Winter, take note: spring is apparently tired of waiting. Wednesday could bring temperatures of up to 20 degrees Celsius to the Netherlands.
Warmer air is streaming in from the south and west, and by Wednesday, the Netherlands could be basking in temperatures that make us feel like it’s already spring, according to RTL Nieuws.
Before we run for the terraces
First, however, we’ll have to get through two days of only ok weather.
Today, temperatures will reach around 13 degrees in Zeeuws-Vlaanderen and 9 degrees in the northeast, with sunny spells in the north and west (not too bad).
However, the east can expect a few showers and a firm westerly to southwesterly wind will be felt throughout the day.
Tuesday starts grey and drizzly, with light rain moving northeast through the morning.
However, by the afternoon, it will dry out, and the southwest in particular should see some sunshine. Highs will sit between 10 degrees in the northeast and a balmy 14 degrees in Zeeuws-Vlaanderen (a decent warm-up act).
Wednesday is the day to pretend it’s spring
Wednesday looks set to be the highlight of the week. Plenty of sunshine and little wind will make us briefly forget the slush and snow of last week.
In Limburg, temperatures could reach 20 degrees. The rest of the country won’t be far behind, with 17 degrees expected in the centre and 15 degrees in the northeast.
Even the normally reluctant north should shake off any morning clouds fairly quickly.
Thursday and Friday stay mild, with temperatures holding between 11 and 14 degrees and a fair amount of sunshine.
A shower or two is possible on Thursday, and some light rain on Friday, but nothing dramatic. The Wadden Islands will remain noticeably cooler throughout.
Will you be making the most of the warm weather this week? Let us know in the comments!
This weekend brings milder temperatures, and by next week, forecasts predict a taste of actual spring weather in the Netherlands with inland highs of up to 18 degrees Celsius.
After weeks of wet, mushy snow and general misery, it looks like we’re finally catching a break.
But before we can start celebrating the taste of spring we’re about to receive, we’re in for a rather wet spell, warns Weeronline.
What to expect this weekend
Come Saturday, temperatures will hover around 6 degrees Celsius in the northeast and 9 degrees Celsius in Zeeland.
If you’re planning to be out and about in the morning, you may want to take a rain check, as it’ll be cloudy with frequent rain.
Things will dry up in the afternoon, but the cloud cover won’t budge. A few eastern regions may still see some drizzle, so be sure to carry an umbrella.
Afternoon highs will reach 10 or 11 degrees across most of the country, with the north staying slightly cooler at 8 or 9 degrees and the south nudging up to 12 degrees locally.
Sunday kicks temperatures up a notch, with between 9 and 13 degrees throughout the country. While it’ll stay cloudy with periods of rain, there’s a chance of brief sunshine in the northwest late in the afternoon.
Next week brings the real treat
According to Weeronline, mild conditions will continue into next week, with changeable weather on the cards. Prepare for typical Dutch weather, with rain showers one minute and dry, sunny spells the next.
However, midweek is when things get interesting. A sunny stretch could push inland temperatures up to around 15 to 18 degrees Celsius.
It’s not quite terras weather, and Dutch weather has a well-documented habit of teasing and then disappointing, but we’ll take it!
Are you excited for higher temperatures, or will you miss February’s wintery vibes? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Selling a home quickly in the Netherlands sounds easy enough in this climate — but to get the best price, you need to make sure you go about it in the right way.
Sit back, relax, and let me walk you through seven tips to sell your Dutch home efficiently, quickly, and with top results.
1. Find yourself a realtor
The first favour you can do for yourself is to get the professionals involved. The process of selling a house is no small feat. Especially if you’re new to the various steps involved — or the language!
Trying to sell your own house in the Netherlands without a professional background leaves you with a high chance of falling into various pitfalls — and trust me, that’s not exactly conducive to a quick sale.
To save yourself time, stress, and potentially even money, you should find yourself a highly trained selling realtor (verkoop makelaar). 😉
Ok, you want a realtor — but where can you find one? Krib was made to help people find and choose a realtor that suits their personal situation.
The site compares different realtors, allowing you to reach out to someone with expertise in the area that you are hoping to sell in, the type of house you’re selling, or more.
