MPs back participation declaration to uphold Dutch values

3 weeks, 1 day ago

Half of voters back sending Dutch peacekeeping troops to Ukraine

Nearly half of Dutch voters back sending troops to Ukraine as part of a peacekeeping force if Russia agrees a ceasefire with the United States, according to a new poll. Supporters of three of the four parties in the right-wing coalition backed the idea, but there was strong opposition among people who voted for Geert Wilders’ PVV party at the …

Support Europe Ukraine Russia Dutch Voters

1 month, 2 weeks ago

PvdA presses ahead with "become an Amsterdammer" plan

Dutch News

Companies in Amsterdam employing large numbers of international workers will have to do more to ensure their staff become “Amsterdammers” by offering them language, culture, and history lessons, if a motion drawn up by the city’s PvdA party is backed by councillors. The motion also suggests that big companies with large international workforces could invest in social housing as a …

International Expats Dutch Netherlands City Heinhuis International Workers

3 months, 1 week ago

Dutch society is not becoming more divided, says think-tank

Dutch News

Even though many people in the Netherlands feel society is becoming more divided, trust between individuals and institutions remains stable, the government’s socio-cultural think tank SCP said on Tuesday. “Our society appears resilient in the face of challenges, but this social cohesion is not guaranteed… and there are significant disparities between different groups,” the SCP said in a new report. …

Society Trust Dutch Netherlands Social Cohesion Scp

3 months, 1 week ago

1,000 discrimination reports after MP's vote to register dual-citizens' "norms & values"

NL Times

The Dutch discrimination hotlines received over 1,000 reports after parliament adopted a motion to investigate the “norms and values” of ethnically diverse Dutch people, Discriminatie.nl, the umbrella organization of anti-discrimination agencies, told NU.nl. Late last month, VVD parliamentarian Bente Becker proposed that the government “keep track of data on cultural and religious norms and values of Dutch people with a …

Dutch Discrimination Reports

3 months, 1 week ago

MPs call for debate over "norms and values" as petition grows

Dutch News

An opposition MP has called for a parliamentary debate on a plan to keep records of the religious and cultural ideas of people with roots in other countries, after several parties which backed the motion later expressed doubts and there is disagreement in the cabinet. A week ago, a large majority of MPs voted for a motion requiring government bodies …

3 months, 1 week ago

Ombudsman calls for reassessment of protest rights in the Netherlands

NL Times

Dutch National Ombudsman Reinier van Zutphen is launching a new investigation into the state of protest rights in the Netherlands, citing growing concerns over the restrictions placed on demonstrations. Van Zutphen questioned the severity of such actions, calling it “borderline” and expressing concerns over the broader impact on the right to protest. Seven years ago, Van Zutphen’s earlier report concluded …

Netherlands Rights Protests Ombudsman Protest Right Van Zutphen

3 months, 1 week ago

Foreigners' "norms and values" won't be registered, PM says

Dutch News

The government will not be specifically recording the “norms and values” of people living in the Netherlands who have roots abroad, despite a parliamentary vote in favour of the idea, prime minister Dick Schoof has said. On Monday a large majority of MPs voted for a motion requiring government bodies to research and record the “cultural and religious” values held …

Dutch Motion Scp Religious Values

3 months, 2 weeks ago

MPs agree to register cultural, religious values of immigrants

Dutch News

The Dutch parliament has voted in favour of a motion that will require government bodies to research and record the “cultural and religious” values held by Dutch nationals with roots abroad. The motion calls on the government to “keep details of the cultural and religious norms and values held by Dutch people with an immigration background”. “While the ‘real’ Dutch …

Cultural Motion Dutch People Dutch Jews

4 months, 1 week ago

Think of forming inclusive govt not one that divides: Kharge to voters

Deccan Chronicle

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Wednesday urged people to vote to strengthen democracy and said before pressing the EVM button they must think about forming a government that ensures the participation of all and not one that "divides, misleads and polarises". His remarks came as polling began for 43 Assembly seats in Jharkhand, Wayanad Lok Sabha by-election and bypolls in …

