Have you ever spotted those mini grocery stores with zero customers and fully taped windows? You’ve found yourself a dark store! 🏪
These are the headquarters of flash delivery services in the Netherlands. However, they have been criticized for causing a nuisance among neighbouring residents due to late opening hours and noise disturbances. 📢
Flash delivery services such as Flink, Gorillas, Getir, and Zapp must now find locations outside of central shopping streets, pedestrian zones, and near school grounds, reports NU.
Why is this happening?
Since many people order at the end of the day, flash delivery drivers sometimes wait outside these dark stores at late hours.
These drivers must also deliver these groceries within ten minutes, so their bikes or scooters are often heard dashing through neighbourhoods, causing even more frustration for residents.
More measures for Dutch dark stores
The companies’ new code of conduct mentions that their delivery drivers aren’t allowed to be loud or take up too much space on sidewalks while waiting for orders.
On top of that, e-bike delivery drivers aren’t allowed to go faster than 25 kilometres per hour and a 45-kilometre per hour limit has been set up for those who use electric scooters.
What do you think about these new measures for dark stores? Tell us in the comments below!
The largest city in North Brabant, Eindhoven, is a curious mix of typical Dutch atmosphere and a high level of industry.
To quote Humphrey Bogart in “Casablanca” and adapt it a little, “I came (back) to the Netherlands for the waters.” Then I ended up in Eindhoven and started to hear from all of my acquaintances “Waters? What waters? We’re in Eindhoven.” Bummer, right?
Yet in the nine months I’ve been living here, I’ve discovered that the Netherlands’ city of technology and innovation has more to offer than I had initially thought. Here are some of the best experiences.
1. Go for a run in the Stadswandelpark
Even if running isn’t your thing (no matter what time of day it is), the beautiful trees you’ll see here will inspire you to at least take a walk.
Stadswandelpark is conveniently located on the edge of Eindhoven city centre (12 minutes by bike), so if you’re in Eindhoven, there’s really no excuse not to go.
The Calling Lady. Image: Cristina Damian/Supplied
Here you can also find the Radio Monument, a eulogy to the first wireless radio connection to the Dutch East Indies which took place on March 11, 1927 — super cutting edge for its time.
The Calling Lady, as it is more commonly known, also reminds us of the early radio transmission of a speech by Queen Wilhelmina in 1945 from the Philips Research Laboratories (now known as NatLab).
2. Walk through the online doors of Philips Museum
The coronavirus crisis has certainly changed the way we do certain things — for better or for worse. Picture this, you’re at home, but you’re not really in the work mood.
So what about looking at other people’s work? You can now tour the Philips Museum online! We don’t know about you, but we would never have thought of doing that before.
Launch your online journey by reading the Philips history (you can zoom in and out), then start the museum tour. What is there to see, you might ask? Well, everything!
From the oldest existing Philips carbon-filament lamps to the energy-saving lamp, the first X-ray lamp, the first X-ray machine, the portable radio/cassette player, and the “ping-pong for one” gadget from 1996.
Go further and you will see old devices, instruments, and tools with which the progress of today has been made. They are put together in a recreated room where once upon a time, everything began.
3. Enjoy some music at Muziekgebouw Eindhoven
If you (like us) are tired of Spotify, you can enjoy music from the Muziekgebouw Eindhoven. Fancy some ambient music while you work from home, or some tunes to get you going while you’re working out? In the mood to relax or party?
The Muziekgebouw Eindhoven has you covered. You can choose between classical, pop, and jazz — and they even have a kids section.
4. Visit Van Abbemuseum
The best thing about an online-oriented world is that you can do online activities whenever you feel like it — goodbye to weeks of planning and trying to find a date that works for you and all your friends.
You know what this means, don’t you? Another break, another museum! Enjoy the Van Abbemuseum from the comfort of your home. Or even better, when you have some free time on the weekend, just go check out the museum’s exhibitions in person!
