66).

In an article by NOS, Baudet’s latest insinuations were so beyond the pale that they resulted in the entire cabinet leaving the debate in protest yesterday.

That’s certainly one way to clear the room! 🙈

Watching too much James Bond?

The prime accusation was lobbed against Kaag because she had committed the crime of… attending St. Anthony’s College in Oxford, England. 🤔

This, to Baudet, was evidence that she may have been recruited by the secret service — as Oxford is apparently where all the spies are trained.

Quite naturally, Kaag protested to Chamber President Vera Bergkamp, who advised the FvD leader against making personal attacks. Undeterred by the warning, Baudet continued.

Faster than a fire drill evacuation 

Unable to cope with the unceasing attacks, Kaag walked out.

She was not alone — the rest of the cabinet followed, leaving the cabinet box fully empty in less than a minute.

Action as an afterthought

Bergkamp attempted to get Baudet to take back the offensive statements he’d made. That went about as well as anyone might expect — with the latter refusing, and doubling down with a repetition of what he’d said earlier.

Taking the Dutch idiom “mosterd na de maaltijd” (too little, too late) to heart, Bergkamp then deprived Baudet of the floor.

This prevents the FvD leader from participating in the current debate over the Prinsjedag budget documents.

No stranger to making an exit

Baudet, himself, is familiar with the practice of leaving an uncomfortable situation.

Translation: So, according to Baudet, “running away is a sign of weakness?”
Baudet walks out of a Radio 1 broadcast
Baudet walks out on Emma Wortelboer
Baudet walks out of the Tweede Kamer
Baudet walks out after a roast by Martijn Koning

After all, he’s done it no less than four times (and counting) — including stepping down when youth members of his own party were caught sending homophobic and anti-semitic messages.

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

Rutte slams Russian mobilisation as a “panic response”

Liana Risseeuw 🇱🇰
-
0
Rutte slams Russian mobilisation as a “panic response”

Mark Rutte got involved in the latest round of Russian condemnation yesterday (and there’s been plenty of them!), declaring Putin’s mobilisation a “panic response.”

No stranger to publicly denouncing Russia’s actions in Ukraine, Rutte did not hold back on his opinion of the latest developments, reports NOS.

Cold feet…or not? 🤔

Rutte points out that Western involvement in the Ukrainian war effort has helped to start turning the tide against Russian advancements.

According to him, this may have made Putin mobilise his troops as a kind of “panic response”, in a last-ditch effort against Ukraine.

However, in the same NOS report Rutte did stress that the conflict wasn’t entirely over — much as we’d all hope for the Russian war effort to (finally) go down like the Moskva. 😑

Sadly, we’re not out of the woods yet

Rutte also says that a piece of land roughly the size of Hungary is still in Russia’s possession, and re-emphasises the need to keep supporting Ukraine.

READ MORE | Here’s how you can help Ukraine from the Netherlands [UPDATED]

This sentiment is echoed by Colonel Hans Bouwmeester, an associate professor at De Nederlandse Defensie Academie (the Dutch Defence Academy). In talks with NOS Radio 1 Journaal, he claims that Putin will now attempt to consolidate the areas that he already controls.

Bouwmeester also pointed to Russia’s latest referendums as further worrying developments (as if we needed any more!)

What are the latest referendums?

The law passed in the Duma (Russian parliament) yesterday makes Russia able to formally annex Ukrainian lands in which people speak out in favour of Putin and co.’s occupation. 👀

Bouwmeester stresses the negative impact that these referendums will have on the war effort in Ukraine. It will now be possible for foreigners to serve in the Russian military, aiding Putin in deploying a much larger number of troops.

Hoekstra joins in

Also vocal in his condemnation of Putin’s latest move is Dutch Minister of Foreign Affairs, Wopke Hoekstra.

Hoekstra roundedly criticised Putin’s attempt at shifting internationally recognised borders. Branding the referendums “false Kremlin-orchestrated narratives”, he stated that this move would serve as further motivation to stand with Ukraine.

What are your thoughts on Putin’s latest move? Tell us all about it in the comments below!

Dutch cabinet plans new energy price ceiling: how will this affect you?

Lea Shamaa 🇺🇸🇱🇧
-
1
Dutch cabinet plans new energy price ceiling: how will this affect you?

If you live in the Netherlands, you may have noticed the skyrocketing energy prices. Now, the Dutch cabinet devised a plan to put a cap on costs.

The cabinet’s first step to solving the current energy crisis is to lower the energy bills starting November 1.

In certain cases, fees have already gone up from €150 – €200 to €600 – €800. These will be lowered for consumers in the coming months.

Put simply, the plan is that the government will pick up the tab for costs above the price ceiling. However, the final details and exact level of the price cap do need to be figured out still.