Vote Kharge

9 months, 2 weeks ago

Netherlands first out of the blocks as voting across EU begins

Dutch News

Polls have opened in the Netherlands on the first day of voting for the European parliament, with most of the rest of Europe’s 380 million voters having to wait until the weekend. Latest polls suggest Geert Wilders’s far-right PVV party will win eight of the 31 Dutch seats, having failed to return a single MEP five years ago. Bontenbal, whose …

Europe Netherlands Party Vote European Mep Cda

9 months, 2 weeks ago

Netherlands first out of the blocks as voting across EU begins

Dutch News

Polls have opened in the Netherlands on the first day of voting for the European parliament, with most of the rest of Europe’s 380 million voters having to wait until the weekend. Latest polls suggest Geert Wilders’s far-right PVV party will win eight of the 31 Dutch seats, having failed to return a single MEP five years ago. Bontenbal, whose …

Europe Netherlands Party Vote European Mep Cda

1 year, 1 month ago

Ethnically diverse people feel ignored by Dutch politics: SCP

NL Times

Ethnically diverse Dutch people feel less represented by politics than people with no immigration background. According to the SCP, ethnically diverse people do not feel heard in politics. According to the planning agency, Dutch people with a practical level of education also often find that “politicians do not know their world, that they are not interested in them, and look …

Politics Dutch Scp Diverse

1 year, 3 months ago

Don't worry, integration tests won't get harder in January

Dutch News

I’m calling it right now: the level of Dutch required to pass the civic integration exam if you want to apply for a permanent residence permit or Dutch citizenship is not going to be raised by the Dutch government to B1 in January, writes lawyer Jeremy Bierbach. Human touch These changes were made on 25 January 2022 to account for …

Law Dutch Exam Integration Requirements Ind Migrants

1 year, 3 months ago

Don't worry, integration tests won't get harder in January

Dutch News

I’m calling it right now: the level of Dutch required to pass the civic integration exam if you want to apply for a permanent residence permit or Dutch citizenship is not going to be raised by the Dutch government to B1 in January, writes lawyer Jeremy Bierbach. Human touch These changes were made on 25 January 2022 to account for …

Law Dutch Exam Integration Requirements Ind Migrants

1 year, 3 months ago

Podcast: The Great Cultural Breakdown Edition

Dutch News

Want to support the DutchNews podcast and keep up our stocks of stroopwafels and orange tompouces? The Brabant city is also the scene of some surreal footballing scenes as the orange Lionesses edge out the white ones in the Nations League. The Dutch government is taken to court over its supply of fighter jet parts to Israel, while the Red …

Dutch Ter Cultural Breakdown

1 year, 3 months ago

Podcast: The Great Cultural Breakdown Edition

Dutch News

Want to support the DutchNews podcast and keep up our stocks of stroopwafels and orange tompouces? The Brabant city is also the scene of some surreal footballing scenes as the orange Lionesses edge out the white ones in the Nations League. The Dutch government is taken to court over its supply of fighter jet parts to Israel, while the Red …

Dutch Ter Cultural Breakdown

2 years, 1 month ago

Minister signs expanded anti-discrimination article to Dutch constitution

NL Times

Minister Hanke Bruins Slot has officially signed the expansion to the anti-discrimination article of the Dutch Constitution. "It is just a few words, but it still feels like we were tinkering with the Big Bang of our democratic constitutional state," said Minister Dijkgraaf. Chairman Astrid Oosenbrug of the LGBT advocacy organization COC called it a "historic victory for the Rainbow …

Dutch Constitution Minister

2 years, 10 months ago

Third of NL residents would ignore democracy to solve complicated problems

NL Times

In order to solve urgent problems, it must be possible for the government to limit the participation of opposition parties in the discussion and decision-making process. A third of Netherlands residents are therefore prepared to temporarily put parliamentary democracy aside for complex and urgent problems. The study was carried out at the end of 2021 on behalf of the Anne …

