Home Blog Page 440

The Netherlands ranked 11th most popular country for internationals

Cara Räker 🇩🇪
-
3
The Netherlands ranked 11th most popular country for internationals

We knew it! Spinning windmills, dreamy tulip fields, and historic canal houses make the ultimate recipe for success.

At least according to a new study by HSBC Expat, which surveyed over 46 countries and concluded that the Netherlands was the 11th most livable place for internationals in 2021. Next year we’ll make the top ten! 🏆

Third place in Europe

The Netherlands is definitely looking great compared to other European countries. Switzerland sets a good example, securing first place.

For other European competitors we have to look a little further:

  • Cyprus (12th place)
  • Spain (14th place)
  • Portugal (16th place)
  • Ireland (17th place)
  • Norway (18th)

Well, ‘A’ for effort Europe. Or…maybe not?

Who fared the worst?

Because, if you check out the very bottom of the list, there are two of our European friends having a shameful party of their own.

The top three worst countries for expats in 2021 were:

  • Turkey (46th place)
  • Italy (45th place)
  • United Kingdom (44th place)

There is definitely room for improvement, guys — but we believe in you! 🇪🇺

Expats are all winners

The most popular countries for expats were actually in the MENAT region. MENA stands for the ‘Middle East and North Africa and Turkey.’ Of those living there, 71% of expats said they would recommend the region for the quality of life.

In comparison, 42% of expats living in Europe would recommend living here to ‘expand the cultural horizon’. Whatever that means.

Overall, expats seem to be pretty content with living abroad. Four out of five said they will continue living in their host country for at least another year.

Additionally, 65% of survey respondents felt optimistic about the year ahead. Whoop, whoop 2022! 🎆

Living as an expat in the Netherlands

Our winner of hearts, of course, is the Netherlands. Looking to move to the country of weird wooden shoes and cheese?

In a study published by the Boston Consulting Group earlier this year, Amsterdam ranked as the second-best work destination for expats in the world! For the quality of life, The Hague and Rotterdam fare best in Internations world ranking.

The Dutch also consistently ranks as the world’s best non-native English speakers. What’s not to love?

What do you think? Bags packed and off to the Netherlands? Tell us in the comments!

Feature Image: DmitryRukhlenko/Depositphotos

A year-long festival: Leiden European City of Science 2022 has begun

Katrien Nivera 🇵🇭
-
0
A year-long festival: Leiden European City of Science 2022 has begun

Leiden has been crowned the European City of Science in 2022. And what does this mean? Starting in January, the city will host its very first, year-long science festival! 🧪

Each of the 365 days of the festival will have its own theme and a four-part programme will cover all sorts of science-y knowledge from the fundamentals to citizen science, reports European City of Science Leiden 2022 (translated by yours truly — DutchReview! 💁🏻)

So, what’s this festival all about?

Leiden European City of Science 2022 will be open to anyone who’s curious about science — the festival will offer a fun programme that explores a different scientific topic every day.

The festival invites local residents to participate in science and engage with their community and other world issues. 🗺

No worries if you have a busy schedule — the city’s calendar will be filled with conventions, workshops, conferences, and symposia to learn about how science can tackle the important questions of our day and age.🔬And for a whole year!

What’s happening throughout the year?

As part of the 10th edition of the scientific conference, Leiden will host the EuroScience Open Forum (ESOF) from July 13 to July 16, 2022. 🎉

But there’s more!

In September, young researchers will make their way to the city for the EU Contest for Young Scientists (EUCYS), to boost the youths’ interest in science and technology. 👏 We love to see young scientists succeed.

To keep track of everything, the conference is offering free tear-off calendars, which showcases all of the daily themes. Regardless of the coronavirus, all activities and events are available to participate in online!

A neighbourhood initiative

The festival has also launched Knowledge Through the Neighbourhoods. This is an initiative where 101 neighbourhoods in Leiden and the surrounding area can organise their own event exploring one of the festival’s 365 interesting topics.

And with that, this festival is in full swing!

