Page 59 – DutchReview

Everything you need to know about mediators in the Netherlands

Katrien Nivera 🇵🇭

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May 27, 2026

Everything you need to know about mediators in the Netherlands

Let’s paint a picture: you’re clashing with a family member, a neighbour, or a landlord — but legal action is far too costly and time-consuming for your circumstances.

If you’re living in the Netherlands, mediation may be the solution you’re looking for.

Mediators are legal professionals who help reach agreements and resolve tensions between people in a peaceful and more constructive way.

Let’s face it, people in the Netherlands are not about the drama. Mediators are a common first step before taking conflicts to the courtroom and are often successful in solving disagreements.

So, how does mediation work, and how can a mediator help you?

What is a mediator (bemiddelaar)?

Photo-of-mediator-in-the-Netherlands-shaking-hands-with-male-and-female-clients — You can think of a mediator as your middleman during tricky conversations. Image: Freepik

Not really sure what a mediator does or where they work? Geen probleem!

Essentially, a mediator — called a bemiddelaar in Dutch — is a neutral (often third) party who oversees a conflict and helps those involved reach an agreement that everyone considers acceptable.

Mediators can resolve issues in a variety of cases, such as family matters (e.g. divorce, estates, etc.), civil and commercial matters (for example, concerning rental agreements or issues between shareholders), and social matters (such as the dismissal of an employee).

Overall, mediators are trained to handle all kinds of conflicts that life may throw at someone, which makes them quite adaptable to any circumstance you may find yourself in.

GMW Lawyers are experts in many areas of law — including mediation. What makes them a great option for internationals? They can offer their services entirely in English and have an understanding of what it’s like to be an expat in the Netherlands. Intrigued? Plan a consultation with them now.

What do mediators in the Netherlands do?

Mediators in the Netherlands have the following responsibilities:

First, and most importantly, mediators adopt a neutral stance to help the parties solve their conflict without any biases.

Then, they help create a mediation space where the parties can reach a solution while maintaining the relations between those involved in the negotiation.

Naturally, they also have the important task of making sure both parties are fully informed about their legal rights and obligations.

While they’re not relationship therapists, they make sure parties are communicating and expressing their emotions about the conflict. This often helps create a mutual understanding between parties and allows them to be open to solving problems in a constructive way.

Is it compulsory to use a mediator in the Netherlands?

photo-of-couple-sitting-at-table-across-from-each-other-with-Dutch-mediator-sitting-between-them — Sometimes, you need a mediator in order to resolve your issues. Image: Freepik

Nee. It is completely voluntary to use a mediator in the Netherlands. Parties always choose a mediator together, often without a judge, and neither party is actually obligated to take part in the mediation.

In the Netherlands, there’s also something known as judicial mediation. This is where a judge may recommend using a mediator instead of legal proceedings — however, this is also voluntary.

Why should I opt for a mediator in the Netherlands?

While it’s not mandatory, there are many pros to using a mediator in the Netherlands.

There can be more satisfactory results for each party

Mediations tend to be more flexible than taking things to court, making it easier to reach “customised” agreements about the conflict or dispute.

It’s not about taking as much as possible from the other side in order to emerge the winner, it’s about making sure both sides get something they need.

It can preserve relationships

Settling disputes with a mediator is also usually more constructive and amicable than legal proceedings. Mediators have everyone’s best interests in mind and don’t envision the solutions as a win-lose situation.

This usually means people walk out of mediation with an acceptable solution to their problems while maintaining a good relationship with the other parties involved — and let’s face it, we all hate icy stares.

They can be faster and more confidential

If parties want to move on from disputes and avoid lengthy investigations, mediation is a great option.

They usually move faster than legal processes and are carried out in complete confidentiality. This means that no information about the mediation process or agreement is disclosed to the public.

Mediation is the least invasive option when it comes to your privacy, which can be especially important for conflict cases involving people you want to keep good, close relations with.

Ok, I want a mediator in the Netherlands, how does it work?

photo-of-man-and-woman-talking-with-mediator-in-the-Netherlands-on-couch — Getting a mediator in the Netherlands is quite a straightforward process. Image: Depositphotos

Mediation is a straightforward process with six core steps from beginning to end.

1. Proposing mediation

As mentioned above, mediation can be done on a voluntary basis (one or more parties suggest mediation) or on a judicial basis (a judge or one of the parties suggests it).

Either way, one party can suggest mediation as a way to resolve the conflict at hand. If the other agrees, hoera! It’s time to work things out.

2. Selecting a mediator

Once the parties have agreed to resolve their issues through mediation, they also have to decide and agree on a mediator that suits their conflict.

The participants have to be completely confident in their choice of mediator. One way to ensure this is by seeking out recommendations from legal firms or private organisations that train and employ mediators.

GMW Lawyers offer mediators who cover the many issues that an international in the Netherlands may face. If you’re looking for help with company, employment, family, liability and property law — they’ll guide you through the process, all in English. 💪

Get in contact with them

3. Gathering information

Then, the chosen mediator will explain the mediation procedure to the parties and help everyone collect information about the situation.

a-young-couple-looking-at-paperwork-while-a-dutch-mediator-looks-on — The mediator will be present until the dispute is resolved. Image: Freepik

This information allows the mediator to get an understanding of each party’s position and interests in the conflict.

