The Dutch-British multinational Shell has a responsibility to cut its carbon emissions in the coming years, a court in The Hague decreed in a case brought by the Dutch association Milieudefensie.
The association believes that Shell is doing too little to reduce its carbon emissions. The multinational’s emission reduction targets are also not in line with the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement.
Six other environmental organisations joined the lawsuit, including Greenpeace, Fossielvrij NL and Waddenvereniging. The cause was supported by more than 17,000 citizens, the NOS reports.
The court ruling
In announcing the ruling, the judge stated that “Shell must do its part to contribute to the fight against dangerous climate change. The oil company is obliged through its group policy to strictly reduce CO2 emissions of the Shell group and customers by a net 45% by the end of 2030, compared to the 2019 level.”
This verdict could set a precedent for future lawsuits against companies with high carbon emissions.
Law against causing major hazard
The Netherlands has a law which prohibits causing any major hazard if there are measures that can prevent it. The dangerous effects of climate change have been known since the 1960s meaning that ultimately, Shell has been breaking the law.
Milieudefensie also believes that Shell’s policy is a direct threat to human rights. Specifically, the right to life and health are jeopardised by Shell’s emissions.
Do you agree that the court’s decision is a step in the right direction? Let us know in the comments below!
No, this isn’t the plot from Back to the Future. Last year, Dutch company PAL-V invented a flying car that was cleared for road (or air) use. Now, more than 50 of these models have been ordered.
Luckily, we’ll have to wait a little longer for traffic jams in the sky, as the first cars will be delivered to owners at the tail end of 2022. Flying car enthusiasts from 14 countries have pre-ordered the vehicle.
Pilots only
However, not just anyone is allowed behind the wheel to reenact their Top Gun fantasy. Those who buy the PAL-V must present a valid pilot’s license. The good news is, you can train for that relatively quickly.
“The first customers are now training for their certification. You can do such a course in 45 hours,” CEO of PAL-V, Robert Dingemanse, told RTL Nieuws.
Dingemanse refutes critics’ concerns about in-air collisions. “Every flying car has a transponder,” he adds. “If something arrives at the same height in your direction, you can swerve or you can fly a bit higher or lower.”
Before you start thinking about the PAL-V as a stocking filler, you should know that one will set you back €30,000. There is also an even more expensive version that allows two-person steering control.
If you can’t afford to own a flying car, you still might get the chance to ride in one. German companies Lilium and Volocopter are currently working on air taxis. The European Union Aviation Safety Agency expects passengers to be able to holler an air cab by 2024.
What do you think of flying to work? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
The RIVM has released its weekly coronavirus figures from May 19 to May 25. The number of infections has dropped compared to the previous week.
Over the past week, the RIVM reported 25,255 new infections in the Netherlands. This is a decrease compared to the previous week’s number of 35,142 new infections. The percentage of positive tests went down to 10.4% compared to 12.2% the week before.
Deaths
The number of patients who have died from COVID-19-related complications has goneup slightly. This week 96 people passed away, compared to 90 people the previous week.
Hospitalisations
Hospitalisations, as well as the number of admissions to the ICU, have decreased. The past week saw 830 new admissions to the nursing ward and 186 new patients in the ICU. The week before, there were 1,224 and 241 respectively.
Frisian Wadden Islands open vaccination for all adults
As of today, all adults under the age of 60 can get vaccinated on the Frisian Wadden Islands. The municipalities of Vlieland, Terscheling, Ameland, and Schiermonnikoog are the first ones in the Netherlands where this is possible.
Another step to reopening
On May 19, the Netherlands saw another set of coronavirus measures relaxed, allowing residents to hit the gym, enjoy extended opening times of terraces, visit zoos and amusement parks, as well as take music, dance, and theatre classes again.
The European Parliament and Europen Commission have approved a coronavirus travel certificate. Travellers from the EU can use this to demonstrate whether they have been vaccinated, have tested negative for coronavirus, or have already been infected with the virus when crossing the border to another EU country.
Meanwhile, residents of the Netherlands who have been fully vaccinated against the coronavirus can already travel to Greece without a negative PCR-test, provided they can show a vaccination certificate from the GGD or the hospital.
The EU has been pushing its member states to provide free coronavirus tests before travel. While the Netherlands was initially against this, the country has now changed its stance. Last week, the majority of the House of Representatives agreed that every Dutch person should be entitled to a free coronavirus test before travel.
