Stories from Hilversum · Netherlands

An investigation into traffic fatalities revealed that 19 young motorcyclists died in 2025. The study examined the reasons for riding and rider behavior following an observed increase in both motorcycle usage and accident rates.

The European medical organization CPME stated that online gambling has caused an international health crisis. The group's findings suggest that market legalization and advertising have led to consequences including addiction, financial problems, debt, and stress.

The number of young people in youth care has reached a ratio of one in ten for the first time in years. The report notes progress in political, social, and cultural dimensions, including the opening of parliament to journalists and the launch of direct dialogue between the government and media. This includes direct communication between President Volodymyr Zelensky and media representatives. However, the overall situation for press freedom in Ukraine remains problematic, according to a project manager for Suspilne. Romania is ranked 49th out of 180 countries regarding press freedom, according to a report by Ana Maria Ivâncu. The percentage of the population living in countries with good press freedom has dropped from 20% to less than 1%. Only seven countries in Europe, including Norway, are categorized in this group.

Software company Chipsoft stated that all stolen data has been removed following a ransomware attack. The company previously reported that a firm managing sites and portals for healthcare institutions was hacked earlier this month.

Dutch churches have issued a joint statement against radical right-wing ideology. The Council of Churches expressed this collective stance for the first time. The statement comes amid discussions regarding the compatibility of Christian values with certain political voting patterns in the country. Koen Wessel of the Council of Churches stated that radical right ideology can be anti-democratic and antisemitic. The group noted that the movement sometimes glorifies violence and focuses on power and domination. A skeleton discovered beneath a church in the Netherlands may belong to the real-life D'Artagnan, the legendary musketeer who inspired The Three Musketeers. The find is described as one of the most spectacular historical discoveries in the Netherlands. The source did not provide a specific city or date for the discovery.

The number of people over age 12 in the Netherlands experiencing sleep problems increased from 20% to 25% between 2017 and 2024, according to CBS data. The Trimble Institute reported that 2.3 million Dutch citizens experience sleep dissatisfaction.

The individual, who grew up in Iran as the son of a Russian mother and an Afghan father, lost both parents as a child. Despite his lack of documentation, he completed medical studies and earned a doctorate. He stated that living without an identity felt like not existing.

The price difference between organic and non-organic food has increased, according to a survey by the Consumentenbond. Organic products now cost an average of 66 percent more than non-organic alternatives. This is an increase from the nearly 50 percent difference recorded two years ago. The largest price gaps are found in vegetables, fruit, chips, sauces, and tea. Meriam de Witte of the Consumentenbond stated that this gap was 48 percent two years ago. The organization expressed concern that organic products are becoming unaffordable for many consumers. Supermarkets are reportedly focusing on keeping standard private-label brands affordable while maintaining higher margins on organic products. The price gap between organic and conventional goods continues to expand across various supermarkets.

The Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB) has implemented measures resulting in eleven players being suspended from competition for two weeks. These players are required to write an action plan to prevent future incidents, according to the KNVB.

Tennet stated that while they have not permanently rejected connections for large consumers in North Holland, grid safety remains the essential priority. The company said its responsibility to ensure a safe grid for millions of households and businesses.