Equipped with this information, the mediator should then be able to summarise the exact problems to be solved between the parties.

4. Determining needs and interests

At this point, we get to the important part. The mediator helps establish what exactly each party needs (and may be interested in) from the negotiation.

5. Negotiating and exploring options

Finally, the mediator discusses possible solutions and helps both parties determine the best possible outcome for their needs and interests.

6. Signing the dotted line

two-women-signing-agreement-after-mediation-in-the-netherlands — Mediation successful! Image: Depositphotos

When the parties agree on a solution with the help of a mediator, the terms of the agreement are written down and signed.

Of course, it’s also possible that the mediation only leads to a partial agreement or no agreement at all, depending on how the all-important negotiation step goes.

However, it’s worth noting that in most cases, mediation proceedings end in a solution for all.

🤔 Is mediation legally binding?

Generally, the agreements reached through mediation are not legally binding unless both parties agree to formalise them. If the mediation results in an agreement, it can be written into a contract, which can then be submitted to a court for validation.

What’s the cost of mediation in the Netherlands?

As with any legal issue, the cost of mediation in the Netherlands can vary depending on the mediator’s experience, the complexity of the case, and the duration of the process.

According to the government, mediators in the Netherlands charge around €150 per hour. However, real-world rates are often slightly higher. The good news? This cost is often shared equally by both parties.

While mediation itself is cost-effective compared to litigation, parties may also choose to involve lawyers, which will add to the overall cost. However, the good news is that, even with legal representation, the cost of mediation is often still much lower than going to court.

Don’t be afraid to search for alternatives to the big, scary courtroom. In the Netherlands, mediation is a great and common option if you’re looking for a hassle-free, affordable, and civil way to solve disputes.

Would you use a mediator to solve a dispute? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below!

11 jobs that are so Dutch they could only exist in the Netherlands

Naomi Lamaury

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May 27, 2026

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11 jobs that are so Dutch they could only exist in the Netherlands

Imagine telling your international friends that you test kids’ cycling skills to see if they’re ready to tackle Amsterdam’s bike frenzy for a living. Bizarre, right?

Right. But oh so Dutch. With all the quirks of the Netherlands, there are a few wacky and funny jobs unique to Dutch culture — here are some of the best.

1. Running a fish doorbell (visdeurbel) in the Dutch canals

As you may imagine, many fish (and other fascinating water creatures) migrate through the maze of Dutch canals — but with the Netherlands’ sophisticated water management system, sometimes they face a closed gate.

In Utrecht, an underwater live stream is set up in front of the water gate, allowing people to watch and alert the visdeurbel “master” when the gate needs to be opened to let the fish pass.

Anyone can watch the live stream and press the “doorbell” if a fish is waiting, which takes a picture. If pictures of fish accumulate quickly, the lockkeeper knows it’s time to open the gate and let the fish pass to continue their migration.

Want this unique Dutch job? As the lockkeeper, your job is to let the fish through — but also to keep a photo album of the “leukste fish pictures.”

2. Baking oliebollen for the cold Dutch winters

Everyone living in the Netherlands will agree that Dutch winters are long. Luckily, the Dutch have already perfected a treat to get through the long winters: steaming-hot deep-fried dough dunked in icing sugar, otherwise known as oliebollen!

picture-of-oliebollen-trays-on-Dutch-cart — During New Year’s season, the oliebollen stands come out onto every Dutch street corner. Image: Depositphotos

The oliebol makers bring their stands to the streets every winter to sell the popular New Year snack and warm up passersby on cold winter days.

The classic editions are plain or with raisins, but if you’re feeling more indulgent, you can get them stuffed with a warm, yummy filling like Nutella or apple jam.

4. Maintaining the monster that is the Dutch water management system

With much of the Netherlands below sea level, the Dutch have become experts at managing the water, notably with dikes, dams, and polders (reclaimed land from the sea).

The Netherlands’ unique relationship with water makes it constantly vulnerable to flooding, rising sea levels, and sinking land — hence the existence of the Dutch Rijkswaterstaat since 1798.

With over 10,000 employees, the Rijkswaterstaat government office is almost like its own bustling town, working to maintain and build up the country’s extensive water infrastructure.

People at Rijkswaterstaat work a wide range of jobs, from managing dams and building bridges to collecting data and developing new technologies.

3. Fishing bikes (and more) out of the canals

What are the Dutch most known for? Bikes and canals! That combination doesn’t always mix, so many bikes end up — you guessed it — in the water.

Someone’s got to fish the bikes out, and the Dutch have a solution! They have special boats with crane claws that retrieve around 12,000 bikes yearly (and that’s just in Amsterdam!). These fietsvissers (bike fishermen) undoubtedly have an incredibly unique Dutch job.

@velovelovelo___ How many bikes do you think they pull out of the Amsterdam canals every year?? 🤔🤔🇳🇱 Drop your guess below 👇 #bikefishingseason ♬ original sound – VELO

And it’s not only bikes that are fished out of the canals. Walking around Dutch cities, you will often see people using fishing rods with a magnet on the end looking for sunken metal treasures (or junk). Although this isn’t a job, it does get an award for the most Dutch hobby.

5. Delivering anything and everything with a bakfiets

In many countries, delivering mail and food by bike is normal, but the Dutch didn’t stop there. They deliver just about anything using a bakfiets (cargo bike).