To spread the love of theatre, Parktheather also makes a recommendation for shows you can watch on Netflix or Videoland. They’re all in Dutch though — perhaps a secret conspiracy to help internationals learn this tricky language?
Pretty nice, right? Now it’s time to make up for the time spent on the work chair and/or the couch and get out for some fresh air. Hop onto your bike (or walk, if that’s your thing) and discover the green Eindhoven.
6. Enjoy a sunset in Wandelpark Eckart
Nature is the most suitable remedy for all ills. Wandelpark Eckart, consisting of coniferous forest, was the first beautiful place I discovered in Eindhoven and it has remained my dearest one. It’s only 15 minutes away by bike from Eindhoven Centraal train station. 🚲
Wandelpark Eckart at sunset is a perfect place. Image: Cristina Damian/Supplied
One thing that makes it different from the rest is the Karpendonkse Plas, a large lake that has an island in the middle. Wandelpark Eckart is perfect for enjoying a picnic with your family or friends.
7. Set up your tent in Recreatieplas Hanevoet
Thinking about what to do over the weekend? This park isn’t exactly in Eindhoven, but it’s still pretty close — 20 minutes by bike from Eindhoven Centraal station. Recreatieplas is, duh!, perfect for recreation.
Fish lover? Try get some in Recreatieplas Hanevoet. Image: Cristina Damian/Supplied
You can set up your tent and start fishing, teach your kids how to ride a bike, or walk your pets. Be sure to take care of your dogs, and not to get into a fight with the ducks you’re sure to find in the lake. It’s also a perfect place to jog and play badminton. 🏸
Eindhoven is about technology and innovation and it might lack the typical Dutch canals, but it can still amaze you.
So after watching a theatre performance online or visiting a museum — online or in-person — grab a bike and your family or friends and explore all of Eindhoven’s best outdoor spots.
What are your favourite things to do in Eindhoven? Did we leave anything out? Tell us in the comments below!
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in May 2020, and was fully updated in May 2022 for your reading pleasure.
For the first time since the war outbreak in Ukraine, a Dutch volunteer has been killed. Ron Vogelaar (55) died on May 4, after being hit by artillery fire near Kharkiv.
Another Dutch volunteer from Vogelaar’s unit said he died immediately after the shelling, writes De Telegraaf.
Vogelaar’s family have been informed of his passing and confirmed the event to the Dutch newspaper.
His daughter posted on social media: “He has never regretted his decision. He was happy and he felt he was in the right place. His commander said, ‘He died a hero’.”
55-year-old Ron Vogelaar was fighting with the Ukrainian Foreign Legion when he was hit by artillery fire near #Kharkiv last Wednesday.
— Anton Gerashchenko (@Gerashchenko_en) May 9, 2022
Meanwhile, the Dutch Ministry of Foreign affairs has not yet confirmed Vogelaar’s death. A spokesperson told RTL Nieuws: “We need to get a formal death certificate first and a statement of identity from the authorities there. We are doing our best to get confirmation, but we haven’t been able to do that yet.”
In mid-March, more than 70 Dutch people were fighting on Ukrainian soil. However, it is now unclear how many Dutch people are currently part of the Foreign Legion in Ukraine.
This weekend, hundreds of people gathered at Dam Square in Amsterdam to protest in solidarity for the right to abortion in the United States.
Last week, a leaked draft ruling showed that the Supreme Court has voted to topple the standing right to abortion in the United States, as revealed by Politico.
Usually, a ruling such as this is kept secret until a decision has officially been made. The leak led to solidarity protests worldwide — including in the Netherlands.
The protest in Amsterdam took place on Saturday at Dam Square, reports the NOS. Aside from several hundred protestors there were also bigger organisations present such as Amnesty International and Women Inc.
The Amsterdam police unit says that the protests were peaceful until about 20 to 30 people diverged to protest in front of the American embassy.
In the process, public transport was blocked or disrupted. A 27-year old woman was caught spraying a tram with graffiti and arrested. Consequently, protestors turned against the police.