Democracy Netherlands Democratic Problems Netherlands Residents

3 years, 3 months ago

Ethnic minority voters feel poorly represented in parliament

NL Times

Dutch voters from ethnic minorities feel poorly represented in parliament. Nearly 73 percent of ethnic minority voters believe that their interests are not looked out for enough. Ethnic minority voters used to vote mainly for the PvdA, but this is changing with the emergence of parties explicitly dedicated to this group. DENK scores well with Dutch with Moroccan and Turkish …

Dutch Voters Vote Ethnic Minority Voters

3 years, 5 months ago

Leveling up: What changes in the inburgering process from 2022?

Dutch News

With an increase in the language requirements for the integration exams imminent, smart candidates are signing up for a new self-access course with InburgeringOnline.nl to prepare for their exams in advance of the change. ‘People who become ingeburgeringsplichtig before January 1st still deal with the requirement of the current law.’ For this group, the level of the exam will remain …

Language Exams Dutch Integration Process Level Newcomers

3 years, 5 months ago

Leveling up: What changes in the inburgering process from 2022?

Dutch News

With an increase in the language requirements for the integration exams imminent, smart candidates are signing up for a new self-access course with InburgeringOnline.nl to prepare for their exams in advance of the change. ‘People who become ingeburgeringsplichtig before January 1st still deal with the requirement of the current law.’ For this group, the level of the exam will remain …

Language Exams Dutch Integration Process Level Newcomers

4 years ago

Some 4,000 British nationals in NL have still not sorted out their residency rights

Dutch News

Some 4,000 British nationals officially registered as living in the Netherlands have not yet come forward to sort out their post -Brexit residency status, the Dutch immigration service IND has told DutchNews.nl. British nationals have June 30 to apply for a residency permit, if they want to continue living legally in the Netherlands, the IND said. The IND has written …

Netherlands British Ind Nationals British Nationals Residency Rights Sieperda

4 years ago

Some 4,000 British nationals in NL have still not sorted out their residency rights

Dutch News

Some 4,000 British nationals officially registered as living in the Netherlands have not yet come forward to sort out their post -Brexit residency status, the Dutch immigration service IND has told DutchNews.nl. British nationals have June 30 to apply for a residency permit, if they want to continue living legally in the Netherlands, the IND said. The IND has written …

Netherlands British Ind Nationals British Nationals Residency Rights Sieperda

4 years, 5 months ago

Dutch divided on new EU migration pact, and the election will heighten divisions

Dutch News

The European Union’s long-awaited migration pact is broadly in line with the Dutch government’s wishes, the NRC said in an analysis on Thursday. The new pact aims to streamline the asylum process and EU officials hope it will create faster border screening at the bloc’s external borders while allowing members states to opt out of taking refugees. https://t.co/g5SIkpPBsk — Kati …

Refugees Solidarity Dutch States Mep Member Member States

4 years, 5 months ago

Dutch divided on new EU migration pact, and the election will heighten divisions

Dutch News

The European Union’s long-awaited migration pact is broadly in line with the Dutch government’s wishes, the NRC said in an analysis on Thursday. The new pact aims to streamline the asylum process and EU officials hope it will create faster border screening at the bloc’s external borders while allowing members states to opt out of taking refugees. https://t.co/g5SIkpPBsk — Kati …

Refugees Solidarity Dutch States Mep Member Member States

4 years, 6 months ago

Europeans urged to sign petition campaigning for full voting rights

Dutch News

EU nationals living in the Netherlands are being urged to sign a petition which will put full voting rights on the European agenda. ‘We demand the EU to remove a stain on European democracy and empower European citizenship, by implementing full political rights for all EU citizens,’ the petition states. The initiative calls on member states to extend voting rights …