Whether it’s your new coffee machine, internet box, or vacuum cleaner — if it fits in the bakfiets, that’s likely how it’s going to get to your door. Even daycare and preschool teachers often transport up to 10 kids on one bike when going to and from school and on excursions!

Thankfully, the Netherlands has no mountains, and today’s cargo bikes are typically electric because bakfiets delivery riders sometimes bike 50 to 60 kilometres a day.

6. Refilling the wall of fried Dutch snacks

We’ve already established that the Dutch love their hot, fried snacks. And they’ve found a pretty genius way to sell them — in wall-to-wall automatic lockers that keep the food warm until you take them out.

The huge food lockers are full of the favourite Dutch treats: frikandellen, croquetten, and kaassoufflés.

two-girls-at-febo — Dutch people take fast food very seriously; look at these next-level hot snack lockers. Image: Depositphotos

Thanks to this automated system, FEBO and Smullers workers deal with fewer hungry customers up front, but they are still responsible for restocking the delicious Dutch snack walls (without being tempted for a bite).

7. Making traditional wooden clogs (still!)

Believe it or not, there are still people in the Netherlands dedicated to making clogs (klompen). That’s because there are still a few true old-school Dutch people (and many Amsterdam tourists) who buy and wear the shoes.

Traditionally, it takes seven full days of work to carve out a pair of shoes from a block of wood. Add another four to six weeks for the shoes to dry fully before they can be hand-painted or varnished, and you have a big job!

Today, only 12 official clog makers are hanging on to traditions in the Netherlands. You can experience the daily life of these Dutch makers at Zaanse Schans or Simonehoeve.

8. Hunting for old bikes around the city

With more than 22 million bikes (for around 17 million inhabitants), bikes are often deserted or lost everywhere around the country.

photo-old-bikes-parked-messily-in-Dutch-cities — There are so many bikes in the Netherlands that the city must go around daily to clean up old bikes. Image: Depositphotos

Therefore, municipalities need to hire people to go on bike hunts in their urban forests to keep the city clean, or before we know it, we’ll all be drowning in bikes.

Workers scope out the streets for old, abandoned-looking bikes or bikes parked where they aren’t allowed. They often leave a tag on the bike and, after a few days, stack all the still-tagged bikes on the back of their small trucks.

In many Dutch cities, unclaimed bikes are resold at huge depot sales — a handy tip for new students looking for affordable and legal bikes.

9. Testing illegal drugs for safety

The Netherlands is known for being relatively open-minded and forward-thinking about certain topics, such as weed or the Red Light District.

Similarly, although hard drugs like ecstasy and cocaine are technically illegal, the Dutch have taken the approach of safety first. For this, they’ve created test centres in most major Dutch cities where people can anonymously hand in drugs to be informed of the risks.

Scientists at these centres don’t fancy lab coats and test that pink pill you bought from a stranger to check for possible risks and analyse what it’s made of.

In exchange, health institutions know what drugs are currently sold and consumed on the market and can immediately initiate campaigns about new substances with severe health risks.

10. Secretly co-piloting with the King

As if flying across the skies wasn’t a cool enough job, a few pilots have co-piloted with the Dutch King by their side.

Since King Willem-Alexander has a passion for flying, he has secretly flown commercial flights around Europe (as many as twice a month!) and the rules of flying state that every pilot needs a partner.

photo-two-pilots-in-cockpit-of-KLM-flight-flown-by-Dutch-King — The Dutch king is fully licensed to fly commercial planes and makes the most of it under a hidden identity. Image: Depositphotos

This job tests both your piloting skills and your spy skills to ensure the King’s identity stays hidden. This means not letting out a chuckle when the king introduces himself as “Alex” over the intercom.

11. Testing kids for their bike license

The first time you hop on a bike in the Netherlands is often a feeling of great pride — until you see the 10-year-old child in front of you who is somehow way better than you.

But don’t feel bad. Dutch children are taught from day one how to make their bike their number one way of transport — even earning a “bike license” after an official bike test (verkeersexamen).

Thought cyclists in the Netherlands didn’t follow any rules? Well, this elaborate exam suggests otherwise, involving a theoretical and practical section.

Volunteer graders carefully watch to see if students are indicating before turning, stopping at red lights, and staying on the correct side of the road.

We’re not surprised at the number of times we referred to ‘bikes’ in this list of respectable and utterly Dutch professions. 🇳🇱

What other jobs were you surprised to hear exist in the Netherlands? Tell us in the comments below!

The Netherlands just greenlit the biggest asylum policy change in 25 years

DutchReview Crew

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May 27, 2026

1

The Netherlands just greenlit the biggest asylum policy change in 25 years

In what politicians are calling the most significant change to the country’s asylum system in a quarter-century, the Dutch Senate voted on Tuesday to approve the EU’s Migration Pact implementation law.

The pact takes effect across Europe on June 12, which left the Eerste Kamer (the Senate, the upper house of the Dutch parliament) with little time to deliberate, reports Nu.nl.

At its core, it’s an attempt to bring the asylum rules of EU member states into closer alignment.

The goals are faster procedures, quicker removal of people whose applications are rejected, and fewer arrivals overall, according to the Rijksoverheid.

Who, what, where

While the fundamental rules apply equally to all EU countries, member states have room to add their own stricter elements on specific points.