Will you be heading to Leiden2022 at some point this year? Tell us your thoughts in the comments! 🤔🧑‍🔬

Feature Image: Leiden COS2022/Supplied

Dutch government is freaking out over the spelling of “pannenkoek”

Nicole Ogden 🇹🇭 🇺🇸
-
0
Dutch government is freaking out over the spelling of “pannenkoek”

Is it pannekoek or pannenkoek? That’s a question even native Dutch speakers are struggling to answer. The spelling of this word along with a few others has been causing a heated debate between Dutch ministers. 🥞

The Council of Ministers of the Netherlands have been arguing about a change in the Dutch spelling since 1996, according to the NOS.

This particular change involves the new rule on tussenklanken, which are sounds that occur in between parts of a word or in between compound words.

For instance, the Dutch words station (station) and gebouw (building) put together gives you stationsgebouw with an ‘s’ in between the words.

With this rule, pannekoek becomes pannenkoek with an ‘n’ in between — and this doesn’t sit well with some ministers. 🍵

“Bastard words”

The former Minister for Development Cooperation, Jan Pronk, for example, was not having it with the new rule. He was hesitant about allowing “bastard words” AKA words adopted from another language to be written in this new spelling.

“The language user will have to memorize the illogical and difficult to comprehend rules and the exceptions thereto, while the old system could be explained to every child,” he once said. 😱

New rule stays

Although several ministers like Pronk are really against the introduction of the new rule on tussenklanken, it’s a bit too late. The Dutch Language Union has already adopted the new spelling and Flanders has already introduced it into their language.

Sorry, ministers, it’s officially pannenkoek now not pannekoek!

What do you think about the spelling of pancake? Is it pannekoek or pannenkoek? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below!

Image: makasanaphoto/Depositphotos

QR codes to enter stores? Dutch retail willing to implement this and more

Cara Räker 🇩🇪
-
32
QR codes to enter stores? Dutch retail willing to implement this and more

With rumours circulating that the hard lockdown will not lift on January 14, non-essential stores are pleading to open their doors — and they’ll implement any measure if it means they can.

Brand collective INretail tells nu.nl, that their associates are willing to do whatever is necessary — checking for proof of vaccination, making masks mandatory inside or only allowing a limited number of customers per square metre — if it means they can reopen.

End of lockdown uncertain

This is a change of heart from just two months prior when INretail said a mask mandate would be “unaffordable, non-enforceable and unworkable.”

But with the Netherlands sitting steadily in a hard lockdown for almost a month now, non-essential stores are struggling.

Up until new measures are announced next week, it is uncertain whether or not the hard lockdown will be lifted.

Would you whip out your QR-code for a quick shopping spree? Tell us in the comments!

Feature Image: PhotographerFromAmsterdam/Depositphotos

Weekly update: infections go up despite lockdown but hospitals are (still) coping

Katrien Nivera 🇵🇭
-
0
Weekly update: infections go up despite lockdown but hospitals are (still) coping

The RIVM has released its weekly coronavirus figures from December 28 to January 4. The number of hospitalisations has decreased, while the number of deaths has slightly gone down.

The number of hospitalisations and ICU admissions have decreased while the number of deaths has also decreased.

Over the past week, the RIVM has reported 113,554 new infections in the Netherlands. An increase compared to last week’s report of 84,398 infections.

The percentage of positive tests has also increased, rising to 30.8% compared to 23.4% from the week before.

Deaths

The number of patients who have died from coronavirus-related complications has decreased compared to the past week. This week, 189 people passed away, compared to 272 people the previous week.

Hospitalisations

The number of admissions to the nursing ward and the ICU has decreased. The past week saw 817 new admissions to the nursing ward and 164 new patients in the ICU. The week before, there were 941 patients and 196 patients respectively.

Lockdown measures in the Netherlands will likely remain

Following the announcement of a hard lockdown in the Netherlands, the Dutch cabinet will decide whether to extend or relax the current coronavirus measures on January 14.

The measures have resulted in protests, the most recent taking place in Amsterdam on January 2. Even more, protests are on the way.

But Marc Bonten of the OMT does not expect the measures to be lifted — at the moment, it is too soon to talk about abolishing measures. But there are a few silver linings to this news.