As a homeowner who really wants their home to sell fast, one of the best things you can do for your case is to make sure that your house is freshly polished, wearing a bow tie, and sporting its best smile for potential buyers.
In order to sell your Dutch home fast, one of the best tips I can give is to make sure it’s looking snazzy. Image: Depositphotos
And how do you do that? Fix that broken skirting board, give the walls a fresh lick of paint, and maybe have the windows cleaned — a little goes a long way.
Of course, balancing the cost of renovations and the value that they’ll bring to your property is a tricky business and sometimes requires a professional evaluation.
3. Ensure that people can find your house (and are impressed!)
It’s all well and good if you’ve made your house sparkle, but it’s equally important that you ensure people actually see it.
So, how do you make sure your house gets the love and attention it deserves?
📸 Get professional photos taken. Sure, your iPhone camera may be good, but it takes more than a good lens to highlight your home’s best features. Many realtors will help you arrange for this.
📣 Make sure that people know your house is on the market. The next step is to take those pretty pictures and share them with the world. Try traditional platforms such as Facebook or Instagram — the more people that know, the better. Your house’s quirky interior could be the dream house for that friend of a friend on Facebook.
🏠 Get it up on Funda. Perhaps one of the best platforms for your home is the Dutch real estate website Funda. Think of it as Tinder for houses for sale. It’s one of the first places hopeful homeowners in the Netherlands will check when they decide they want to buy.
Note: Sadly, you cannot upload your home to Funda by yourself. Only real estate agents have access to the platform.
4. Write down your home’s strongest selling points
Is your home freshly insulated? Does it have a state-of-the-art roof? You may know these things, but potential buyers are coming in blind. It’s time to show off!
Really think about your home’s assets. Buy yourself some fancy stationery if needed and write. Them. Down. If you’re hosting your own viewings, make sure to point these out to viewers.
If you’re unsure what the unique selling points of your home are, it’s always worth getting a professional to take a look.
They will likely see points that you wouldn’t consider, ensuring that you’re ready to wow your viewers and get the bids flowing.
5. Decide exactly what you want from the sale
So you’ve bedazzled your house, put it out there for everyone to see, flaunted its best assets — and now you have interested buyers!
Make sure you know what you want from the sale. Image: Dreamstime
However, one thing that will slow down the sale of a house in the Netherlands is the negotiations.
To ensure that things run as smoothly as possible, you should enter talks knowing exactly what you want in terms of resolutive conditions and knowing where you’re flexible.
What are the resolutive conditions when selling a house in the Netherlands? Simple! When you agree to hand over the keys, both the seller and the buyer may lay out certain conditions.
For example, the seller might agree to make certain repairs, or the buyer might need to secure financing by a certain date. If these conditions aren’t met, one or both parties may decide not to continue with the sale.
6. Know how much your home is worth
While it may be easy to receive an offer on a home in the Netherlands, you need to make sure that it’s a worthwhile one. This takes time, so don’t wait for an offer to come in before determining the true value of your home!
This can be done beforehand by either a taxateur or a trained real estate agent.
Krib also allows you to get a professional opinion on the selling price of your home. When you reach out, realtors can give you a competitive quote in advance, and you can even compare the average selling times and estimation accuracy of different brokers.
7. Set a deadline for potential buyers
It’s important to be clear to potential buyers that you need an answer from them as soon as possible. Image: Freepik
You don’t have to be the only one working under a deadline! In the Netherlands, it’s common practice to set a deadline for potential buyers to speed up the process.
For example, you may decide to sell your home within eight weeks. Let the hopeful buyers know this and hold your ground.
This way, you know when you should expect an offer and can keep the process running smoothly towards a swift sale!
Now, are you ready to have your lovely home loved by others? Good for you! We hope these tips help you reach the finish line swiftly and safely.
Have you sold your home in the Netherlands? Tell us about your experience in the comments below.
At least five Dutch models were approached by a recruiter working for Jeffrey Epstein, who then forwarded their photos to the convicted sex offender.
The scout in question is Daniel Siad, a Swedish modelling scout whose own name appears in the Epstein files over a thousand times, according to RTL Nieuws’ investigative team.
Siad would approach women on the street or at events, promising modelling work in New York or contracts with major agencies — then send their photos on to Epstein for his “approval.”