Jumping the queue to get vaccinated
A breach has allowed potentially thousands of people to skip the queue and receive their coronavirus vaccinations ahead of schedule. This is because some healthcare institutions have had samples of the invitation letter for their workers available on their website.
It was revealed that this letter was a generic Microsoft Word document that could be easily found on Google and adapted. All people had to do was change the name in the letter and book an appointment to get a jab. The GGD has taken action to make the vaccination booking process for healthcare workers more secure.
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Take a book, leave a book! Whilst the “little free library” tradition originated in the US, the so-called minibiebs have also grown popular in the Netherlands. Here’s the ins and outs of the cute sustainable practice.
Perhaps you have seen these tiny house-like boxes for books on your neighbour’s lawn, by your local bakery, or at the city park? Book swapping is a popular practice in the Netherlands and follows a very simple concept.
A minibieb (short for minibibliotheek)is exactly what it sounds like: A mini-library. But even if you’re not a bibliophile who gets excited by the slightest mention of books (fair enough!), we’re sure the “take a book, leave a book” concept offers something for everyone.
Book swapping follows the principle of gratis lenen en ruilen (free borrowing and exchanging). This usually means that you can take any book from the minibieb that you wish and swap it out with another book (we know you have one collecting dust somewhere 😉).
If you’re not crazy about having to part with any of your books, you can also borrow a book from the minibieb and simply return it again for free once you’re done reading. Leuk!
Did you say gratis books? Yes please!
As opposed to Dutch city libraries where you pay for a bibliotheekpas (library card), these small neighbourhood libraries are completely free. The idea is that everyone should have access to books, without any financial barriers.
Just keep in mind that the selection at a minibieb is very limited. If one of your neighbours is crazy about the impacts of degree orientation on dykes in the Netherlands, you might have to hope for some crisp pages from passersby with more interesting reading habits 😆. Another added bonus is that, rather than continuously feeding into a consumerist cycle, book swapping is a relatively sustainable practice. Saving money and the planet? Heck yeah!
A community practice
While we’re on the topic of wholesomeness, minibiebs are also a fantastic way to create a community feeling. You can get an insight into what your neighbours enjoy reading and even expand your own horizon.
A neighbourhood library outside a local bakery in Leiden. Source: Abuzer van Leeuwen/Supplied
Language is of course one thing you have to keep in mind if you don’t speak Dutch. However, if you live in a neighbourhood with lots of internationals then you won’t have a problem finding English language books.
You could also consider picking up a book in Dutch and start practising! 🤓
In family areas or by schools, there will most likely be a selection of children’s books. If you are specifically on the search for something for small readers you can also seek out a KinderzwerfboekStation, which is essentially a kid’s edition of the minibieb.
How to find a minibieb near you
Ready to start book swapping? There’s a whole website dedicated to neighbourhood libraries in the Netherlands where you can find a cute minibieb close to your home!
Want one right outside your front door? Why not start your own?! All you need is a waterproof cabinet, dollhouse, or any other kind of box that can keep the books safe and, of course, books! Whatever you choose, make sure that it allows for some ventilation to keep the books in a good shape.
After you have your own minibieb all set up, you can register it so that others can find it!
Do you make use of the Dutch minibiebs? Any other tips for finding cheap books? Tell us in the comments below!
Have you been dreaming of going to sleep in one country and waking up in another? Well, now you can! The first night train between Amsterdam and Vienna departed last night. From today onwards, the so-called “Nightjet”will glide over the Dutch railways daily.
The departure of the first Nightjet with an Amsterdam-Vienna connection has been long-awaited. The original plans by the Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB) were made back in 2019 but due to the coronavirus, an official launch was postponed until now, reports the NOS.
Enjoy your breakfast in Munich, Innsbruck, or Vienna
The Nightjet departs from Amsterdam early in the evening and arrives in Munich, Innsbruck, and Vienna the next morning.
The several destination options are made possible by a quick stop in Nuremberg where the trainset divides into two — with one heading for Munich and Innsbruck, and one for Vienna.
Just like its destinations, the Nightjet also offers multiple options for carriages. So whether you are looking for something goedkoop or are ready to splurge, there are tickets available for every budget.