After issuing repeated warnings to the group of protestors, the police saw “no other possibility but to use violence”, says the official police statement.
“Demonstrating for the right of #abortion in #Amsterdam. Also for the next generation.”
Why do the Dutch care about US abortion rights?
The protestors were motivated by the fear that the overturning of abortion rights in the US could have a ripple effect and spark similar sentiments in the Netherlands.
“The right to abortion is a human right, but this is not at all self-evident,” one organiser of the protest tells the NOS. “It’s unbelievable that the right to abortion, which we’ve fought so hard for, is now drawn into question again.”
Demonstratie voor het recht op abortus op de Dam.
Jong, oud, man, vrouw en dolle Mina’s.
Allemaal maken ze zich zorgen dat de conservatieve wind vanuit de VS ook hier voet aan de grond krijgt. pic.twitter.com/Kvh1Si3gvY
Speaker in the video: “Because we deserve it. We deserve it. The women and girls that come after us. Our nieces, our sisters, our mothers…”
Abortion in the Netherlands
In the Netherlands, about 30,000 women undergo an abortion per year. At the moment, women choosing to get an abortion are referred to so-called ‘abortion clinics’ (abortusklinieken).
This process has been criticised by Dutch feminists and pro-choice activists because there are several steps involved that extend the process of getting an abortion: a consultation with the GP, a mandatory waiting time and only then, the transfer to the abortion clinic.
After heavy criticism, the Dutch government has introduced policies to remove hurdles to abortion for women. In February, the mandatory reflection time was scrapped. Now, the Dutch government is discussing making abortion pills available at the GP.
What is your take on abortion rights in the Netherlands? Tell us in the comments.
If you’re currently looking for a home in the Netherlands then you’re probably also wrestling with this question: should I buy a house or an apartment?
And it’s a tough one! We all love the idea of a cosy house — but then what about the stunning view from a high rise?
To help you weigh up the pros and cons and make that decision, we’ve gathered up some of the key differences between buying a house versus buying an apartment in the Netherlands. 👇
First things first — the price
If your budget is on the lower side, an apartment is definitely worth considering. This is because it’s often cheaper to buy an apartment in the Netherlands than a house.
When it comes to prices, apartments in the Netherlands tend to be cheaper than houses. Image: Depositphotos
The average price for a house in the fourth quarter of 2021 rose to €438,000 for a pre-existing home and €466,000 for a new build. While apartment prices also rose by 18% in 2022, they remain the cheapest housing option in the Netherlands, sitting at an average price of roughly €340,000.
There are also some additional costs to consider. Unlike with houses in the Netherlands, with an apartment, building maintenance costs are shared between you and other tenants in the building.
However, there are a few downsides to this. For example, you have less freedom over when you want to pay these costs. If the building needs maintenance, it needs maintenance — and you alone can’t decide to wait until your wallet is heavier!
With a house, you may have slightly higher additional costs. For example, if you find out it’s time to replace your roof, you’ve got no co-residents to share the price tag with. That being said, at least you’ll get to choose when you have to take the hit and pay those costs, if the time isn’t right, you have the freedom to delay.
The freedom to renovate
Speaking about freedom, one important difference between living in a house versus living in an apartment is the ability to renovate your home.
It’s much easier to make renovations when you have a house. This is because you are the sole owner of the building and often don’t need anyone else’s permission to make changes to it (unless the renovations may disrupt your neighbours’ property.)
In the Netherlands, when living in an apartment, your ability to renovate may be more restricted that in a house. Image: Depositphotos
With an apartment, however, if you want to make renovations or additions to your home, you’re going to need the approval of everyone else who lives in the building — this can be a time consuming and fruitless process.
However, there’s also an advantage to be found in this group dynamic. When you live in an apartment in the Netherlands, you’re part of a co-owner’s association (Vereniging van Eigenaars or VvE).
What is the VvE? The VvE is responsible for ensuring that the apartment building is maintained properly and usually consists of the various tenants within the building. Should your association decide collectively that the apartment building needs repair work, then the VvE will make sure this happens.