Photos were forwarded to Epstein without consent
The investigative team identified five Dutch women approached by Siad between 2009 and 2017.
In two cases, he attempted to set up a Skype call between Epstein and the Dutch models aged 19 and 20 at the time. It’s unclear if that call ever took place, as the two models declined to comment.
However, two of the other women confirmed contact with Siad to RTL Nieuws. It was only after the files were made public that they discovered Siad had forwarded their photos to Epstein.
“He [Siad] said I could work in America, and I really wanted that,” one woman tells RTL Nieuws. “Then he asked if I could send photos. He apparently forwarded them.”
A fifth woman, referred to in the files as “a cute girl from Holland”, could not be definitively identified.
Emails shine a light on the Epstein recruitment process
The released files, which detail Siad’s emails to Epstein, offer an unsettling glimpse as to how the recruitment process operated.
With various fake companies and aliases, Siad stationed himself in Paris and Geneva, luring women in with the promise of modelling work.
“Here’s a cute girl I met in Paris this week,” he wrote about one Dutch woman he encountered at the Louvre. Meanwhile, for another: “Here are pictures of a new model (…). She’s a very funny girl, I’ll send you the video I made.”
Given that millions of pages from the files remain unpublished, there’s a high likelihood that the total number of Dutch women targeted by Siad is much higher than five.
Siad now faces a rape charge
To no one’s surprise, Siad’s involvement with Epstein is just the tip of the iceberg.
The former modelling scout has recently been charged with raping a Swedish woman, while under the guise of helping her find a job in France.
“He said he found me so beautiful and could help me get a modelling career in France,” the victim tells RTL Nieuws over the phone. “He took me to Monaco, but it turned out there was no work there at all. After that, we went to a villa in Cannes, but it was closed. He then raped me in the garden house by the pool.”
After being forwarded a photograph of Siad from the released Epstein files, the victim finally recognised her alleged rapist, who’d evaded capture for 36 years.
“That was him. I felt sick the moment I saw him,” she says, then confirming that she filed a report with the French police last week.
Getting your driving license is an exciting milestone. However, to become a proud owner of a Dutch rijbewijs, you need to pass two exams: the theory exam and the practical driving test.
If you want to be part of that group, you’ve gotta prep smart. Let’s break down how exactly you can do that and what you should expect from the exam in 2026.
Important changes to the driving theory exam in 2026
Before we dive into practical tips on how you can actually prepare for the theory test, it’s important to look at some changes that the CBR (the Dutch central office for driver testing) has introduced as of April 2025.
While the knowledge you need to pass is essentially the same, there are important changes to the format and the general approach to the exam. 👇
There are a few changes to the Dutch driving theory exam in 2026. Image: Freepik
Fewer questions, same difficulty
While the previous version of the exam consisted of 65 questions, the new version only has 50. The level of the exam doesn’t change.
To pass, you have to answer at least 44 questions correctly within 30 minutes, the same amount of time as before. Candidates who require extra time still get 45 minutes.
Integrated format
In the past, the exam was split into three separate parts: hazard recognition, knowledge of traffic rules, and traffic insight, where you had to apply your knowledge to different scenarios.
This is no longer the case. Instead, you’ll get one whole exam that integrates the different parts.
Animated scenarios replace static images
If you’re more of a video rather than a photo kinda person (who isn’t these days), you’ll be happy to hear that instead of looking at pictures, you’ll be looking at short animations that illustrate different driving scenarios.
This will help to make the test more realistic and dynamic.
Same content, new approach
The new theory test has the same level as the previous one. This means you don’t need to study anything new, but you’ll need to practice with the new question format.
Want to ace your theory exam on the first try? With an impressive student pass rate of 97%, Theorie Snel Halen’s online and in-person prep courses have helped thousands of students smash their theory exam.
What do I need to know to pass the Dutch driving theory exam?
We’ve already established that the new exam covers essentially the same fundamental themes as before.
You must study the same fundamental themes. Image: Freepik
The only difference is that they’re no longer tested as separate sections. Instead, they’re woven throughout the integrated 50-question format. These are the areas you’ll need to master:
Dutch road rules (traffic signs, right of way, etc.)