Booster shots available for everyone over 18

Starting today, anyone born before 2003 can get their coronavirus booster shot as early as three months after their last vaccination — all without having to wait for a letter in the mail!

This comes as great news, as Health Minister Hugo de Jonge announced that after February 1, international vaccination certificates will only be valid if they’ve received their booster shots.

Primary and high schools will reopen but universities stay closed

After sending Dutch school children into the Christmas holiday a week early, the Dutch cabinet has decided to reopen primary and high schools next Monday. However, universities in the Netherlands will stay closed for the time being.

Schools were initially closed to curb the infection rate among school children, particularly of the omicron variant which arrived in the Netherlands just before December of 2021.

Follow DutchReview on Facebook for the latest news and coronavirus updates.

Feature Image: nirat.pix/Depositphotos

18 years or older? You can now get your booster shot in the Netherlands

Christine Stein Hededam 🇩🇰
-
0
18 years or older? You can now get your booster shot in the Netherlands

People whose birth certificate reads 2003 or older can now make an appointment for a coronavirus booster shot, reports NU.nl.

The online appointment system opened at 11 AM this morning.

So, if you want a booster shot with Pfizer/BioNTech or Moderna, all you have to do is make an appointment online — no need to wait for your invitation letter to arrive. 📫

You also won’t need to show the letter at the injection location. However, remember to bring a valid ID, your appointment confirmation, and fill out the provided questionnaire (either online or at the location).

READ MORE | Coronavirus measures not expected to be lifted says OMT

With almost 64% of Dutch adults vaccinated and the omnicron variant still spreading rapidly in the Netherlands, all over-eighteens can receive their booster shot as early as three months after their last vaccination.

Want the latest Dutch news to come zooming through the internet to your inbox? Dat kan! Subscribe to DutchReview’s weekly roundup 📮

Feature Image: Milkos/Depositphotos

€10 million in firework damages fire up a Dutch security concern

Farah Al Mazouni 🇸🇾 🇺🇸
-
3
€10 million in firework damages fire up a Dutch security concern

The Netherlands had a costly NYE this year with €10 million in damages — so the 25 mayors of the Dutch Security Council are planning stern talks to the new cabinet about it.

While the Netherlands did introduce a fireworks ban for the NYE of 2021, the lack of its enforcement clearly didn’t help. The Dutch Association of Insurers estimates consumers damages to be approximately €10 million , reports RTL Nieuws.

Even worse, it doesn’t end with this big fat figure as this initial estimate doesn’t include medical costs, or damages to companies, schools, and nurseries — so stay tuned for a growing number. 😓

Apparently, Dutchies broke their own record this year where “more (illegal) fireworks were set off than last year when there was also a ban. The damage is similar to an average New Year’s Eve without a fireworks ban,” says the general manager of the Dutch Association of Insurers, Richard Weurding.

Future tactics

The chaos of this expensive NYE alarmed the mayors that form the Dutch Security Council according to NU.nl — a team that’s formed to deal with crises and disasters. ⚡

The concerns of the council revolve around how these heavy fireworks, such as cobras and mortar bombs, were, among others, being thrown at aid workers despite the existing ban and despite the government seizing more fireworks this year than ever.

Seeking the support of the new Dutch cabinet, the mayors are eyeing agreements with Belgium and Germany as well as an early and clear multi-year strategy to avoid firework-related disturbances. 

“Many types of ornamental fireworks are banned in the Netherlands, but they can be bought across the border. That makes the fireworks ban quite difficult to enforce, especially in the border region. We have to put an end to this,” the mayors say.

What do you think of the Security Council’s plan to avoid future firework damages in the Netherlands? Let us know in the comments!

Feature Image: InfinitumProdux/Depositphotos

See Rembrandt’s Night Watch in minute detail: 717 billion pixels to be precise

Christine Stein Hededam 🇩🇰
-
0
See Rembrandt’s Night Watch in minute detail: 717 billion pixels to be precise

The Dutch are forerunners once again. This time, they created no less than the largest and most detailed photo ever taken of artwork by melting technology and art.

Senior scientist at the Rijksmuseum, Rob Erdmann, tells NU.nl that the photo of Rembrandt’s largest painting operates as a “virtual, always available microscope” for other scientists and the public to use — pretty cool, huh?