For the die-hards without sensitive backs, you can book a regular upright seat for €30, or you can level up to a reclining seat for €60. If you, on the other hand, are adamant about getting your beauty sleep, then you might want to invest in a spot in the sleeping carriage. There, the ticket prices start from €90 but include breakfast — lekker!
Before you get ready to jump on the Nightjet, make sure that you are keeping with the current travel restrictions as coronavirus restrictions still apply.
To travel to Germany, you need to have a negative PCR test. Currently, both Germany and Austria have the colour code orange according to Dutch travel advice, meaning that only necessary travel is permitted.
Quest for sustainability gives train travel a comeback
Though many airlines offer the option of paying extra for flight tickets to alleviate your carbon footprint, there now is an even better way for you to travel more sustainably.
According to the Dutch Railways (NS) and the ÖBB, night trains are becoming more popular as they can offer a sustainable alternative to planes. In fact, the Nightjet from Amsterdam to Vienna saves 350 kilograms of CO2 emissions compared to a plane.
Will you be using the new night train? Tell us in the comments below!
Last night, police officers in Zeist received a report that a two by four meter boulder had been discovered on the road in Oranje Nassaulaan in Zeist. Well, at least they thought it was a boulder.
After the dispatch center for Police Central Netherlands received the unusual report, the police investigated, and sure enough — there it was! A massive boulder right on the cycle path.
Despite its huge size, the “boulder” wasn’t actually that heavy, reports RTL Nieuws. It was temporarily moved onto the cycle path by the person who made the report — meaning it was either a fake boulder, or that was one very ticked off motorist.
The police are still unsure where the boulder came from and who may have put it there. There is speculation that it may have been a prank or a drunken action.
One for the Insta
However, the police enjoyed the humour and took a moment to show off their super-human strength by posing with the giant “rock.”
Reporting the story, the police even took to Instagram, joking “did someone lose something?”
Do you know anything about this mysterious boulder? Tell us in the comments below!
The Dutch airline will not fly over Belarus after the Belarusian authorities forced a Ryanair flight to land on Sunday. The planewas grounded due to a faulty bomb threat, but was actually used to arrest journalist Roman Protasevich.
Dutch Prime Minister, Mark Rutte, called for KLM to cease flights over Belarus yesterday. He referred to the forced landing of the Ryanair flight in Minsk as “unacceptable and unprecedented”, RTL Nieuws reports. The German airline Lufthansa has also stopped flights passing over Belarus.
Why was the Belarusian journalist arrested?
Roman Protasevich is a Belarusian journalist, blogger, and activist. He is the founder of the news channel Nexta, which has over two million followers. It reports on various issues including mass demonstrations against Belarusian president Lukashenko’s regime.
Since the journalist’s arrest, the regime has released footage of Portasevich confessing to attending protests in Belarus. Many believe he was coerced into confessing. According to the NOS, his own channel, Nexta, reports that the journalist has been hospitalised.
He currently faces the death penalty for his “crimes.” Below you can see the footage of his confession. The marks on his face suggest signs of physical coercion.
Один из провластных телеграм-каналов опубликовал видео с Романом Протасевичем.
Он говорит, что у него нет проблем со здоровьем, с ним обращаются корректно. Сейчас он дает признательные показания и сотрудничает со следствием. pic.twitter.com/5nDcwUC11w
Governments of various countries have also spoken out against Protasevich’s arrest. The Italian Foreign Ministry has called his arrest a “kidnapping”, while the president of the European Council referred to it as an “international scandal.”
German Chancellor, Angela Merkel has called for Protasevich to be released immediately, the NOS reports.
Umbrellas and sunscreen: welcome to the Netherlands! Armed with these two key items, you’ll be prepared for the upcoming weeks of Dutch weather.
When it rains, it pours — unless you live in the Netherlands of course, where it just kinda continually rains for the entirety of the spring (like this year).
But the Dutch weather gods are mixing it up this week, with heavy rain and thunderstorms in the south of the country, a chance of hail, and gusts of wind up to 65 kilometres per hour. As a result, the KNMI (Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute) has issued a code yellow for the south. Kijk uit!
Dutch weather refuses to repay its debt
Feeling like last spring was a little less cold and wet? You’re correct! After all the love (?) that 2020 gave us, 2021 can’t even bring in some sunshine. The average daily maximum temperature is about four degrees lower than normal for this time of year, according to meteorologist Raymond Klaassen from Weerplaza.
