Netherlands

Dutch welfare benefits are set to increase in 2026, tied to a rising minimum wage. However, the number of recipients continues to grow, with a notable rise among young adults.

The Dutch House of Representatives has approved an increase in fuel excise duties, raising gasoline prices by 5.5 cents per liter from January 1, 2026. The move, intended to fund public transport, will cost drivers anywhere from €14 to over €80 annually, depending on their mileage and vehicle efficiency.

Energy supplier Essent is lowering its gas and electricity rates for 2026 due to favorable market conditions. However, households may not feel the full effect due to rising taxes and levies, which now constitute a large portion of energy bills.

The Dutch government has announced the 2026 income thresholds for the healthcare allowance. Find out if you’re eligible, as many people leave hundreds of euros unclaimed each year.

Despite progress, the gender pay gap in the Netherlands remains significant, costing women billions annually. New EU legislation aims to increase transparency and address the disparity.

A new report highlights that Dutch train tickets are among the most expensive in Europe due to strict government requirements for service frequency and a lack of sufficient subsidies, leading to a 6.5% price hike in 2026.

Crypto exchange OKX has launched a digital advent calendar for December, offering daily rewards to users in the Netherlands. Participants can open a new door each day until Christmas to claim various crypto prizes.

A Dutch court has ruled against a group of investors seeking compensation for their losses in the Bux Token, marking the first major crypto court case in the Netherlands. The judge found that the token was clearly defined as a utility token, not an investment, placing the risk of value loss entirely on the buyers.

New data from the Dutch Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS) reveals the average savings for different age groups in the Netherlands. The 18-25 age group has an average of €10,800 saved, while the 65-75 group holds the most at €76,600.

A man in Almelo lost his Rolex, worth €11,000, to a scammer who paid with worthless fake tokens. The police are investigating the incident, which highlights the risks of using crypto for private sales.