Netherlands Rights Voting Rights Citizens European Nationals Eu Nationals

4 years, 6 months ago

Europeans urged to sign petition campaigning for full voting rights

Dutch News

EU nationals living in the Netherlands are being urged to sign a petition which will put full voting rights on the European agenda. ‘We demand the EU to remove a stain on European democracy and empower European citizenship, by implementing full political rights for all EU citizens,’ the petition states. The initiative calls on member states to extend voting rights …

Netherlands Rights Voting Rights Citizens European Nationals Eu Nationals

4 years, 11 months ago

Does the Netherlands have activist judges? They’re just doing their job

Dutch News

Judges are not stepping into the role of politicians as some on the right would claim, says professor Barbara Oomen. The term might well be used to shed light on a problem that doesn’t really exist, but it also obscures two issues which most certainly do. I might as well introduce a few difficult terms of my own and call …

Law Human Rights Netherlands Constitution Judges Rights Fundamental Rights

4 years, 11 months ago

Does the Netherlands have activist judges? They’re just doing their job

Dutch News

Judges are not stepping into the role of politicians as some on the right would claim, says professor Barbara Oomen. The term might well be used to shed light on a problem that doesn’t really exist, but it also obscures two issues which most certainly do. I might as well introduce a few difficult terms of my own and call …

Law Human Rights Netherlands Constitution Judges Rights Fundamental Rights

5 years, 1 month ago

Dutch expat organisations urge senate to vote on dual nationality law

Dutch News

Organisations representing Dutch expats in Britain and abroad have urged the senate to press ahead with a vote on legislation which would give tens of thousands of Dutch nationals in the UK the right to dual nationality if Britain and the EU fail to agree a Brexit deal. The law, which has been passed by the lower house of parliament, …

Dutch Nationality Dual Nationality British Senate Britain Dutch Nationals

5 years, 1 month ago

Dutch expat organisations urge senate to vote on dual nationality law

Dutch News

Organisations representing Dutch expats in Britain and abroad have urged the senate to press ahead with a vote on legislation which would give tens of thousands of Dutch nationals in the UK the right to dual nationality if Britain and the EU fail to agree a Brexit deal. The law, which has been passed by the lower house of parliament, …

Dutch Nationality Dual Nationality British Senate Britain Dutch Nationals

5 years, 3 months ago

People with disabilities less included in Dutch society than 3 years ago: report

NL Times

The position of people with disabilities in the Netherlands is deteriorating. Over the past three years, it has become more difficult for people with disabilities to fully participate in society, according to a report commissioned by the UN Convention Alliance, a collaboration of five organizations that advocate for people with disabilities, which will be handed to the United Nations Human …

Disabilities Soffer

5 years, 5 months ago

Dutch-Moroccans ask MPs aid in fighting mandatory dual-nationality

NL Times

A group of Dutch-Moroccan people is asking the Tweede Kamer for support in their fight against compulsory Moroccan nationality. "After 50 years we want full Dutch citizenship", they said in a manifesto handed to the Tweede Kamer, the lower house of Dutch parliament, RTL Nieuws reports. Due to a recruitment treaty signed between the Netherlands and Morocco in 1969, when …

Dutch Nationality Morocco Moroccan

5 years, 6 months ago

Labour celebrates 125 years of social democracy in Netherlands

NL Times

Today labor party PvdA is celebrating 125 years of social democracy in the Netherlands. PvdA leader Lodewijk Asscher read the SDAP's founding minutes and found them still astonishingly relevant today, he said in an interview with newspaper AD. In case of doubt, this cabinet takes the side of employers and money in the bank as quickly as possible", the PvdA …

Netherlands Tax Rutte Dividend Tax 125 Years Pvda Asscher

5 years, 10 months ago

Moroccans are doing very well despite useless integration policy: D66

Dutch News

Despite a worse than useless integration policy, young Dutch Moroccans are doing very well in the Netherlands, write D66 parliamentary party chairman Rob Jetten and integration spokesman Jan Paternotte. ‘As a Moroccan I like to visit people at home’, joked stand-up comic Najib Amhali, referring to the image of Moroccans as born criminals. Fundamental mistake These efforts could have been …