This forms the foundation of your driving knowledge. You’ll need to understand traffic signs, road markings, speed limits, and priority rules.
These questions typically focus on factual knowledge and legal requirements for Dutch roads.
Hazard perception
The traditional hazard perception section with still images has been removed from the exam.
What you’ll see instead are hazard perception questions with short animated traffic scenarios that give a better representation of how things actually are on the road.
Your task? Identify potential dangers and demonstrate that you know how to respond appropriately in various traffic situations.
Responsible driving & applying rules to real-life situations
A.k.a traffic insight. This is where the new format really shines. Many of the exam questions require logical interpretation rather than just blindly memorising rules.
You’ll need to apply your theoretical knowledge to practical driving scenarios, showing that you can make safe and responsible decisions on the road.
In the end, you need to navigate real-life situations. Image: Freepik
While you obviously still need to memorise the important stuff, the new exam really puts your judgement and awareness to the test.
This means you need to truly understand the reasoning behind traffic rules and think critically to apply this knowledge.
How can I pass the driving theory exam on the first try?
Success on the theory exam requires more than just reading through the materials once. Preparation is key, so here are proven strategies to maximise your chances of passing on the first attempt.
Book your theory exam ahead of time and give yourself enough time to learn
The easiest (and usually cheapest) way to book your theory exam is to just do it yourself via the CBR website. To do this, you’ll need your DigiD. Alternatively, you can have your driving school book the exam for you.
Make sure you give yourself at least four to six weeks of consistent study time to properly absorb the material and practice with the new format.
Use videos and animations to help your learning
Since the new exam includes animated scenarios, incorporating visual learning into your preparation is more important than ever.
Videos help you understand traffic situations from a driver’s perspective and prepare you for the dynamic nature of the animated questions.
Follow an online course
Structured online courses provide comprehensive coverage of all exam topics and often include practice tests that mirror the real exam format.
An online course can help you prepare for the exam. Image: Freepik
They’re particularly valuable for learning the reasoning behind traffic rules, not just memorising them.
TIP:Theorie Snel Halen can help you prepare with interactive materials designed to reflect the latest changes in the exam. Their engaging materials, like interactive videos and a handy eBook, are great tools to learn.
Make use of practice questions and practice exams
Practice questions are your best preparation tool for the actual exam.
They will not only give you a good idea of what exactly you can expect but also the opportunity to practice with a limited timer to build your speed and confidence.
Repetition is key
The more you practice, the more automatic your responses become. Review difficult questions multiple times, and make sure you understand why each answer is correct.
Pay extra attention to areas where you consistently make mistakes.
Handy tips to help you on the day of the exam
When exam day arrives and stress levels are high, these practical tips can make the difference between passing and failing.
Read questions properly and don’t rush
With just about 36 seconds per question, it’s tempting to try to rush through the exam. But misreading a question is a costly mistake. Take a moment to fully understand what’s being asked before selecting your answer.
Time management is important, but so is accuracy. You’ll get your result as soon as you complete all 50 questions, so use the full time given to you if you need it.
Trust yourself
If you’ve prepared thoroughly, trust your knowledge and instincts. Second-guessing yourself often leads to changing correct answers to incorrect ones.
The new Dutch driving theory exam is all about a practical, real-world assessment of driving knowledge.
With the right preparation and practice, you’ll be able to pass your exam on the first try and join many internationals who have successfully obtained their Dutch rijbewijs.
Have you already taken and passed the driving theory exam? Share your experience in the comments below!
Frequently asked questions: How to pass the Dutch driving theory exam
Is the Dutch theory exam available in English in 2026?
Yes! The car theory exam (category B) can be taken in English without requiring an interpreter, making it accessible for internationals.
How many questions are on the CBR theory test?
The new exam consists of 50 questions, presented in one continuous test. This is a reduction from the previous 65 questions. To pass, you must answer at least 44 questions correctly within 30 minutes.
What is the best way to practice for the theory exam?
The most effective preparation combines multiple approaches: studying theory materials to understand the reasoning behind rules, taking full-length practice exams under timed conditions, and practising with animated scenarios that mirror the new exam format.
Focus on understanding concepts rather than memorising answers.