The main changes include a mandatory border procedure at EU external borders under which people with little chance of being granted asylum can be detained. The Netherlands already runs this procedure at Schiphol.

Standardised identity checks, health screenings, and a unified fingerprint database also apply across the board.

For those whose applications are rejected, the pact wants to introduce return hubs. These are facilities in countries outside the EU where deportation can be processed.

Significantly, the pact also brings a solidarity mechanism into play. If one country faces an overwhelming influx, others must contribute by either accepting a share of asylum seekers or making a financial payment.

The Netherlands, whose asylum reception centres are notoriously overstretched, is choosing to pay rather than take in more people, reports Nu.nl.

How has the Netherlands gone further?

The Dutch government didn’t just copy and paste the European rules. In fact, it exceeded the European baseline.

Six of the nine measures from the Asielnoodmaatregelenwet (emergency asylum law) — a bill the Senate rejected earlier this year — have been embedded into this implementation.

Two notable measures among these are that indefinite permits are eliminated entirely and that the maximum length of a temporary permit drops from five years to three, reports Nu.nl.

The Netherlands also chose to apply the distinctions of the dual-status framework more strictly than Europe required.

Asylum seekers are divided into two groups: those fleeing war, and those fleeing personal risk.

In the Dutch interpretation, those in the first group (war refugees) have less scope to bring family members over than those seeking protection on personal grounds.

Will any of this actually work?

Minister for Asylum Bart van den Brink has already tempered expectations, warning explicitly against treating the Migration Pact as a Holy Grail, reports Nu.nl.

Last month’s European Commission report found most member states still aren’t ready for the June 12 start date.

The IND (Immigratie- en Naturalisatiedienst, the immigration service) is also battling a significant backlog of pending applications.

On top of that, VluchtelingenWerk (the Dutch Refugee Council) has questioned whether deportation processing outside EU borders can be carried out without violating people’s basic rights.

The judiciary, meanwhile, is bracing for a surge in court cases from asylum seekers looking to challenge the less favourable status assigned to them under the dual-status system, according to Nu.nl.

Do you think the EU Migration Pact will make a real difference to the asylum situation in the Netherlands? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

KLM further postpones flights to these Middle Eastern destinations

Sarah O'Leary 🇮🇪

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May 27, 2026

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KLM further postpones flights to these Middle Eastern destinations

KLM has postponed flights to certain parts of the Middle East yet again. This is the latest extension of a suspension that has now been running since late February.

All flights to Dubai have been cancelled until August 2. Meanwhile, flights to Riyadh and Dammam in Saudi Arabia are also off the table, cancelled until July 12.

The airline cited the ongoing security situation in the region in its official statement.

Rolling back further and further

What started as a precautionary suspension of a few days has now stretched to five months. KLM grounded its Gulf routes on February 28, initially through March 5, after hostilities involving Iran in the region.

Since then, the airline has pushed the deadline back repeatedly, through March, April, May, and now well into the summer.

KLM previously cancelled flights to Dubai, Riyadh, and Dammam until May 17, then June 28, and now the Dubai routes won’t resume until at least August 2.

In its statement, the airline says it is “continuously monitoring the situation” and cannot commit to a return date.

What does this mean if you have a booking?

If your KLM flight to or from Dubai, Riyadh, or Dammam has been cancelled, the airline says affected passengers can rebook free of charge or request a full refund via the KLM website.

KLM says it will contact affected passengers directly, but you can also manage changes yourself via the KLM app or the My Trip portal on klm.com.

Have your travel plans been thrown off by KLM’s extended cancellations? Let us know in the comments below.

DigiD not going to the US of A: American takeover blocked by State Secretary

Abuzer van Leeuwen 🇳🇱

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May 26, 2026

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DigiD not going to the US of A: American takeover blocked by State Secretary

The Netherlands has officially blocked the US takeover of the company that keeps DigiD running, with the government’s investment watchdog recommending a full ban on national security grounds.

Months of parliamentary hand-wringing over DigiD’s fate have finally produced a definitive answer.

The Dutch government has stepped in to stop Kyndryl (a New York-listed IT giant) from acquiring Solvinity, the cloud company that stores all the data powering your DigiD.

What is Solvinity and why does it matter?

If DigiD is the key to Dutch bureaucratic life, Solvinity is the safe where all the keys are kept. The Amsterdam-based company stores the data that allows DigiD to communicate with the Belastingdienst (tax office), health insurers, pension funds, and other essential services.

Without Solvinity doing its job quietly in the background, none of that works. Which is precisely why the prospect of an American company owning it set off alarm bells across the Tweede Kamer (House of Representatives) earlier this year.

Why the DigiD takeover was banned

State Secretary Willemijn Aerdts (D66, Economic Affairs) referred the proposed deal to the Bureau Toetsing Investeringen (BTI — Investment Review Bureau), which evaluates proposed acquisitions for national security risk. The BTI’s conclusion was unambiguous: block it entirely.

Aerdts accepted that advice in full, citing the need to protect “the public interest.” She was at pains to stress that the BTI’s process was “country-neutral, risk-based, and proportional,” and that the Netherlands continues to value American tech companies and their contribution to the Dutch economy.

US law is at the heart of the concern. American legislation can compel US-owned companies to hand over data to the US government, or even to cut off services entirely, giving Washington theoretical leverage over Dutch citizens’ access to their own digital government.

