The National Ombudsman and Childrens Ombudsman warn about the deteriorating reception conditions for Ukrainian refugees in the Netherlands. Urgent action is needed to ensure humane reception.

The Council of Ministers has approved the consultation of the bill Modernization of Replacement and Leave of Political Office Holders by Minister Rijkaart of the Ministry of Interior and Kingdom Relations. This bill updates current regulations on replacement and leave for representatives and local executives to better align with practice. It introduces more flexible replacement periods and expands leave options for executives.

The RIVM and the Trimbos Institute call on the next cabinet to invest broadly in mental health: focus on prevention, detect problems early, and explicitly address mental health in all policies. The Mental Health Monitor shows that mental health in the Netherlands is under pressure and emphasizes the urgency.

His Majesty the King received the informateur on December 8, 2025, to be informed about the final report submitted to the House of Representatives.

The International Trade Committee adopted its position on safeguard mechanisms for agricultural imports linked to the trade agreement with Mercosur countries.

European Commission Press release Brussels, 08 Dec 2025 The European Commission welcomes the political agreement reached today by the Council of the European Union and the European Parliament on the proposal concerning forest reproductive material (FRM). Todays agreement concludes two years of negotiations and constitutes a major step for the future of our forests.

On January 23, 2026, NMU and LEU, supported by the Province of Utrecht, will distribute over 18,000 free trees to landowners to strengthen the Utrecht landscape.

His Majesty the King awarded the Grand Cross in the House Order of Orange to Sieuwert Verster on December 8, 2025, in recognition of his forty years of musical and cultural advising.

European Commission Press release Brussels, 08 Dec 2025 The EU and Canada reinforced their cooperation and reaffirmed shared interests to boost competitiveness, innovation and economic resilience during the first Digital Partnership Council held today in Montreal, Canada.

Informateur Sybrand Buma has submitted his final report to the Speaker of the House. The House of Representatives will soon debate this report.

On Friday, December 5, 2025, the lock gates at the head of Schijndel lock were drained to investigate damage using a 3D scan.

Companies in Amersfoort will collaborate in the Sustainable Network Amersfoort (DNA) foundation. The goal is to share knowledge, cooperate, and inspire each other. The foundation aims to find solutions for key questions and challenges faced by local businesses.

Five years after the start of the corona crisis, students and pupils are doing better again. This is evident from the final evaluation of the National Education Program (NP Education) published today by the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science (OCW). The evaluation shows significant improvements in reducing learning delays caused by corona and improving the wellbeing of students. The temporary corona funds of €8.5 billion ran from 2021 to 2025.

The Dutch housing market faces major challenges but also visible progress. This became clear today during Housing Day, where policymakers, housing corporations, market parties, and resident representatives gathered to take stock.

European Commission Read-out Brussels, 08 Dec 2025 This afternoon, we had a meeting of the Coalition of the Willing. I updated President Zelenskyy and leaders present on two key priorities - support for Ukraine ...

The Province of North Holland, together with regional partners, is exploring the possibility of a MetroBus to improve accessibility between Haarlem, Schiphol, and Amsterdam.

On Monday, December 8, 31 parties took an important step towards a Fryslân where everyone can move safely.

€ 2.5 million for cybersecurity innovation via CIF-NL

European Commission Speech Online, 08 Dec 2025 Good morning, everyone, it is a pleasure to take part, albeit virtually, in this event for the launch of the European Alliance of Financial Education Practitioners.

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A pleasant working environment and improved water retention make business parks future-proof. The Province of Utrecht offers subsidies to take the first step towards greening.

Informateur Sybrand Buma submits his final report to the Speaker of the House and provides a press briefing. The event can be followed live via Debat Direct.

Georg Driegen will become Director of Operations at the General Intelligence and Security Service (AIVD) as of January 1, 2026, responsible for leading key operational and technological transformations within the organization.

On December 23, 2017, the lifeless body of a 58-year-old woman from Tilburg was found. The Public Prosecution Service demands 12 years imprisonment for the suspect.

On December 8, Princess Margriet spoke at a meeting of the KNCV Tuberculosis Fund at the Netherlands Open Air Museum Arnhem, focusing on the fight against tuberculosis.