Success Children Netherlands Integration This Country Moroccan Roots Moroccans

5 years, 10 months ago

Universal suffrage is not so universal in the Netherlands

Dutch News

Not all taxpayers in the Netherlands are created equal and much needs to be done to ensure everyone has the right to vote, say Sally Wyatt and Hans Radder. It is 100 years since the introduction of universal suffrage and the lower house of parliament is organising a series of activities aimed at greater public awareness of the value of …

Elections Dutch Netherlands Universal Right Vote European

5 years, 11 months ago

I’m a former Tory MP and I’m registering with the Independent Group. Here’s why

The Independent

Sign up to our free Brexit and beyond email for the latest headlines on what Brexit is meaning for the UK Sign up to our Brexit email for the latest insight Sign up to our Brexit email for the latest insight SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. For me, advancing …

Brexit Conservative Independent Group Party Interest

5 years, 11 months ago

Amsterdam updates EU vote info, tells Brits they can vote whatever happens

Dutch News

Amsterdam city council has updated its online information about voting in the European elections to make sure British nationals are aware they have the right to vote, whatever happens about Brexit. A city council spokeswoman told DutchNews.nl that while a letter sent to European nationals in Amsterdam was technically correct, it ‘may cause some confusion’. The Hague has also sent …

British Vote European Nationals British Nationals Happens Amsterdam

5 years, 11 months ago

Amsterdam updates EU vote info, tells Brits they can vote whatever happens

Dutch News

Amsterdam city council has updated its online information about voting in the European elections to make sure British nationals are aware they have the right to vote, whatever happens about Brexit. A city council spokeswoman told DutchNews.nl that while a letter sent to European nationals in Amsterdam was technically correct, it ‘may cause some confusion’. The Hague has also sent …

British Vote European Nationals British Nationals Happens Amsterdam

6 years, 3 months ago

Binding referendums one way to boost trust in Dutch political system

Dutch News

The Dutch parliamentary system is outdated and urgent action needs to be taken to ensure a large percentage of the population again feel represented, according to a government commission set up to look at reforms. The commission, under the leadership of Noord-Holland king’s commissioner Johan Remkes, has been studying the situation for two years and concludes that updates to the …

Commission

6 years, 3 months ago

Binding referendums one way to boost trust in Dutch political system

Dutch News

The Dutch parliamentary system is outdated and urgent action needs to be taken to ensure a large percentage of the population again feel represented, according to a government commission set up to look at reforms. The commission, under the leadership of Noord-Holland king’s commissioner Johan Remkes, has been studying the situation for two years and concludes that updates to the …

Commission

6 years, 3 months ago

Dutch set to back Marrakesh migration pact next week

Dutch News

A clear majority of MPs in the Dutch lower house of parliament back signing the Marrakesh pact on controlling migration, it emerged during a stormy debate on Tuesday evening. Junior immigration minister Mark Harbers, defending the measure to MPs, said the pact should be viewed as a diplomatic instrument to combat unregulated migration. ‘It is about cooperation between countries.’ Vote …

Dutch Pact Marrakesh Migration

6 years, 3 months ago

British nationals in the Netherlands can't vote in EU elections

Dutch News

British nationals living in the Netherlands will not be able to vote in next May’s European parliamentary elections, a spokesman for the European parliament’s office in The Hague has confirmed to DutchNews.nl. They will enjoy the same voting rights as any non-EU residents in the Netherlands.’ The next EU elections take place on May 23 and non-Dutch EU citizens living …

Netherlands European

6 years, 3 months ago

British nationals in the Netherlands can't vote in EU elections

Dutch News

British nationals living in the Netherlands will not be able to vote in next May’s European parliamentary elections, a spokesman for the European parliament’s office in The Hague has confirmed to DutchNews.nl. They will enjoy the same voting rights as any non-EU residents in the Netherlands.’ The next EU elections take place on May 23 and non-Dutch EU citizens living …

Netherlands European

6 years, 4 months ago

Brexit withdrawal agreement: what next for British nationals in NL?