Kyndryl hits back

NOS reports that Kyndryl has responded by saying it is “extremely disappointed” by the decision, and has described the process as “politicised.” The company had consistently maintained that Dutch data would not be at risk under its ownership.

Solvinity is currently in British hands; while the company is Dutch in origin, it was already foreign-owned before Kyndryl came along.

It’s worth noting that Dutch MPs had already flagged this risk back in January, warning that losing control of DigiD’s infrastructure could let Washington “shut down our digital government with one push of a button.”

Today’s decision suggests the government agreed.

Do you think the Netherlands was right to block the Kyndryl takeover, or is this protectionism dressed up as security policy? Let us know in the comments.

Dutch coffee prices have soared by 74%: here’s how to avoid overpaying

Liana Risseeuw 🇱🇰

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May 26, 2026

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Dutch coffee prices have soared by 74%: here’s how to avoid overpaying

If your morning coffee has been feeling suspiciously expensive lately, that’s because it is.

New research by the Consumentenbond (Dutch consumers’ association) shows that the average price of supermarket coffee has shot up by a whopping 74% over the past five years.

But what does that really mean for your wallet? Let’s break it down.

Here’s how much you’re paying per cup

The Consumentenbond compared prices across filter coffee, coffee beans, pods, and Nespresso capsules between April 2021 and April 2026.

Coffee beans were the most expensive, with the cost per cup doubling from €0.09 to €0.18. Meanwhile, the cost of pods rose by 78% (from €0.09 to €0.16 per cup), and filter coffee climbed 70% (from €0.10 to €0.17).

Although Nespresso capsules saw the smallest increase (at 46%), they’re still the priciest option surveyed, at €0.38 per capsule on average.

How to pay less for your coffee

Of course, the Consumentenbond report isn’t just doom and gloom. Depending on where and what you buy, there are several actionable tips to avoid overpaying for your cup of joe.

1. Switch to house brands

Store-brand coffee is on average 33% cheaper than premium labels, and some budget options cost less than half the price of their branded equivalents.

According to the report, the cheapest options currently available bring the cost per cup down to around €0.04–€0.09 for filter coffee, €0.08 for beans, €0.09 for pods, and €0.17–€0.22 for Nespresso-compatible capsules.

2. Pick the right supermarket

For premium coffee brands, Nettorama, Dirk, and Vomar offer you the best deal, with prices 5% below average.

Albert Heijn, Jumbo, and Plus are all near the average, while Spar is the most expensive option at 8% above average.

3. Head to a drugstore

The Consumentenbond notes that Kruidvat and Trekpleister often stock premium brands like Douwe Egberts and L’Or at much lower prices than popular supermarkets.

As of May 20, a 500g bag of Douwe Egberts Aroma Rood beans costs €8.69 at Kruidvat… versus a steep €10.99 for the same bag at Albert Heijn.

Why has coffee become so expensive?

Unfortunately, it isn’t just a single factor driving prices up.

Harvests have been poor in major coffee-producing countries like Brazil and Vietnam, with extreme drought and heavy rainfall resulting in much lower yields.

Closer to home, higher costs for labour, energy, and transport in the Netherlands have pushed coffee prices up even further.

New EU sustainability requirements, which require producers to invest in greener cultivation and fairer working conditions, have also added to costs.

Have you adjusted your coffee-buying habits? Let us know in the comments below!

These Dutch cities are testing a controversial 20 km/h limit on cycle paths

DutchReview Crew

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May 26, 2026

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These Dutch cities are testing a controversial 20 km/h limit on cycle paths

Amsterdam and Houten are officially hitting the brakes on speeding cyclists, launching new pilot programs that cap speeds on certain fietspaden at 20 km/h.

If you’re a speedy e-bike rider, this new 20 km/h boundary sits noticeably lower than the standard national e-bike limit of 25 km/h.

The trials are part of the national Meerjarenplan Fietsveiligheid 2025–2029, a major push for safer cycling that the Dutch government launched last summer.

Several municipalities put their names forward, and Amsterdam and Houten were chosen to go first, as the AD reports.

Where and when

Houten kicks off the trial on June 8, with the pilot centred on the Fossa Iberica, a narrow, well-used street behind the Castellum shopping centre.

The Fossa Iberica sees upwards of a thousand cyclists and moped riders on a typical day, with a notoriously problematic intersection in the mix and a string of accidents logged since 2023, reports AD.

Amsterdam follows suit in September. Amsterdam alderman Melanie van der Horst has been pushing for exactly this, telling the AD that growing congestion and the surge in electric vehicles have made the city’s cycle paths increasingly hazardous.

She argues that a lower limit would give elderly cyclists and parents with children the confidence to cycle safely again.

@dutchreview
Is this the beginning of the end for fatbikes? 🚧🚧🚧
♬ Weekly news – DepasRec

What’s actually being measured

Speed signs will be installed at both locations, accompanied by cameras that record the position, speed, and type of each passing road user. Cyclists will also be surveyed on how safe they feel at the spot and what they make of the new rule.

The goal isn’t punishment — it’s data. According to AD, the Ministry of Infrastructure wants to understand whether the limit shifts behaviour and whether that translates to fewer incidents.

And with cycling getting measurably more dangerous in the Netherlands, the change couldn’t have come at a more pressing time.