Location, location, location
Where you want to live will also play a role in determining whether you should opt for a house or an apartment.
For example, if you want to live in the city centre, buying an apartment may be a more realistic move as houses in centres tend to be quite expensive (unless you’re loaded, in which case, good for you.)
If you’re looking to move to a Dutch city centre, then an apartment may be a better option for you. Image: Depositphotos
Most of your housing options in a city centre will most likely be apartments, however, as they are the preferred residential buildings in more built-up areas.
If you’re looking for a life outside of the city, maybe even deep in the Dutch countryside, then chances are you’re going to be looking primarily at houses, or at most, some very lowkey apartments — you won’t find any skyscrapers in the Groene Hart!
Amenities: what do you want?
You should also consider what amenities are important to you. Do you have one or multiple cars? Well, then an apartment may not be the choice for you.
Unlike with having your own house, in the Netherlands, you often have to pay an additional fee for a parking space in apartment buildings!
That being said, if you enjoy a very short commute to the gym and supermarket, then it’s worth keeping in mind that apartment buildings often have shops, gyms, and even the odd kebab place built into them.
Planning your family
Chances are that if you are looking at becoming a homeowner in the Netherlands, you’re also thinking about your future (at least we hope this is the case.)
One thing to consider when choosing between a house vs and apartment in the Netherlands is your future family plans. Image: Depositphotos
If that future includes the pitter-patter of tiny feet, then you need to consider the amount of space that you may need in the years to come — and this will influence whether you opt for an apartment or a house.
Apartments tend to be smaller than houses, often consisting of a single storey. If you opt for an apartment but plan on growing your family, you may eventually have to move out. Houses, on the other hand, often offer more room for a family to grow.
Does a house or an apartment best suit your lifestyle?
Think about the things you enjoy in your everyday life. Do those include walks out in nature, peace and quiet, and snuggling with pets? Then an apartment may not suit your lifestyle.
In the Netherlands, apartment buildings can contain hundreds of tenants, are often located in bustling city centres, and sometimes have restrictions on pets — meaning you’re probably better off opting for a house which offers more space (and won’t stop you from buying that St. Bernard.)
On the other hand, if you enjoy going out, find comfort in a bit of background noise, and are happy living with a quiet cat (or perhaps a turtle?) an apartment in the city centre will suit your lifestyle down to a tee.
Have you had to choose between an apartment and a house in the Netherlands? Tell us about your experience in the comments below!
The Education Executive Agency (DUO) now has a series of lawsuits from EU students on itsback. It turns out that European international students are commonly rejected by DUO — and wrongly so, says the students’ lawyers.
According to the NOS, several students have won lawsuits against DUO in recent years, suggesting that the agency will be less likely to automatically reject EU students in the future.
But why did DUO reject them in the first place? And how will an increased number of applicants affect the costs for Dutch student grants?
“Deterrent policy” stops students from applying
According to the lawyers who have represented EU students, DUO has a “deterrent policy” that dissuades students from applying for financial aid in the Netherlands.
Any EU student who has a part-time job can, in principle, apply for student finance with DUO. This is because they are regarded as employees in the eyes of the EU and should therefore have equal rights in all EU Member States — including the right to benefits such as financial aid.
So far so good. Get a (side) job, get financial aid. Right?
Right?? 👀
…and sidesteps EU regulations
Well, while the EU doesn’t have a requirement for the number of hours you need to work to be entitled to equal rights, DUO does.
On its website, DUO states that “students who work more than 56 hours a month will receive student finance.”
While DUO almost always rejects applications from students who work less than 56 hours, the requirement does not hold up in court. “In the case law, we soon see that you are fine from 40 hours a month,” says Jillian van Damme, who conducted several successful proceedings against DUO.
Consequences for EU students
While many students give up the hope of receiving Dutch student finance upon seeing the 56 hours requirement from DUO, some apply regardless.
“The students who do [apply] and are then rejected for not meeting the 56-hour standard often leave it at that,” Van Damme says.