How much will the theory exam cost?
The exam fee for the theory exam in 2025 is €48.75. Additional costs may include preparation materials, which can range from €30 to €125 depending on whether you choose books, online courses, or professional instruction.
As beloved as the Dutch are, it won’t surprise to anyone that they have a reputation for being stingy.
We’ve all received a Tikkie for 80 cents at some point — after all, the expression “going Dutch” had to come from somewhere.
Offering to carpool to work and then sending you a bill, not only for fuel (fair) but also asking you to chip in on yearly maintenance costs — say what!?
We know some generous Dutchies are out there, but we’re sure you know at least a few of the below types too. 😉
Here are 14 of the stingiest things that Dutch people do!
1. Send a Tikkie for minuscule amounts of money
Ever heard of a little thing called Tikkie? Of course you have, this is the Netherlands, and we’re sure you’ve received one for a tiny amount.
Ever been to someone’s house for dinner, and had them slap you with a Tikkie the next day? That’s how you know you’re in the Netherlands! Going Dutch, eh? 😉
2. Be masters of DIY
You know what they say: “Any accountant can be an electrician or a plumber!” What, you’ve never heard that before? Well, they say it in the Netherlands.
Need to lay some laminate flooring? Does your house need to be rewired? Decided you want a new bathroom? That’s a DIY job.
Evert Dutchie has these skills in their arsenal because the other option is *GASP* to pay someone qualified to do it!
This practical side of the Dutch gets them through mind-blowing home renovations on the cheap.
3. Own a flessenlikker (a what?!) and a kaasschaaf
That thing that looks a bit like a spatula, what did you say it was again?
Oh yes, that’s a flessenlicker — a uniquely Dutch tool loved by many across the lowlands, used to scrape the hell out of empty bottles and jars.
If you’re anything like us, you’ve never heard of a flessenlicker. But our extensive research found that the humble tool is a fan favourite in Dutch kitchens.
2. The "flessenlikker" or bottle scraper. This little kitchen tool helps you get every last bit of yoghurt out of the furthest corners of your tetrapak. Dutch people love "getting the dregs out of the jug". We like value for money, we do. #Top5DutchThingspic.twitter.com/keY9dqBfvU
You might wonder why Dutchies would invest time and energy in scraping an empty ketchup bottle — and you wouldn’t be alone. We’ve decided the only conclusion is that they get a thrill out of it. Scraper Olympics, anyone? 🥇
Another Dutch kitchen staple is the classical Norwegian kaasschaaf (cheese slicer).
How else would you get the thinnest, finest slices off, and save your cheese for as long as possible? Thick slices are for the wasteful!
4. Remove the lightbulbs and laminate flooring before moving houses
We can’t understand why so many Dutch people use laminate flooring when they move houses. It sounds exhausting, unnecessary, and frankly, a little rude.
Also, what are the chances of finding a new house that will exactly fit your old laminate flooring? Is that a criterion when people are house-hunting?
And don’t even get us started on lightbulbs. While Dutchies save their precious euro unscrewing each half-used lightbulb, the new residents will probably spend their first night huddled around the light of a smartphone — welcome home!
5. Plan a surprise or romantic getaway for their significant other, and expect them to pay half
Let’s just throw the social rule book out the window, why don’t we?
While the Dutch are super pragmatic, romantic getaways are much less dreamy when you know you’ll be receiving half the bill for it in a few days.
Why spend €7 on lunch for a day, when you could spend that much and have breakfast and lunch for a week? Smart with money — or downright stingy?
7. Refuse to spend money on public transport or taxis
It could be four in the morning, there could be a blizzard, they could be wearing a ball gown, or their wife could be giving birth.
None of this matters to Dutchies, who believe their biking skills are far superior to any weather phenomenon or health event. They’re biking, or they’re not going anywhere.
We must admit, though, that biking is quite convenient! Image: Depositphotos
While we’ve gotta admire their determination, there’s no denying that it’s usually far more comfortable to spend €10 on a taxi, or even take public transport.
But the Dutch would rather cycle five kilometres through a thunderstorm in a figure-hugging floor-length dress and heels. As they say, “Je bent niet van suiker!” (“You’re not made of sugar!”).