Minister Vincent Karremans cited 281 cyclist deaths and 81,000 emergency room visits in 2025 alone as the driving force behind the urgency.

However, there’s a catch

Unfortunately, the enforcement side falls flat, as the police won’t be issuing fines. Stretched too thin, with other priorities taking precedence, they’re not part of this pilot.

Local Houten residents are already sceptical, reports AD.

After all, cities including Amsterdam have been battling the fatbike problem for years, trying bans, zones, and now speed limits, with varying degrees of success.

Only time will tell if this pilot program is effective.

Do you think this plan will be effective in slowing things down? Share your thoughts in the comments.

A Dutchman just conquered the UK’s chaotic cheese-rolling race (video inside!)

Liana Risseeuw 🇱🇰

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May 26, 2026

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A Dutchman just conquered the UK’s chaotic cheese-rolling race (video inside!)

This 21-year-old has just become the first Dutchman to win the Cooper’s Hill Cheese-Rolling race in Gloucester, England, infamous for being one of the world’s most unhinged sporting events.

Niels Wennemars, son of former speed skater Erben Wennemars and brother of current speed skater Joep Wennemars, spotted the event on his social media feed and decided to go for it.

His reasoning, of course, is typisch Nederlands: “We are the land of cheese, after all.”

What even is cheese rolling?

Helaas, there’s no witty wordplay here, and cheese rolling is exactly what it sounds like.

Every year on the spring bank holiday, competitors hurl themselves down a brutally steep hill in pursuit of a rolling wheel of Double Gloucester cheese. The first person to reach the bottom wins and gets to take the cheese home.

Given that the cheese is a circular object rolling downhill, it often reaches speeds that make catching it essentially impossible.

The event dates back to 1836, according to the BBC, and was never really “official” in any formal sense, but has exploded in global popularity in recent years.

(In a large part, thanks to the kind of chaotic, spectacular footage that thrives on social media. See Exhibit A below!)

“I’m a god here”

Wennemars says he went in with an actual strategy, which is more than most entrants can claim.

“Everyone starts fast, but then halfway, they can no longer keep up with their upper body using their legs,” he tells NOS. “If you maintain a certain pace over the entire hill, you stay upright as long as possible.”

He also credits his athletic background and, in his own words, the fact that he’s “not easily scared.”

Well, whatever it is, it clearly worked. Wennemars crossed the finish line with a somersault and was promptly met with the kind of local celebrity treatment that only a cheese-rolling champion can receive.

“I’m a god here!” he exclaimed, with a laugh. “I’ve already had my picture taken with people 200 times, without exaggeration. And when I walk around with this cheese, I get free drinks everywhere.”

The cheese is coming home

Wennemars’ prize (a wheel of Double Gloucester) is now heading back to the Netherlands with him.

“It is perfect, exactly how I like it,” Wennemars tells NOS. “And it is quite big, so I would like to share it with family and friends.”

And Wennemars wasn’t the only winner on the day. The men’s category has several races, and German competitor Tom Kopke (a multi-year champion) also took a win in the men’s category.

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Image: Dave Farrance/Wikimedia Commons/CC3.0

Amsterdam now ranks second globally for expat liveability, but there’s a catch

Liana Risseeuw 🇱🇰

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May 26, 2026

0

Amsterdam now ranks second globally for expat liveability, but there’s a catch

Amsterdam is the second most liveable city in the world for expats, according to a new index that ranked 35 cities on everything from air quality to how welcoming locals actually are.

The ranking comes from Global Citizen Solutions, a global mobility consultancy whose team assessed cities on a variety of factors. These include cost of living, personal safety, air quality, healthcare quality, English proficiency, ease of settling in, and passport mobility.

The index evaluated 35 major cities worldwide, including Melbourne (3rd), Vienna (4th), Barcelona (5th), Singapore (6th), and Tokyo (8th).

Here’s why Amsterdam scores so well

It’s worth noting that the index doesn’t reward cities that excel in just one area; the highest-ranked entries are real all-rounders.

Amsterdam fits that profile well, earning high marks for safety, healthcare, and air quality, with the highest English proficiency score among all European cities in the ranking.

The city also earns some well-deserved praise for its car-free lifestyle. According to research cited in the ranking, walking, cycling, and public transport accounted for roughly 72–77% of all trips in Amsterdam between 2015 and 2022.

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Naturally, there are some trade-offs

No city in the top ten is without its drawbacks, and Amsterdam is no exception. In particular, the index flags two main weaknesses: cost and social integration.

Amsterdam is one of the most expensive cities in the ranking, a fact that’s utterly unsurprising to anyone who’s recently checked Pararius or Funda.

And, as anyone who’s moved to Amsterdam can attest, making genuine local friends takes time. It’s for this reason that the city’s ease-of-settling-in score sits on the lower end among the top ten cities.

Where does your city rank?

While Amsterdam may have seized #2, it’s definitely in good company. Here’s the full top ten:

🏆 Ranking	📍 City
1	Lisbon, Portugal
2	Amsterdam, Netherlands
3	Melbourne, Australia
4	Vienna, Austria
5	Barcelona, Spain
6	Singapore
7	Auckland, New Zealand
8	Tokyo, Japan
9	Copenhagen, Denmark
10	Seoul, South Korea

For expats choosing where to settle, the index puts it plainly: the right city depends on your priorities.