She continues: “And for the students who are still going to challenge that, it often takes six months to a year before they get their justice.”
The long waiting time leaves students with an acute need for money, decreased focus on their studies as they are occupied with legal proceedings, and sometimes an unwanted return to their home countries.
DUOs’ response
While the agency denies having a “deterrent policy” it will now look more closely at whether someone who works less than 56 hours is still entitled to student finance, writes the NOS.
Moreover, DUO intends to inform students better by making it clearer on the website that you can also be entitled to tuition fees if you do not work 56 hours.
This could mean that more EU students will apply for, and receive Dutch student finance in the future.
“That is positive for the mental well-being of international students,” says Habtamu de Hoop who is an MP from PvdA.
Costs for student finance increase
While great news for international students, more applications could cause the costs of student finance to increase.
In 2021, only 7% of EU students in the Netherlands received financial aid from DUO.
And while it is difficult to assess how DUO’s new attitude will translate in terms of costs, MPs fear that it will have consequences for Dutch students.
Harry van der Molen (CDA) says: “Given the growing number of foreign students, it seems to me that this is an amount that can quickly add up.”
The Minister of Education, Culture, and Science, Robbert Dijkgraaf, has launched an investigation into the possible consequences of a more lenient approach by DUO.
What do you think of DUO’s treatment of EU students? What will the consequences of more applications be? Tell us in the comments!
The only Monday blues in sight this morning is the clear sky presiding over the Dutch landscape.
After what Dutchies would call a “fresh” (frisse) start to the morning, temperatures are rising steadily. In fact, much of the Netherlands will experience a cosy 20 degrees by late morning. ☀️
In the north and west, however, temperatures will remain around 19 to 22 degrees for the rest of the day, while the centre of the country heats up to about 23 degrees.
In the southeast, temperatures can climb to a full 26 degrees. According to Weer.nl, that makes it the first local summer day of 2022!
So, we’re off to a great start but what will the rest of the week look like?
Tuesday: it’s a surprise! (almost)
Tomorrow, the sun will reappear for a large part of the day but its effect is cooled by a strong wind and sporadic cloud cover. “To what values the temperature rises depends on the amount of sunshine and how quickly the cold air penetrates,” writes Weer.nl.
Ultimately, we’re probably looking at 18 degrees in the northwest and west, and around 27 degrees in the southeast.
☀️Ondanks enkele wolken, is het vandaag over het algemeen zonnig. Echt warm is het nog niet, maar de temperatuur gaat omhoog. Volgens de laatste inzichten loopt de temperatuur aan het begin van de nieuwe werkweek zelfs op tot een zomerse 25 graden. 🌡️ 🍹 pic.twitter.com/Hhx1CVJTCF
“Despite some clouds, it is generally sunny today. It’s not really warm yet, but the temperature is rising. According to the latest insights, the temperature at the start of the new work week will even rise to 25 degrees in summer.”
Wednesday to Friday: sunny, with a chance of showers
On Wednesday, the wind will continue to sweep over the country. However, temperatures can still reach 17 degrees at the coast while in Limburg some lucky beans will have up to 24 degrees.
Thursday, the chance of showers “increases considerably” and they might even be accompanied by a thunderstorm. ⛈️
But just how warm will it be? As you hide under your umbrella during what could be relatively heavy rainfall, you’ll feel it to be somewhere around 18 degrees.
Unless you’re in the north. In that case, you’ll be stuck with a maximum of 15 degrees — helaas pindakaas!
Friday, temperatures will range from 16 degrees by the coast to 21 degrees in the southeast.
Weekend weather: summer temperatures return
While the weather seems to be a bit fickle during the weekdays, a high-pressure area secures us a sunny weekend.
Saturday and Sunday will see less wind and temperatures can climb to 25 degrees or more.
What are your plans for the warmer weather? Tell us in the comments below!
As you stroll down Rotterdam’s bustling streets, you may wonder what it’s like to be up amongst the sparkling high-rises. Well, from May 26 you don’t have to wonder any longer.
