Author: Selwyn Manning

Source: Government of the Netherlands

News item | 03-06-2020 | 19:54

During the summer, everyone should:

• follow the basic rules and advice to prevent the spread of coronavirus, such as avoiding busy places. And if you have coronavirus-like symptoms, get tested and stay home.
• travel by car, bike or on foot and only use public transport for essential journeys.
• travel off-season if possible, if you aren’t bound to school holidays.

Consider holidaying in the Netherlands. Avoid busy places and consider visiting regions or cities that are not part of the regular tourist hotspots. If you do go abroad on holiday, you will need to prepare well. Only go to countries with a yellow travel advisory. Travelling to these countries is responsible, but you must still be extra vigilant. Make sure you know what the rules are in the country you’re travelling to; know what your travel insurance covers; and stay up to date with the latest information during your trip, for instance by using the BZ Travel App (Dutch). Travel advice can change quickly, including while you’re away.

Travelling within Europe

As of 15 June, travel advisories for several European countries will be changed from orange to yellow. That means that the risk to health in these countries is comparable to that in the Netherlands and that these countries are happy to receive Dutch tourists. Other countries, for instance France and Spain, still need to make an official decision on whether or not Dutch tourists are welcome this summer.

Travel advisories will remain orange for three European countries: Sweden, the United Kingdom (because the risk to health is considered to be greater there) and Denmark (because this country does not yet want to receive tourists from the Netherlands). The aim is to allow travel to the Caribbean part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands (Bonaire, St Eustatius, Saba, Curaçao, Aruba and St Maarten) from 15 June as well. Keep checking Nederlandwereldwijd.nl for the most up-to-date travel advice (Dutch).

Travelling outside Europe

In order to limit the risk of a new outbreak as much as possible, travelling outside Europe is not recommended. Travel advisories for countries outside Europe and outside the Caribbean part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands will therefore remain orange for the time being. This means: only travel there if it is absolutely essential. If you do go, you are strongly advised to self-isolate at home for 2 weeks upon your return to the Netherlands.

Foreign tourists in the Netherlands

Tourists from countries where the risk to health is either comparable to or lower than that of the Netherlands can visit the Netherlands this summer. They must of course follow all the rules in place in the Netherlands to prevent the spread of coronavirus. The Schengen area (which the Netherlands is part of) and the United Kingdom have closed their external borders to people from outside the EU whose journey is not essential. This ban will be in place up to 15 June 2020 (inclusive) but will be evaluated at EU level before that date.

Read the Q&A’s about holidays to the Netherlands as of June 15 2020 (Netherlandsandyou.nl)

Decision on primary schools

In the press conference of 3 June, Prime Minister Mark Rutte confirmed that primary schools will be fully operational from 8 June. Research by the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) has confirmed that there is no reason not to proceed with allowing schools to do this. 

Source: Government of the Netherlands

News item | 28-05-2020 | 17:27

On 1 June several measures will be relaxed, including for groups, cafés, bars and restaurants, schools and cultural institutions. The basic rules still apply: wash your hands, keep a distance of 1.5 metres, avoid busy places, stay at home if you have symptoms and work from home as much as possible. All the information can be found on www.government.nl/coronavirus.

Developments permitting, more measures will be relaxed on 1 July. The government has added several categories to the list of locations set to reopen on that date, namely gyms and fitness centres, saunas and spas, clubhouses, casinos and amusement arcades. These locations were previously expected to reopen on 1 September. The basic rules and additional measures will of course apply at these locations too. A definite decision on this matter will be taken at the end of June, when the situation regarding other indoor sports activities will also be considered.

Outdoor sports activities for under 18s

From 1 June young people aged 13 to 18 will be allowed to take part in organised sports activities outdoors under the supervision of sports clubs or professionals, without keeping a distance of 1.5 metres. This is already the case for children aged 12 and under. Competitions and matches will remain prohibited.

Testing in the case of mild symptoms, including loss of smell or taste

From 1 June, anyone with mild symptoms that may point to coronavirus will be able to phone a national hotline and make an appointment to be tested by the municipal health service (GGD). If we are to keep the virus under control now and in the weeks and months ahead, extensive testing and source and contact tracing are crucial. Loss of smell or taste have been added to the list of symptoms that may point to a coronavirus infection.