A family that wants English-language access and institutional stability might look at Amsterdam, Melbourne, or Singapore. Meanwhile, someone chasing affordability might find Bangkok or Tbilisi a better fit.

Does Amsterdam’s second-place ranking match your experience of living here? Let us know in the comments.

You should be supplementing your Dutch pension: here’s why (and how to do it)

Sarah O'Leary 🇮🇪

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May 26, 2026

3

You should be supplementing your Dutch pension: here’s why (and how to do it)

When you first move to the Netherlands, there are a million and one things to sort out, so it’s understandable if your Dutch pension isn’t at the forefront of your mind.

However, what many internationals in the Netherlands don’t realise is that there are some steps you should be taking to set yourself up for retirement.

In the Netherlands, supplementing your Dutch pension throughout your working life is completely normal — and you should do this, too.

Why and how? To understand this, you first need to know how pensions in the Netherlands work.

We teamed up with Brand New Day to bring you this article. They offer private retirement accounts where their clients can save or invest — all with tax benefits.

Disclaimer: Investing involves risks. You may lose (part of) your investment. Returns are not guaranteed.

^{This post might have affiliate links that help us write the articles you love, at no extra cost to you. Read our statement.}

The Dutch pension system: a brief breakdown

There are three different ways for you to build a pension in the Netherlands. These are referred to as the three pillars:

The first pillar: the AOW

The AOW or Algemene Ouderdomswet (National Old Age Pension Act) is a basic pension provided by the Dutch government to anyone who lives and works in the Netherlands (including internationals!)

photo-of-barista-with-Dutch-AOW-pension-in-Netherlands-serving-a-customer-at-a-cafe — Yes, you can build up an AOW pension, even as an international — but there’s a catch. Image: Freepik

Once you live in the Netherlands and pay income tax, you will automatically start building up an AOW pension if you are 50 years old before your pension age (AOW age). In the Netherlands, this is currently 67 years old.

However, you will only build up an AOW pension while living in the Netherlands.

For example: If you moved to the Netherlands at 27 and stayed here until you reached your pension age of 67, then the years you missed between the ages of 17 (50 years before your pension age) and 27 will not be covered by the AOW.

You build up 2% of your AOW during these years. This means that, since you lived in another country for 10 years of the 50 years before your AOW age, you would lose out on 20% of your AOW pension.

This would also be the case if you were to leave the Netherlands for another couple of years at some point. You would lose 2% of your AOW pension for every year you are not living and working in the Netherlands.

It’s also worth noting that the amount provided by the AOW is linked to minimum wage, which means it often isn’t enough for you to retire on.

In fact, most people in the Netherlands supplement this state pension.

The second pillar: an employee pension

One way that people supplement their pension in the Netherlands is through their employer.

While some employers in the Netherlands contribute to a retirement fund for their employees, not all do.

photo-of-employer-and-employee-sitting-down-to-discuss-Dutch-retirment-plan — Not everyone in the Netherlands builds up a pension through their employer. Image: Freepik

In fact, there are many people who don’t receive an employee pension in the Netherlands. There are:

1.2 million freelancers in the Netherlands who don’t build up a retirement through an employer,
765,000 employees who don’t build up a retirement through their employer,
650,000 people who build up retirement through their employer, but it would not be enough to continue their current lifestyle

This is where the current pillar comes in.

The third pillar: a personal pension account

While the AOW and an employee pension will certainly help build your pension, there’s a big chance you will need to supplement them if you want to receive a pension that will cover your cost of living when you’re older.

In the Netherlands, people usually do this by opening a private pension account where they can put money towards their retirement.

Brand New Day offers investment accounts specifically for retirement. Image: Freepik

So, how can you do this? That’s where services such as those offered by Brand New Day come in.

By offering private pension accounts to internationals in the Netherlands, Brand New Day allows you to save or invest money for your retirement.

Why should I open a private retirement account in the Netherlands?

As an international in the Netherlands, you likely benefit less from the first two pillars compared to Dutch nationals. This is because you haven’t always lived in the Netherlands — and you may even move away again at some point.

That’s why you can supplement your Dutch pensions and allow your money to accrue value over time.

Also, you get some of your money back

Fun fact: in the Netherlands, when you invest or save money in a private retirement account, you actually get some of that money back once you file your taxes the following year. This is because you can deduct the amount from your taxable income.

How much are we talking? It depends on which tax bracket you fall into, but it can be either 36% or a whopping 49% of the amount!

Here’s how it breaks down in 2026:

Lower earners (income up to €38,098): Get back approximately 36%
Middle earners (income between €38,098 and €76,817): Get back approximately 37%
Higher earners (income above €76,817): Get back approximately 49%

For example: Let’s say you put €1,000 into a retirement account with Brand New Day this year. Once you file your income tax next year, you could get back anywhere from €360 to €490, depending on your income level.

This Example is for illustrative purposes; your outcome may differ. Check current rules with the Belastingdienst.

However, it’s worth noting that this only applies as long as the amount you are putting into your private pension account falls within your jaarruimte or “annual space.”

Your jaarruimte is the maximum amount you can put into a private pension account while still being eligible for this tax benefit.

Everyone has a certain jaarruimte determined by your income and other factors, such as whether your employer is contributing to your pension.