Nope, we’re not offering you a penthouse. 😅 But Rotterdamse Dakendagen festival and the architectural firm MVRDV are offering you a unique chance to walk amongst the city’s rooftops via a 60 metres long footbridge.
The Rotterdam Rooftop Walk, as the route is called, takes you through Rotterdam’s 18-square-kilometre “roofscape” at almost 30 metres above ground level, reports the NOS.
Hopefully, you’re not scared of heights!
A route to a brighter future
The 45-minute walk begins at the Beursplein, where you’ll climb a staircase to the top of the World Trade Center.
Oh look! They even built it in our favourite colour. Image: Rotterdam Partners/Supplied
Enjoy the view of the busy Coolsingel as you make your way towards the Bijenkorf building where the route will take you back down onto street level as you arrive at Aert van Nesstraat. 📍
More than just pretty views, Rotterdamse Dakendagen hopes that visitors get to see “how innovative rooftop use will contribute to a brighter future for cities and city-dwellers worldwide.”
We knew Rotterdam’s architecturegame was strong, but this (literally) takes it to new heights! 😉
In addition to the Rotterdam Rooftop Walk, the innovative harbour city can brag about another architectural wonder: Het Podium.
If this doesn’t scream party, we don’t know what will. Image: Rotterdam Partners/Supplied
The same architectural firm that’s responsible for the Rooftop Walk is also transforming the roof of the cultural centre Het Nieuwe Instituut into a vibrant, neon-pink city stage. 🤘
Het Podium opens on June 1 and will be a spellbinding venue for various cultural activities through to August 17, writes indebuurt.
Will you be exploring Rotterdam’s roofscape in June? Tell us in the comments!
Yesterday, a fight broke out on a KLM flight from Manchester to Amsterdam that forced the pilot to intervene. 🛫
Videos circulating on social media show that the brawl broke out between a group of men. It’s only when the pilot left his cockpit to intervene that the fighting stopped, reports AD.
Yes, that’s correct — the person in charge of the entire aircraft had to leave his metaphorical steering wheel to calm the men down.
Was it perhaps a passionate argument between Man City and Manchester United fans? Or were these childish men just extremely bored on this terribly long one-hour flight? We don’t know.
But it must have been a nice flight, indeed. 🙃
The national gendarmerie makes arrests
As soon as the flight arrived in Amsterdam, the agitators were picked up at Schiphol airport by the Dutch Royal Marechaussee — a branch of the national gendarmerie force.
In total, six arrests were made. Only one person had light injury. The reason for the fight and the relationships between the participants isn’t quite clear yet.
What would you have done if you were on the plane? Tell us in the comments!
The past two weekends have been anything but boring for Schiphol Airport and KLM. 🛫
Claims organisation Aviclaim received more than 1650 compensation requests for cancelled or delayed flights, totalling about €1.3 million, says the NOS.
The May holidays and staff shortages caused considerable chaos at Schiphol airport these last two weeks. Schiphol even asked travellers not to come to the airport and for airlines to cancel flights.
Missed or delayed flights
Founder of Aviclaim, Remco Kuliman, said the organisation received an enormous number of phone calls. Passengers specifically asked about what their compensation rights were.
For example, passengers who missed their flights due to long queues at the check-in are technically not entitled to refunds, says Kuliman. Only travellers whose flights have been cancelled or delayed for at least three hours can claim compensation.
Compensation and debts
The airlines are now demanding millions in compensation for the cancellations by Schiphol. In the meantime, the airport plans to limit fights during busy periods to prevent this from happening again.
On the other hand, The Netherlands’ own airline KLM recently repaid €311 million loaned by the state during the pandemic.
KLM CEO Pieter Elbers says they still owe €631 million, which they hope to repay later this year according to the NOS.
With flights back up again, KLM has made a profit for the third quarter in a row since the pandemic.
What do you think of the situation with Schiphol and KLM in recent weeks? Tell us in the comments!