Next step: price ceiling in January 2023

By January 1, the Dutch cabinet will introduce the price ceiling on energy prices. This will apply from the beginning of next year until at least the end of 2023.

According to the cabinet, this will account for an annual discount of €2,280 for the average Dutch household, writes RTL Nieuws.

In practice, the price ceiling will work along with two separate energy rates: the cheaper one (thanks to the price cap) and the market rate.

READ MORE | 10 dang smart ways to save on energy costs in the Netherlands

The energy consumption of an average household stands at 1,200 m3 of gas and 2,900 kWh of electricity. So, those who use less than that will pay significantly lower than the usual amount.

But, if you use more than the average energy consumption, you’ll have to pay the market price at the given time.

All in all, the Dutch government wants to help households meet their costly ends but also encourage them to continue to save energy in the meantime.

Energy tax, emergency fund, and earlier payments

As the Dutch cabinet shuffles things around in the energy market, it’s been decided that next year’s energy tax will not be reduced, in order to keep the price ceiling up and running.

Additionally, the cabinet and energy companies are setting up an emergency fund to prevent debts from piling up this year and to help those concerned about their upcoming bills.

In other words, no need to worry if you’re already far behind on your energy bill. You still have until the end of 2023 to pay it off due to the situation of the energy market.

READ MORE | Reducing your energy bill in 2022: why you need a contract coach

Municipalities can step in

Finally, municipalities will be given the possibility to pay out part of the energy allowance for the group earning the least income in the Netherlands, starting this year instead of the next.

This earlier payment will be able to cover €500 from the €1,300 allowance next year and give those who are struggling the most a glimmer of hope in the energy crisis.

What do you think about the government’s plan to solve the energy problem in the Netherlands? Tell us in the comments below!

Weather forecast: Late summer is making its way to the Netherlands!

Mihály Droppa
-
2
Weather forecast: Late summer is making its way to the Netherlands!

Good news, summer lovers! As you dread the approaching winter, you’ll be glad to know that we have a warmer day ahead of us!  

Today, there will be less wind and more sun in the Netherlands, but it is still wise to leave the house with more than just your average T-shirt. 👚

The weather will be around 18 degrees, and most of the country will be dry all day – NU.nl reports. 

READ MORE: September winds are hitting the Netherlands: is the summer season really over?

The Netherlands is notorious for switching up its weather all the time, some even say you can experience four seasons in just one day, including summer(ish) weather in the fall! 

The Dutch talk about the weather so much, they probably have more terms for bad weather than the Inuit have for snow. 

And while most people probably have a different picture of the country’s climate in their head, late summers are also not unheard of in the Netherlands. 

They even have a term for it! (Just like for everything else. 👀)

READ MORE: Lekker weertje, he? 7 Dutch words you need to know for rain 

Nazomer

Nazomer is the period from late September to mid-November when the weather can still be summer-y. ☀️

While we admit that the Duchies are on the podium as they like giving terms for everything, nazomer is a known concept in other countries as well. 

It comes from Germanic mythology, while the expression does occur in most Slavic languages ​​(and in Hungarian, my mother tongue 😉). 

Nobody knows how to enjoy sunny days quite like the Dutch, so in the following days, try to join them and be outside! 

Are you up for a period of nazomer? Or are you ready for the more cosy days? Tell us in the comments below!

It’s officially Prinsjesdag (Prince’s day) 2022: here’s what went down today

Gaelle Salem
-
0
It’s officially Prinsjesdag (Prince’s day) 2022: here’s what went down today

It’s the third Tuesday of September, the day when King-Willem Alexander delivers a famous speech which focuses on all the money plans for the year ahead.

Arguably the most important day in Dutch politics, Prinsjesdag is a ceremonial day of events when the Dutch government ultimately reveals the key plans for next year’s budget.

The day follows the same age-old routine, where all members of the Dutch parliament dress in their best attire and accompany the royal family as they gather traditionally in The Hague.

For the past two years, Prinsjesdag has been limited due to coronavirus measures – but today, the event is back with all its glorious traditions.

Though, there is a slight change in venue this year. Typically, the ceremony is held in a part of the iconic Binnenhof, but due to recent renovations, the royal family travelled to Koninklijke Schouwburg, the royal theatre in The Hague, instead. 

This was how Prinsjesdag was celebrated during pre-covid times.

The royal carriage ride

Prinsjesdag commenced at 1 PM when King Willem-Alexander, Queen Máxima, and for the first time ever, Princess Amalia, travelled en route to the centre of The Hague.

Typically, it’s tradition for the royal family to use the old horse-drawn golden carriage (you know, the one with all the slavery pictures on it), but this was alas being restored. So, they opted for the glass coach instead.