8. Retrieve half-eaten food and bottles of wine after dinner parties
Have you ever had someone over for dinner and asked them to bring an ingredient? A cucumber, for example? It might shock you that they’ve left and taken that half-eaten cucumber with them.
Goodbye to your hopes of making tzatziki the next day.
While this would be considered blasphemy in other places, it isn’t unusual in the Netherlands. Perhaps the Dutch standard of living is so high because of all that money they’ve saved by retrieving half-eaten leftovers after dinner parties.
Act broke to stay rich, right?
9. Prepare a single piece of meat per guest
Ever been to a friend’s house for dinner but gone home feeling kinda hungry? Yeah, it’s a Dutch thing. Dutchies are notorious for cooking for the exact number of people they’re expecting, and only preparing a piece of meat each.
Even though refrigerators were invented a century ago, there’s no place for leftovers (or people with a bigger appetite) in this society, because the broodje kaas is king.
So, if you’re attending a Dutch dinner party, you might want to swing by the Albert Heijn to go on your way home.
10. Not provide food at weddings
We all know the best part of a wedding isn’t the ceremony — it’s the food. 😋
But consider yourself warned: read it carefully if you receive an invite to a Dutch wedding. Guests are often only invited to the ceremony, not the reception.
Of course, some people do go all out, but in general, the unions of Dutchies aren’t the big white wonderlands that you have in other countries.
Wednesday morning, 8 AM at the courtroom is more their style. You can’t have a fancy party that early in the morning.
So you see, there’s a method to their madness — or maybe it’s just a ruse to save some cash?
11. Take food to places that have catering
Going to the zoo can be a bit pricey, so why would you pay €5 for a snack at the on-site cafe when you could bring your own perfectly good broodje kaas (cheese sandwich) in a zip-lock bag from home?
You can never go wrong with broodje kaas, though! Image: Depositphotos
Even when they travel, they’re known to pack their own food!
Dutch people camping in France, for instance, might seem like it would be great for French restaurants.
Wrong. See, it could be, but Dutchies are notorious for bringing all their food with them from home — pindakaas, jam, and macaroni.
With all the culinary wonders France prides itself on, we must ask ourselves, “waarom?” (Why?).
12. Pick a travel destination based on a €3 price difference in the flight tickets
Athens would’ve been so nice, and you’ve always wanted to go there, but Kraków is €3 cheaper. What an obvious choice! After all, are you even Dutch if you aren’t financially prudent?
P.S. Hey Dutchies, your flight departs at 6 AM from Eindhoven — have fun leaving home at one in the morning.
13. Expect people to provide their own birthday cake
It’s your birthday, gefeliciteerd! 🎉 But we’re in the Netherlands now, so there’ll be no fanfare. Don’t forget to bring your birthday cake — yes, that’s right, it’s the only cake anyone will get.
Got the cake? Ok, now sing yourself a happy birthday — just kidding. Image: Freepik
Your friends and colleagues will be expecting it (because they’ve got your special day written down in their birthday calendar in the toilet). But remember, everyone only gets one piece each.
While we’re on the topic, you can be certain no one will buy you a convertible for your birthday, but maybe your friends will chip in and buy you something super useful, like a new pedal bin for your kitchen.
14. Buy random things (in bulk) from the supermarket, because they’re on sale
We are convinced that many Dutch pantry staples make it onto the grocery list, not because Dutchies like them, but because they’re always in the ‘bonus’ (or, in non-Dutch, on sale) at Albert Heijn.
Dutchies will stop at nothing to get a discount and maximise that saving. Even if it means changing their whole diet in the process.
While most aren’t that extreme, after hearing that their local supermarket was selling three crates of beer for €25, these Dutchies brought a tractor and loaded up on €6,000 worth of beer.
Now, do you believe us?
If, in reading this, you had a shiver-inducing flashback to a time when you encountered a stingy Dutch person, try not to take it personally. Their parents and grandparents were like that, and their kids probably will be too.
It’s just the Dutch way!
What’s the stingiest thing you’ve ever seen a Dutchie do? Tell us in the comments below!
Someone thought a motorway bridge near Vianen was the perfect spot for an illegal cannabis operation. They almost got away, until an unexplained electricity bill blew their cover.