For example, according to Brand New Day’s Jaarruimte calculator, my annual space is €6,000. This means that I can put up to €6,000 into a private pension account and receive a percentage back.

Why should I use Brand New Day to supplement my Dutch pension?

So, are you ready to supplement your Dutch pension? Let’s talk about why you should consider opening an investment or savings account with Brand New Day.

There are fewer risks due to index investing

There are times when you have to take risks in life, but when it comes to your retirement, play it safe. This is why Brand New Day offers index investing.

What this means is that they will spread out the way your money is invested.

Instead of taking the risk of investing it all in a handful of specific companies, your money will be spread across the entire market, reducing your risk of losing it all.

photo-of-woman-looking-happy-at-letter — Fun fact: You will get some of the money you invest in your pension back. Image: Freepik

Brand New Day lets you choose from different risk models and portfolios; however, the core of their investing strategy is passive index investing.

This means that Brand New Day offers investment portfolios that mirror stock market indexes. In doing this, your money is invested in a variety of companies over a long period of time, making it a low-risk way for your investment to accrue value.

Not sure what to do? You can also simply arrange a call with one of Brand New Day’s retirement experts.

Want to invest in strictly green companies? Brand New Day offers low-emission investment portfolios — although it’s worth noting that all their investment portfolios steer clear of any companies involved in child labour, controversial weapons and tobacco.

Not interested in investing? Geen probleem, just save

Who said you have to invest money to supplement your pension? After all, you may just want somewhere to put your money and allow it to grow in value through a great interest rate.

Brand New Day also offers retirement savings accounts with variable interest rates to help your money gain value over time.

These accounts work the same as their retirement investing accounts, except that instead of building your money through market gains, your savings grow by building interest.

You can choose between variable or fixed interest rates.

Note: Unlike other savings accounts, retirement savings accounts are not freely withdrawable. The rules of the game dictate you cannot withdraw your money early (there are a few exceptions) without losing your tax benefits and possibly a small penalty (depending on circumstances).

Brand New Day helps you avoid a bureaucratic nightmare

After living in the Netherlands for a few years, you may decide it’s time to move somewhere else — and we get it, that’s life.

photo-of-woman-looking-stressed-at-computer — Save yourself some bureaucratic stress with Brand New Day. Image: Freepik

However, you shouldn’t let the fear of a bureaucratic nightmare prevent you from establishing a private pension account in the Netherlands while you’re here.

Brand New Day’s pension accounts cater to expats because you don’t have to be living in the Netherlands to have an account with them.

In fact, you can have a private pension account with Brand New Day as long as:

You live and pay income tax in a European Economic Area
You have a checking account with a Dutch bank

This means that, should you decide to move to, for example, Ireland, you can still keep your Brand New Day pension account.

Note: There are a few conditions where you aren’t eligible to continue having an account with Brand New Day. You can see these and the next steps you will have to take on their website.

Disclaimer: Investing involves risks. You may lose (part of) your investment. Returns are not guaranteed.

Are you ready to get the ball rolling on your future pension? Good for you! Reach out to Brand New Day to get a better idea of the possibilities.

What’s your experience with the Dutch pension system? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

DutchReview

DUTCHREVIEW

DutchReview

What is a mediator (bemiddelaar)?

What do mediators in the Netherlands do?

Is it compulsory to use a mediator in the Netherlands?

Why should I opt for a mediator in the Netherlands?

There can be more satisfactory results for each party

It can preserve relationships

They can be faster and more confidential

Ok, I want a mediator in the Netherlands, how does it work?

1. Proposing mediation

2. Selecting a mediator

3. Gathering information

4. Determining needs and interests

5. Negotiating and exploring options

6. Signing the dotted line

What’s the cost of mediation in the Netherlands?

1. Running a fish doorbell (visdeurbel) in the Dutch canals

2. Baking oliebollen for the cold Dutch winters

4. Maintaining the monster that is the Dutch water management system

3. Fishing bikes (and more) out of the canals

5. Delivering anything and everything with a bakfiets

6. Refilling the wall of fried Dutch snacks

7. Making traditional wooden clogs (still!)

8. Hunting for old bikes around the city

9. Testing illegal drugs for safety

10. Secretly co-piloting with the King

11. Testing kids for their bike license

Who, what, where

How has the Netherlands gone further?

Will any of this actually work?

Rolling back further and further

What does this mean if you have a booking?

What is Solvinity and why does it matter?

Why the DigiD takeover was banned

Kyndryl hits back

Here’s how much you’re paying per cup

How to pay less for your coffee

1. Switch to house brands

2. Pick the right supermarket

3. Head to a drugstore

Why has coffee become so expensive?

Where and when

What’s actually being measured

However, there’s a catch

What even is cheese rolling?

“I’m a god here”

The cheese is coming home

Here’s why Amsterdam scores so well

Naturally, there are some trade-offs

Where does your city rank?

The Dutch pension system: a brief breakdown

The first pillar: the AOW

The second pillar: an employee pension

The third pillar: a personal pension account

Why should I open a private retirement account in the Netherlands?

Also, you get some of your money back

Why should I use Brand New Day to supplement my Dutch pension?

There are fewer risks due to index investing

Not interested in investing? Geen probleem, just save

Brand New Day helps you avoid a bureaucratic nightmare