Home Blog Page 471

Budget Day 2021: moral of the story — we must wait to see big changes

Farah Al Mazouni 🇸🇾 🇺🇸
-
0
Budget Day 2021: moral of the story — we must wait to see big changes

It’s the third Tuesday of September. On this Prinsjesdag, King Willem-Alexander delivered his annual speech from the Hague with a reflection on last year’s events.

As the annual event goes, Prinsjesdag (Prince’s Day) or Budget Day is the ceremonial day of events when the Dutch government presents its budget plan for the new year for legislative approval. 

However, due to the scaled-back coronavirus measures of the event, added to the limitations of the Dutch cabinet since it’s in an outgoing position, this wasn’t exactly traditional in that sense.

Short and sweet

Much like last year’s event, no big Prinsjesdag ceremonious bells and whistles happened this year: no golden carriage tour, no balcony scene, and the event was moved again to the Grote Kerk for the extra space as opposed to its traditional Ridderzaal location.

Additionally, since the current Dutch cabinet has resigned without a replacement yet, minor budget suggestions on existing Dutch matters for 2022 such as housing and CO2 emissions were given by the outgoing Dutch Minister of Finance, Wopke Hoekstra.

What’s referred to in the Netherlands as a sober event was more casual, short, and sweet. ✨

The King’s speech

King Willem-Alexander’s speech this year was wrapped in a tone of hope about the economy and community to the people of the Netherlands: “Fortunately, the Dutch economy is in good shape, certainly in comparison with other countries. That is a testament to the Netherlands’ innovative business community, and it offers hope to people who are currently on the sidelines.” the King noted.

Meanwhile, all major economic decisions were temporarily placed on hold for the future cabinet. “Major new choices for the longer term are up to the next cabinet. At the same time, that does not relieve the incumbent government of the obligation to do what is necessary,” says King Willem-Alexander in his speech.

The King’s speech this year also drew a bigger emphasis on reflecting on last year’s major events in the Netherlands. From coronavirus losses, the murder of journalist Peter R. de Vries, and flood as a result of climate change. 

In light of last’s year events in the Netherlands, the King said in his Prinsjesdag speech, “We can handle a lot.”


What do you think of this year’s Prinsjesdag? Let us know in the comments below.

Feature Image: Minister-president Rutte/Flickr/CC2.0

Weekly update: Dutch coronavirus infections continue to drop ahead of easing restrictions

Nicole Ogden 🇹🇭 🇺🇸
-
0
Weekly update: Dutch coronavirus infections continue to drop ahead of easing restrictions

The RIVM has released its weekly coronavirus figures from September 14 to September 21. The number of hospitalisations and deaths have decreased even further compared to the previous week.

Over the past week, the RIVM has reported 13,347 new infections in the Netherlands. This is a decrease compared to last week’s report of 15,976 infections.

The percentage of positive tests also decreased slightly to 8% compared to 9% the week before.

Deaths

The number of patients who have died from coronavirus-related complications has increased. This week, 45 people passed away, compared to 35 people the previous week.

Hospitalisations

Hospitalisations have continued to decrease as well. The same pattern is true for the number of admissions to the ICU. The past week saw 287 new admissions to the nursing ward and 66 new patients in the ICU. The week before, there were 374 and 80, respectively.

New coronavirus measures

The government has announced new measures, starting from September 25. The new measures include doing away with the 1.5-metre distance and requiring people to show proof of vaccination (QR code from the Corona Check app) or a negative test for entering museums, festivals, concerts, sports, and cultural events.

Terraces, however, are exempt from requiring a corona pass— unless you need to use their restroom, in which case you do need to show a proof of vaccination or a negative test.

Working from home and wearing masks in public transport will continue as the norm for a while longer.

The US lifts travel ban on the Netherlands and all other EU countries

For 18 months, the US border was closed to non-American citizens without residence permits or family in the country.

Starting from November, Dutch and other EU citizens will be allowed to travel to the US with a vaccination certificate and a negative test result taken no more than 72 hours before departure.

The Netherlands remains red on the European coronavirus map — but the cabinet is hopeful

The latest travel advice seems contradictory to many. In the most recent update, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) forecasted that the Netherlands remains red on the EU’s coronavirus map.