Police discovered 180 cannabis plants beneath the Jan Blanken Bridge on the A2 motorway.
They were set up in what Mayor Sjors Fröhlich of the Vijfheerenlanden municipality describes to RTL Nieuws as “some kind of technical room.”
The nursery was deserted when officers arrived.
Hiding in plain sight
The growers had forced their way in through a locked door that had been tampered with repeatedly.
“There are also a lot of young people hanging around, so it could just be some vandalism,” Fröhlich tells RTL Nieuws.
For a spot so tricky to access, an occasional broken lock didn’t warrant a closer look. Little did police know that there were growers with more ambitious plans for a nursery.
The power bill didn’t add up
The national agency responsible for roads and waterways, Rijkswaterstaat, had been struggling to account for an unusually expensive energy bill for quite some time.
A bridge pillar isn’t supposed to draw much power, explains the mayor, yet Rijkswaterstaat’s consumption figures kept climbing.
Breaking Bad, the Netherlands edition. Image: Sjors Fröhlich/LinkedIn
As it turned out, the grow lights in the nursery were running off a tapped connection — meaning the Dutch state had been unknowingly covering the electricity costs the entire time.
Not long in business
The plants appeared to be a first yield, according to Fröhlich, which suggests that the business endeavour was relatively new.
The 180 cannabis plants have since been destroyed.
No one was present at the time of the discovery, and police are now working through available leads to identify the culprits behind it.
More than half of people in the Netherlands sympathise with at least some elements of Donald Trump’s MAGA ideology, according to new research by the Clingendael Institute.
These findings come as a surprise given that the country would also have voted overwhelmingly for Kamala Harris if given the chance.
The study, reported on by RTL Nieuws, surveyed 4,297 Dutch residents weighted to be representative of the national population.
It asked participants about their support for the various strands of thought that make up the Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement in the United States.
These topics ranged from immigration scepticism and anti-institutionalism to Christian nationalism and tech libertarianism. Quite the ideological buffet!
So how MAGA is the Netherlands, exactly?
It’s important to note that no single strand of MAGA commands majority support here.
Some individual positions attract broader support, though.
A notable 46% of respondents agreed with Trump’s claim that there are “shithole countries” where people “are not capable of good governance” — a figure that raises eyebrows given how few Dutch politicians would dare touch that kind of rhetoric.
There’s also a notable gender split among younger people. Women aged 18 to 34 are significantly less receptive to MAGA ideas than any other demographic group.
Men in the same age bracket, meanwhile, show levels of sympathy in line with older generations (both male and female), making them more likely to agree with MAGA ideologies and ideas than their female counterparts.
But do they actually like Trump?
Not particularly.
Despite the ideological overlap, personal enthusiasm for the big orange man himself is a different story.
More than two-thirds of eligible Dutch voters said they would have backed Harris in the US election, compared to just 16% who would have voted for Trump.
The flu epidemic gripping the Netherlands has entered its second week, with more people turning to their huisarts (GP) for help than the week before.
And health authorities say the worst is likely still to come.
According to data from the RIVM (National Institute for Public Health and the Environment) and research institute Nivel, 68 in every 100,000 people visited their GP with flu-like symptoms last week, up from 62 the week before.
And numbers continue to climb
While this may not sound like much, GP visit numbers are a key indicator of how widely the virus is spreading.
Since only a fraction of those infected actually seek medical attention, the figures act as a barometer for the broader population.
And what’s the verdict? More and more people are coming down with the flu.
What symptoms should I look out for?
For most people, the flu means a rough few days of fever, coughing, headaches, and fatigue. It’s unpleasant, but something you can manage without a doctor’s visit.
Authorities generally advise riding it out unless symptoms worsen significantly: think recurring high fever, fainting, or difficulty breathing. Are you down bad? Rest, fluids, and paracetamol are your best tools.
Some circulating variants differ slightly from the strains this season’s vaccine was designed to target, though the RIVM says it still protects “roughly in line with other years.”
It’s a different story for vulnerable groups. The RIVM estimates around 4,700 people in the Netherlands die from flu-related complications each year, with the highest risk among people aged 60 and over, those with lung conditions, and people with diabetes.