The King’s speech

Once at the ceremony, the King delivered the so-called “Speech from the Throne”, about how the Dutch cabinet plans to create a steadier economy in 2023.

As we all expected, the King’s speech highlighted the many…many money troubles we’ve all been facing the past few months, from soaring gas prices to ridiculous rent costs.

As he sat comfortably on his massive throne and in his million-dollar suit, he spoke on behalf of the government, and said, “we live in a time of contradictions and uncertainties. Our current way of life is running up against economic, social, and environmental limits.”

In the speech, Willem-Alexander shared his worries about the decreasing confidence citizens now have in politics. Many are losing faith in the resolving power of the government. Well, with no money in our bank accounts, it’s hard to give them any credit. 🤷‍♀️

He also briefly called attention to the dire housing situation and the asylum crisis.

The King stated that €18 billion will be set aside to try and meet the lower and middle incomes, but he emphasised that even this amount will likely not be enough to help everyone, writes the NOS.

The orange hats 👒

Besides the King’s speech, another ritual that made it to Prinsjesdag this year is the many extravagant hats the female parliament members and guests chose to wear.

Why? After Erica Terpstra, Dutch politician and former Olympic swimmer, wore a rather flamboyant black hat on her first time attending Prinsjesdag, she found herself to be one of the only ones sporting a fashionable headpiece, along with the queen and a few members of the Diplomatic Corps.

After the mini wardrobe malfunction, she convinced the other 21 female members of parliament to wear one too, and they did. What a wholesome story!

The balcony scene

Once the King finished reading his speech filled with multisyllabic words that no one quite understood, the royal family moved to the balcony of Noordeine Palace at 2 PM.

There, thousands of spectators came to see the King, Queen Máxima, and Princess Amalia stand, smile, and wave from behind the palace’s gate. It’s certainly a joyous time for those that have a day off from work.

But things were a wee bit different this time round. At the palace, the royal family was greeted not only by a crowd of admirers but protesters too, who was seen holding the Dutch flag upside down and booing them.

The unveiling of the briefcase

At 3 PM, the Minister of Finance, Sigrid Kaag, blew in and dramatically unveiled the briefcase containing the national budget. It’s a tradition that has been carried out since 1947 — but Kaag was the first-ever female minister to do it. You go, girl!

READ MORE | Prinsjesdag: Do You Know How To Horse?

She presented the budget of billions to the House of Representatives and stated what the cabinet plans to spend the available money on next year. 

Farmer’s havoc

At last, a new addition to Prinsjesdag this year that makes the all-important Dutch event even more Dutch — a little bit of action from the boeren. 👨‍🌾

According to the NOS, about a hundred tractors were standing along the route of the Prinsjesdag driving tour in The Hague, to protest against the government’s nitrogen plans.

Officials stressed that farmers are allowed to protest in the city. However, the massive amount of tractors was causing havoc on the streets. 

As a result, an emergency order was issued, and the police seized a number of tractors from the farmers’ action group, Farmers Defence Force.

Translation: We have just confiscated a number of tractors in #DenHaag at #Schenkviaduct for violating the #noodbevel. Farmers tried to drive their tractors to the centre and did not follow our directions. An emergency order is in effect. #Prinsjesdag

“The emergency order is gradually becoming the thousand-things-cloth of governments to reject and limit any form of democratic protest,” spokeswoman, Sieta van Keimpema, tells the NOS.

Thankfully, the King addressed the farmers’ situation in his speech and said he understood their concerns, but that cutting nitrogen emissions is bound to happen.

Have you experienced Prinsjesdag before? Tell us in the comments below!

Feature image: Minister-president Rutte/Wikimedia Commons/CC2.0

Dutch cabinet intervenes to reduce energy bills starting November

Lea Shamaa 🇺🇸🇱🇧
-
0
Dutch cabinet intervenes to reduce energy bills starting November

The Dutch government plan to put a cap on energy prices in order to reduce household energy bills starting this year. But, how?

The cabinet plans to lessen the household energy bills starting in November, but it’s unclear how they plan to do so.

For now, the cabinet plans to reduce the advance payment to energy companies for those who need to pay it in November and December.

Though, it’s unknown how much the cabinet plans to lessen the amount, as they are still finalising the details of their energy plans.

READ MORE | Customers aren’t prepared for their bills; Dutch energy companies concerned

The Dutch government also ensured that energy companies aren’t allowed to cut off households which cannot fully pay their bills during the coming winter. Phew. 😅

Dutch government takes dramatic action

On top of all this, starting January 1, 2023, the government also plans to pay part of the Dutch households’ energy bills, reports the NOS.

This measure particularly aims to prevent a million Dutch people from falling into financial trouble due to the rising energy market prices.