Published just this morning, the ultra-high-resolution photo is now available on the Rijksmuseum’s website. 😱

A whole landscape of paint and brushstrokes

The image you’ll see on the museum’s website is, in fact, not one photo.

Rather, it’s a series of no less than 8,439 individual photos measuring 5.5 x 4.1 centimetres each. Every photo was meticulously taken at an exact distance of 13 centimetres from the priceless painting and subsequently “stitched together” using artificial intelligence.

According to Erdmann, who wrote the software himself, the technology provides “a scientific rendering of a material object that shows how well Rembrandt could manipulate paint.”

He elaborates: “We can see every particle of pigment and every brushstroke. We can see paint that Rembrandt didn’t mix perfectly on his palette. We can look into a crack and see the layers of paint in it. It’s like trekking in the Grand Canyon and seeing the geological layers.”

Operation Night Watch

The ultra-high-resolution photo was taken as part of the Rijksmusem’s ‘Operation Night Watch‘ — a several years long research and conservation project that continues in 2022.

READ MORE | Rembrandt masterpiece reconstructed and expanded with AI: see it like never before

However, the 5.6 terabyte photo wasn’t just casually taken. It took two years and eight months to make the whole thing. 🤯 Breaking it up, it took two years to prepare the technology, two months to capture the original painting, and six months to combine the individual photos.

No wonder museums like the Met in New York and the National Gallery in London have already showed interest in the Rijksmuseum’s work.

Have you already viewed the new photo of Rembrand’s masterpiece? What do you think? Tell us in the comments below!

Feature Image: Rijksmuseum/Press Release

Coronavirus measures not expected to be lifted says OMT

Nicole Ogden 🇹🇭 🇺🇸
-
1
Coronavirus measures not expected to be lifted says OMT

The Dutch cabinet must decide next week whether to extend or relax the hard lockdown measures after January 14. However, Marc Bonten of the OMT says not to hope for too much.

Things aren’t looking very positive for people who are hoping that the hard lockdown will be lifted in the Netherlands.

A member of the OMT, Marc Bonten, believes that his team won’t advise relaxing the measures, reports the NOS.

“It is too soon to start talking about the abolition of all measures,” Bonten told the NOS. “I don’t think people should have too much hope that that will be our advice.”

Small steps

Bonten also believes that there’s a lot of uncertainty and that we have to wait and see what will happen.

On Monday, it was decided that primary and secondary schools may open again next week. According to the OMT, infection rates in small children are declining thus it is an “acceptable risk.”

Cabinet wishes for an expiration date of vaccination certificates

The cabinet wants vaccination certificates to have an expiration date from February 1. This is due to the decreasing effectiveness of vaccines after a period of time.

This means that people in the Netherlands have to get the booster shot in order to get a valid corona pass, the Ministry of Health told NU.nl.

Inside the EU, the vaccination certificates for travel will be valid for nine months starting from February 1.

The ministry is also looking to shorten the validity of the proof of recovery certificates. Instead of the certificate being valid for one year, they would like to reduce it to 180 days.

Follow DutchReview on Facebook for more information about coronavirus in the Netherlands.

Feature Image: macniak/Depositphotos

Primary and high schools to open again next Monday — universities remain closed

Cara Räker 🇩🇪
-
0
Primary and high schools to open again next Monday — universities remain closed

After sending school children a week earlier into the Christmas holiday, the Dutch cabinet has decided today to re-open primary and high schools next Monday. 🎒

The Dutch Outbreak Management Team (OMT) has approved the decision, highlighting the importance of education for young children (and maybe some quiet time for their parents? 😂)

Universities and other higher education facilities, however, will have to remain closed until new lockdown measures are announced on January 14, reports the NOS.

In fear of Omicron

The Dutch government decided to close schools earlier for Christmas because of uncertainties regarding the new Omicron variant.

Despite a downward trend in infections over the last couple of weeks, numbers are especially high amongst younger children who don’t keep their distance from one another.

What do you think of this decision? Tell us in the comments!

Feature Image: FamVeldmann/Depositphotos

1...439440441...741Page 440 of 741