Meanwhile, the Dutch government want to relax travel restrictions and open up the possibility for easier travel outside of Europe.

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

Feature Image: FamVeldman/Depositphotos

Far from the Arctic: an off-track walrus spotted on a Dutch island

Farah Al Mazouni 🇸🇾 🇺🇸
-
0
Far from the Arctic: an off-track walrus spotted on a Dutch island

For the first time since 1998, and after making quick stops in Denmark and Germany, a roaming walrus was seen on one of the Wadden Islands to the North of the Netherlands.

The healthy lady was seen laying around a sandbank on Schiermonnikoog island, one of the West Frisian Islands in the North Sea. 

Mistaken for a seal at first, Wageningen University researchers Marcel de Vries and Ralf van Hal were the first ones to spot the magnificent giant resting peacefully near the water. 💤

A sighting 

In an entirely uncommon scene, this walrus sighting is the first of its kind in the Netherlands since a similar event happened in Ameland in 1998 — rest assured, it’s not something we get to report on every day. ✍

But is this typical walrus behaviour?

“The walrus lives within the Arctic Circle, but occasionally roams. The North Sea is just within range of this roaming area.” Hans Verdaat from Wageningen Marine Research tells RTL Niews that, while uncommon, it’s not impossible behaviour.

Conservation organizations are asking everyone to observe the walrus from a distance not to startle the animal. 🤫

Follow DutchReview on Facebook and Instagram for more news from the Netherlands!

Feature Image: OndrejProsicky/Depositphotos

Terraces are exempt from checking corona passes — unless you need the toilet

Jen Lorimer 🇿🇼
-
0
Terraces are exempt from checking corona passes — unless you need the toilet

Outgoing minister of health, Hugo de Jonge has announced that people won’t need to show their coronavirus pass when sitting outside on a terrace. They will however need to show it if they go inside to use the toilet — so best you have those QR codes ready anyway.

This Saturday the rules are changing. 🚦Tot ziens 1.5-metre distance, hello coronavirus pass for entering catering venues, festivals, concerts, sports and cultural events — we thought that was the condition anyway.

An exception for terraces

Well, it was, but the Tweede Kamer (the lower house in parliament) a.k.a. the ministers who attend debates have made an exception for terraces The NOS reports. 🍻  

They believe that coronavirus spreads much less outdoors, and fear losing public support for the coronavirus measures. Hmm, think the mayor of Amsterdam beat them to it.

READ MORE | Simply not possible: Amsterdam will not ask everyone for corona pass, mayor confirms

Rutte doesn’t think this is smart

The Prime Minister has called this exception unwise, and the cabinet feels the same. According to Rutte, terrace guests will still have to go inside to pay and use the toilet.

There’s also the matter of rain, which we’re all too familiar with. ☔️ During the debate, the Prime Minister highlighted that “It can start to rain and then everyone suddenly goes inside.” He has a point. Will coronavirus passes be checked then? 🤔

What are your thoughts on the coronavirus pass exemption for terraces? Tell us in the comments below!

Feature Image: Dutchscenery/Depositphotos

Nearly twice as many people became Dutch citizens in 2020 compared to 2019

Nicole Ogden 🇹🇭 🇺🇸
-
0
Nearly twice as many people became Dutch citizens in 2020 compared to 2019

Last year, 49,000 people became naturalised Dutch citizens! This amount is almost twice as much as in 2019.

According to RTL Nieuws, the last time this many people received Dutch citizenship was during the ’90s (echt?!).

This is happening mainly due to many Syrian and Eritrean nationals — who arrived in the Netherlands in 2014 and 2015 — and have now been here for five years.

Who are becoming Dutchies?

Four out of ten naturalised Dutchies originally had Syrian or Eritrean nationalities.

Further, a number of stateless persons and those of unknown nationalities also received a Dutch passport. 🇳🇱

Other methods of Dutch naturalisation

Adding onto the 49,000 who became Dutch citizens, 7,000 more people also became naturalised via other methods.

These methods include adoption and option procedure (you lived in the Netherlands continuously since childhood).