READ MORE | Gazprom to quit supplying the largest Dutch gas trader

Starting next year, citizens of the Netherlands will only have to pay for a part of their electricity and gas consumption.

And, this sum will be set at most the price of last January, before Russia waged war against Ukraine.

The other part of the energy bill will be sent to the government, which will adjust the cost difference between the consumer and how much of the bill they can cover, writes the NOS.

It’s all relative

For certain, rather smaller, households, this may mean that the entire energy bill will go down. Especially if the home is already well insulated.

If you live in a larger house and consume more energy, however, you’ll be paying less for the first part of your energy bill, but also the current market price for the second half.

In more technical terms, households that consume more than the average energy consumption per year (1169 m3 of gas and 2479 kWh of electricity) will pay the market price for the rest.

Finally, the Dutch government will also provide households with a six-month grace period in the situation that they still can’t cover their bills. Though, it isn’t yet clear what will happen after those six months have passed without making a payment.

How has the rise in energy prices affected you? Tell us in the comments below!

Hoera! (we guess) Dutch petrol prices are at their lowest this year

Liana Risseeuw 🇱🇰
-
0
Hoera! (we guess) Dutch petrol prices are at their lowest this year

Good news, everyone! You may not need to shelve those winter road trip plans!

Dutch petrol prices in 2022 — that we’re used to seeing sky-high — have now reached their lowest point this year, according to RTL Nieuws.

If that wasn’t fab enough news, prices are expected to continue to fall! 🥳

Petrol prices have been through the wars

The early days of the Russia-Ukraine war created a massive upward surge in petrol prices, as the Netherlands was also partially depending on Russia for oil.

This is no longer the case, according to Van Selms, director of customer collective UnitedConsumers.

The Netherlands has since found alternatives from other countries, and the cost of a litre of Euro 95 has now dropped from €2.15 to €2.092.

As a tiny (and we mean tiny!) step in the right direction for everyone’s wallets, that’s a drop in petrol prices of 50 cents! 📉

Tip: Sure, you may be itching to take your car on that scenic drive, but there are a whole host of more environmentally-friendly options available to you, too. 🌱 From ride-sharing, and taking the train, to getting that bike out before winter finally hits us — you’re spoilt for choice!

Don’t bet on diesel

However, Van Selms warns consumers against looking to diesel as an alternative.

A litre of diesel is now at roughly €2.11. For the first time, diesel now costs more than petrol (as if we needed something else to add to the list of “expensive things in the Netherlands” 👀).

What do you think of this (tiny) sliver of good news? Tell us all about it in the comments below!

Trust in Dutch politicians is lower than ever, here’s what’s up

Juni Moltubak
-
1
Trust in Dutch politicians is lower than ever, here’s what’s up

Only three in ten Dutchies trust the government, according to a new study by Ipsos. That is worse than ever before.

Amid the festive Prinsjesdag, also nicknamed “the festival of democracy”, here in the Netherlands, Rutte and most other Dutch politicians suffer from a great lack of confidence from the public, writes the NOS.

A steady ride downhill for Rutte

The poor stats have worsened quite a bit compared to a year ago, when Dutch politicians had the trust of a baffling four in six in the electorate.

But that’s not all: Prime Minister Rutte has seen a sharp downturn only since the elections in March — he’s a whole point lower on the rankings now, compared to this spring.

So who supports this questionable government, you may ask? Well, only people who voted VVD or D66 this year seem to cling to their belief in Rutte.

Not surprisingly, the opposition parties are a different story. Groen Links and Denk voters have a 71% lack of confidence in the current government, while the farmers’ party BoerBurgerBeweging come out on top with 96% distrust.

READ MORE | Dutch farmers block highways by setting fire to manure and hay bales

Honestly, we’re surprised as many as 4% of the farmers’ party supporters still trust the cabinet, given all the drama in the past year.

We’ve got issues

The recent Ipsos survey shows, quite unsurprisingly, that a majority of the electorate lists the energy crisis as the top reason behind their distrust in Dutch politicians.

It’s clear that the rising cost of living is the main concern for Dutch people at the moment, with one-third stating that they’ve had to change their spending patterns in the past year, and as many as 43% reporting that they just barely manage to make ends meet on a monthly basis. The latter is a sharp rise from last year’s 35%.

READ MORE | Dutch wage increases simply aren’t enough to battle loss of purchasing power

But it’s not just cash that’s on people’s minds — migration is also a key issue. A baffling 68% of the surveyed sample think the number of asylum seekers to the Netherlands should be limited.

This comes in combination with the finding that more and more Dutch people believe development work and issues like freedom of religion deserve less attention from Dutch politicians.

Do you have trust in Dutch politicians? Why/why not? Tell us in the comments below!

1...368369370...741Page 369 of 741