But we have a designated amount of sunshine that we receive every year, guaranteeing us a beautiful summer filled with glorious long days, right Raymond? Nah. “To think that the summer will immediately compensate for this cold is too short-sighted, because there is no statistically evidence for this,” the meteorologist says.
Warmer from the end of the week
Don’t lose hope just yet though! A high-pressure area is on the way, which in meteorologist speaks means…drier weather! As of Friday, the sun will start to make its debut in the south of the Netherlands and temperatures can climb up to 20 degrees. From Saturday, this will begin to occur in more and more areas.
What plans are you making for when the weather improves? Tell us in the comments below!
The results of this year’s InterNations Expat Insider Survey are out — the Netherlands has been ranked 33 out of 59 countries when it comes to life satisfaction as an expat.Ouch.
This year 12,000 expats from 174 nationalities were surveyed about their experience living in 59 different countries. Whilst the Netherlands ranked highly as a great place to work, the survey also found that life as an expat here can be lonely and hard to settle into.
Happy at work, sad at home
Did you find it hard to settle in and make friends when you arrived in the Netherlands? If so, never fear, you aren’t alone. This year’s survey indicated that whilst the Netherlands is broadly recognised as a friendly country, it can be one of the most difficult countries in which to make friends and connections.
According to the survey, the Netherlands came ranked in the bottom 10 for making local friends. According to the survey, many expats in the Netherlands also do not feel at home here.
One of the best countries to work in
The working abroad category encompasses job security and work-life balance. The Dutch are known for striking a great work-life balance and this is reflected in the findings of the 2021 survey.
Considering moving abroad for work? The Netherlands is a great destination for this! In the survey, the Netherlands ranked 13th best country to work out of the 59 countries assessed.
Personal finance and cost of living
Whilst working in the Netherlands is great, the cost of living can be a source of stress. With the crazy housing prices, cost of public transport, and price of groceries in Albert Heijn, it’s no surprise that the Netherlands was ranked the 47th most expensive country to live in out of the 59 surveyed.
In this section of the survey, respondents were asked two questions: to what extent expats feel satisfied with their financial situation, and whether they feel that their disposable home income is enough to cover everything that they need for daily life.
Nevertheless, the Netherlands still ranked in the middle of the range in terms of people’s disposable income — so luckily people still have money for holidays and biertjes on the newly opened terraces.
Quality of life
Overall, these figures suggest that whilst the Netherlands can be a great place to work, settling in and making friends can be hard. The pros and cons of life here are reflected in the quality of life index for expats. Here, the Netherlands comes out in the middle, at position 30 out of 59.
Last, but certainly not least, the Netherlands ranked as having the sixth best public transport system so hop on the train and go and explore the windmills, tulips and canals.
The winners and the losers
Taiwan, Mexico, and Costa Rica came out on top as the best destinations to live and work worldwide as expats. All three countries have been considered generally friendly, safe, and where expats can feel secure in their personal financial situation. Meanwhile, South Africa, Kuwait, and Italy ranked in the bottom three out of the 59 countries surveyed in terms of the working abroad index.
Do you feel at home in the Netherlands and are you surprised by these results? Tell us in the comments!
Although the Dutch government has given us the green light to enjoy our summer evenings out on the terraces, Mother Nature is not quite on the same page. So swap out the biertje with a cup of tea, because the upcoming days are looking rainy.
The sun yesterday morning made us all excited for a possible start to the Dutch summer. However, the next couple of days will feel more like autumn, reports RTL Nieuws.
Especially rainy for the northern part of the country
Those in the northern part of the Netherlands can look forward to an especially rainy day today.
However, before you start practicing the Dutch art of biking with an umbrella, take into consideration the wind: Across the country you there will be a force 8 wind with gusts of 90 kilometres an hour. Oh nee! 😱
Jammer, maaaar it’ll get better!
Although we won’t have a warm Pentecost this year, the thermometer will creep up a couple of degrees over the course of the weekend.
Expect to layer up tomorrow because the forecast is only promising us 12 degrees. Sunday is going to be a little better (13 degrees) and Monday — which is a national holiday 😍 — will be 14 degrees.
The lucky ones: Limburg
If you are hoping to catch some sun rays, south Limburg is the place to be! With up to 16 degrees, this lovely part of the Netherlands wins this weekend’s competition for the sun.
How will you be spending this year’s rainy Pentecost? Tell us in the comments below!