What do you think about more people becoming Dutch? Let us know in the comments!

Feature Image: Denise Jans/Unsplash

US lifts travel ban on the Netherlands and all other EU countries

Christine Stein Hededam 🇩🇰
-
1
US lifts travel ban on the Netherlands and all other EU countries

For 18 months, the US borders have been closed to non-American citizens without residence permits or family in the States. However, that will change from November, reports the NOS.

That means you can finally visit your friends across the pond or take that long-awaited road trip you’ve been scheming during Dutch lockdown! 😍

Vaccinated, tested, and ready to go!

If you want to touch down in the land of the free, you’ll have to show a vaccination certificate and bring a negative test result taken no more than 72 hours before departure.

If you’re vaccinated with AstraZeneca or Sinopharm — vaccines not yet approved in the US — don’t worry, you can still enter the country. 🙌 The American health CDC has announced that all seven vaccines approved by the World Health Organization will be recognised!

The same conditions for entering have been extended to travellers from the UK, Brazil, and China.

Will you be travelling to the US after November? Tell us in the comments below!

Feature Image: halfpoint/Depositphotos

Long-awaited Holocaust Memorial is finally unveiled in Amsterdam

Farah Al Mazouni 🇸🇾 🇺🇸
-
0
Long-awaited Holocaust Memorial is finally unveiled in Amsterdam

The names of more than 102,000 Dutch victims of the Holocaust can all finally be seen alongside each other at the National Holocaust Names Monument in Amsterdam.

Amidst a history lined with legal battles, the €15,000,000 monument, designed by the Polish-Jewish-American architect Daniel Libeskind, has finally been unveiled in the Dutch capital. It already has 3,200 visitation registrations.

In a sombre ceremony led by the chairman of the Dutch Auschwitz Committee, Jacques Grishaver along with King Willem-Alexander, the long awaited memorial was revealed.

It is the first memorial site in the Netherlands to display all the names, dates of birth, and age at death of Dutch victims of the Holocaust.

History

The significance of this monument stems from the fact that it commemorates the names of all Dutch Holocaust victims: both Jews, Sinti, and Roma — with rows of stones showing victims from the same families, and one stone displaying the name of a six-month-old infant who was gassed on their own mother’s arm.

Concerns over the location, size, and security threats were points of argument in the monument’s history until the construction was finally approved in 2019. The unveiling ceremony went thankfully uninterrupted on September 19, 2021.

Lies Caransa who lost her uncle, aunt, nephew, and grandparents in World War II expressed happiness with the new monument in her interview with RTL Nieuws.

Follow Dutchreview on Facebook and Instagram for the latest news and updates from the Netherlands!

Feature Image: irisphoto11/Depositphotos

Business got hacked? The Dutch government doesn’t want you to pay the ransom

Farah Al Mazouni 🇸🇾 🇺🇸
-
0
Business got hacked? The Dutch government doesn’t want you to pay the ransom

The Dutch Ministry of Justice and Security is considering a ban on paying ransoms if a business is shut down due to a ransomware attack.

The discussed limitation would only affect insured businesses according to the report, where reimbursing ransom payments by insurance companies will be prohibited, the NOS reports.

The Dutch Association of Insurers expressed some concerns over the reports as being unable to pay can have major consequences for companies — “sometimes they have no other choice,” says security expert Frank Groenewegen of Deloitte Cyber.

Confusion

In many ransomware attacks, a locking software is launched against a company or a business where they will lose access to their files, and sometimes backup files, with a threat to make their customers’ and/or employees’ data public unless a payment is made for the attacker. 🔓

While sources confirmed to the NOS that the ministry is exploring different ways to reduce ransom payments, it seems unclear why the current focus is only tackling insurer payments since not all companies are insured against ransomware.🤔

In this countermove against the increasing threat of ransomware attacks, Minister Ferdinand Grapperhaus said he would prefer not to see insurers pay a ransom.

On the danger of companies paying a ransom, it is essentially seen as an ecosystem where “the payments keep the criminal ecosystem going,” says Chief Public Prosecutor Michiel Zwinkels.

What do you think of the government’s take on ransomware? Tell us more in the comments below!