Dutch News

The Brexit withdrawal agreement, which still has to be approved by European leaders, the European parliament and the British parliament, does not appear to contain any improved rights for British nationals living the Netherlands and the rest of the EU. ‘Four out of five of our members need to cross borders for work.’ Nevertheless, the agreement does give some clarity …

Europe Netherlands Brexit British Agreement European British Nationals

6 years, 4 months ago

Brexit withdrawal agreement: what next for British nationals in NL?

Dutch News

The Brexit withdrawal agreement, which still has to be approved by European leaders, the European parliament and the British parliament, does not appear to contain any improved rights for British nationals living the Netherlands and the rest of the EU. ‘Four out of five of our members need to cross borders for work.’ Nevertheless, the agreement does give some clarity …

Europe Netherlands Brexit British Agreement European British Nationals

6 years, 4 months ago

Dutch foreign minister welcomes Brexit deal, will study terms closely

Dutch News

News that the British cabinet has agreed to support Wednesday’s agreement on Britain’s withdrawal from the EU has been welcomed by Dutch foreign affairs minister Stef Blok as ‘a good step’. ‘The way the deal over customs union as a back stop demands close examination.’ The Dutch government, he said, will also look at the documents from the perspective of …

Dutch Netherlands British Ind Britain Blok Deal Brexit

6 years, 4 months ago

Dutch foreign minister welcomes Brexit deal, will study terms closely

Dutch News

News that the British cabinet has agreed to support Wednesday’s agreement on Britain’s withdrawal from the EU has been welcomed by Dutch foreign affairs minister Stef Blok as ‘a good step’. ‘The way the deal over customs union as a back stop demands close examination.’ The Dutch government, he said, will also look at the documents from the perspective of …

Dutch Netherlands British Ind Britain Blok Deal Brexit

6 years, 8 months ago

Dutch MPs urge ministers to think about human impact of no-deal Brexit

Dutch News

MPs from two ruling parties VVD and CDA, as well as the opposition Labour party, have asked ministers to outline the consequences of a no-deal Brexit on British citizens in the Netherlands and Dutch nationals in Britain. Peter Omtzigt, Anne Mulder and Lodewijk Asscher point out that the European financial markets regulator has reportedly warned financial institutions to prepare for …

Netherlands Dual Nationality British Britain Dutch Nationality Mps Urge Brexit Mps

6 years, 9 months ago

Gov't obliges Dutch schools to give good 'citizenship' lessons

NL Times

All Dutch primary- and secondary schools are obliged to give good "citizenship" lessons focused on the "basic values of the democratic constitutional state" in a new legislative proposal by Minister Arie Slob for Primary and Secondary Education, NOS reports. According to him, the "government aims to oblige the entire school community to make an effort to put into practice the …

Law Dutch School Citizenship Schools Lessons Slob

MPs back participation declaration to uphold Dutch values

History of this topic

Pledge to uphold key Dutch values now included in integration package

Immigrants in Netherlands must now pledge to uphold, support Dutch values

‘Participation declaration is bombastic cocktail of norms, values and culture’

‘Participation declaration is bombastic cocktail of norms, values and culture’

Minister aims to make participation contract compulsory in July

Minister aims to make participation contract compulsory in July

Newcomers must pledge to uphold Dutch values, sign contract

Newcomers must pledge to uphold Dutch values, sign contract

Lodewijk Asscher's participation contract: unofficial translation

Lodewijk Asscher's participation contract: unofficial translation

Cabinet goes ahead with 'participation declaration' for most foreigners

Cabinet goes ahead with 'participation declaration' for most foreigners

Participation declarations for new EU immigrants

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