Feature Image: AndreyPopov/Depositphotos

Speak French and want to work in the Netherlands? This recruitment event is for you!

Sarah O'Leary 🇮🇪
-
1
Speak French and want to work in the Netherlands? This recruitment event is for you!

Speak French? We’re jealous of you for a number of reasons: firstly, it sounds considerably more elegant than Dutch (sorry guys!) and secondly, you can attend Undutchables latest recruitment event. 

Have we pique-d (apologies to the French this time) your interest? Let’s tell you all about it. 

What is the event?

Undutchables recruitment agency is hosting an event for job-seeking French speakers who want to work in the Netherlands by French speakers. Meaning that if you speak French and are looking for work in the lowlands, this event is the place to be. 

The event will take place both online and in person between the dates of September 30 and October 8. The event will also — surprise, surprise — take place entirely En français.

READ MORE | Do I need to speak Dutch to work in the Netherlands? 

Follow a number of workshops

Undutchables have gathered the experts in order to offer a number of exciting workshops for you. Unable to attend in person? No problem. The event also takes place online. 

Available workshops: 

  • Labor law – the differences between France and the Netherlands By Wiebke Bonnet-Vogler
    When: Thursday September 30, 14:45 – 17:00 
    Where: Online or in person at the Undutchables’ office in The Hague (Noordeinde 202-1, 2514 GS Den Haag.)
  • Cultural differences between France and the Netherlands by Alicia Kreijger
    When: Friday October 1, 14:45-17:00
    Where: Online or in person at the Undutchables office in Utrecht (Brigittenstraat 1, 3512 KJ Utrecht.)
  • How to write a CV by Sarah Haïlé-Fida
    When: Thursday October 7, 14:45-17:00
    Where: Online or in person at the Undutchables office in Eindhoven (Veldmaarschalk Montgomerylaan 7, 5612 BA Eindhoven.)
  • How to use Linkedin by Sarah Haïlé-Fida
    When: Friday October 8, 14:45-17:00
    Where: Online or in person at the Undutchables office in Amsterdam (Westeinde 20, 1017 ZP Amsterdam.)

Note: Undutchables have made sure to organise in-person workshops in accordance with latest coronavirus guidelines.

I’m in! How do I register? 

Ready to slip into some French and find yourself a job in the Netherlands? We’re proud of you. Registration is easy, simply head on over to the Undutchables event page and sign up to begin your job-seeking journey! 

Undutchables are the experts when it comes to finding a job in the Netherlands as an international, whether you want to familiarise yourself with how a Dutch job is different, how to nail an interview or find a sponsored job, they will help get you started.  

How have you experienced the job-hunt in the Netherlands as a French speaker? Tell us about your experience in the comments below!

Feature Image: Rawpixel/Depositphotos

Farewell summer — autumn is about to arrive in the Netherlands

Nicole Ogden 🇹🇭 🇺🇸
-
0
Farewell summer — autumn is about to arrive in the Netherlands

From Thursday onwards, we’ll have to wave goodbye to summer and say hoi to autumn.

Who else is confused by Dutch weather? 🙋‍♀️ While we’re stoked that we got some late summer days, the temperatures are going back down again.

On Wednesday evening at 21:21 (precisely!), astronomical autumn will officially begin according to Buienrader.

From Thursday onwards, we will no longer be feeling the warmth (only from our heaters).

⛅ Today: cold and wet morning, warm(er) afternoon

Today, the weather is going to be slightly warmer than average at this time of year — with a high of 18 degrees and a low of 12 degrees.

However, rain is not expected and there should be some sun peeking out in the afternoon. 💃

⛅ Tomorrow

Tomorrow we can expect a similar high temperature of 18 degree but with a slightly decreased low temperature of 10 degrees.

⛅💧 Wednesday tot Saturday

We can expect a consistent high of 17 degrees and lows of 9-10 degrees. 🥶

It might also be a little bit wet and humid, but at least rain isn’t expected!

Hey, at least we get to break out the cosy sweaters and drink Chocomel all the time! 🍵🍂

Are you looking forward to autumn? Let us know in the comments!

Feature Image: logoboom/Depositphotos

1...470471472...742Page 471 of 742