Summer holidays

The government hopes to be able to provide more information next week about the summer holiday months. It is however already certain that the basic rules as they apply now will still apply in July and August.

Keeping the virus under control

The Netherlands’ approach is aimed at keeping the virus under control as much as possible in order to protect vulnerable groups and make sure the healthcare system can cope. Thanks to people complying with the measures, the situation has improved. The figures show a positive trend and so we can move step by step towards having more freedom.

The government has started by relaxing restrictions at local or neighbourhood level. This has made our roads and public transport busier. In July, restrictions will be relaxed at regional level and after that at national level. First small gatherings are allowed, and later larger gatherings, so that everything remains as manageable and orderly as possible.

Each step can only be taken if the virus stays under control. This must be done with great care. If circumstances require, any decision to relax measures will be reversed.

Source: Government of the Netherlands

News item | 21-04-2020 | 22:00

Thanks to the measures put in place to tackle coronavirus we are, slowly, moving in the right direction. Many people have found a way to manage their everyday lives, even if it is not always easy. Healthcare professionals are doing their utmost to give everyone the medical care they need. People are still being admitted to hospital with coronavirus, but the number of patients is falling steadily.

Although the situation is still precarious, there is now some scope to relax measures. This will ease the pressure people are under. For example parents who are trying to combine work with schooling their children at home. And children and teenagers who are missing school, sports activities and playing. The scope we have now is the result of all our efforts. Because we have followed the measures, we can now take small steps forward.

The government has extended most measures until 19 May inclusive. In the week before 19 May the government will assess what measures are necessary in the period after that date. Below is an overview of the measures that will change and when. Over the coming weeks, the practical details will be worked out in consultation with those involved.

Schools and childcare centres

• Primary schools, including special primary schools, and childcare centres for children aged 0 to 4 (including childminders) will reopen on 11 May. Children who normally go to out-of-school care (BSO) can do so on the days they attend school.
• The size of classes at primary schools will be halved. Pupils will go to school approximately 50% of the time. They will spend the other 50% of their school hours doing distance learning.
• The practical details will be worked out by the schools in the weeks ahead. Different schools may opt for different measures. Schools will inform parents about the arrangements at their children’s school.
• Pupils of primary schools for special education may attend school every day.
• Parents are asked to take their children to school or childcare on foot or by bike wherever possible. This will prevent public transport becoming crowded.
• Secondary schools can begin making preparations for pupils to gradually return to school from Tuesday 2 June.

Sports

• From 29 April children and teenagers will have more scope for participating in organised sports activities and play outdoors. Official matches will not be allowed.
• Children aged 12 and under will be allowed to play sports together outdoors under supervision.
• Young people aged 13 to 18 will be allowed to play sports together outdoors under supervision, but must stay 1.5 metres apart.
• Municipalities will make agreements on this with local sports clubs and community sports coaches. Different municipalities may opt for different approaches.
• Top-level athletes will be allowed to resume training sessions at dedicated training facilities if they maintain a distance of 1.5 metres from others.

Older people living independently

The recommendation not to visit people aged over 70 will be adjusted. From 29 April people aged over 70 who live independently may be visited occasionally by the same one or two people.

Events and culture

Unfortunately large events mean a risk of the virus spreading too quickly and too widely. The ban on events that require a permit has therefore been extended to 1 September 2020.

The social and economic effects

Every step that we take in this process will be a relief to some and a cause of disappointment or concern to others. We are opting for an intelligent way to move forward towards a healthy society in which people feel safe, can do business, go to school and move as freely as possible. The promising plans that businesses and organisations are making for a 1.5-metre society will contribute to this.

The social and economic effects of this crisis are substantial. Thanks to its strong financial position, the government is able to offer some support to businesses, self-employed people and hard-hit sectors. But it is unavoidable that many people will be affected to some extent. Fortunately we are seeing that people, businesses and organisations throughout society are rising to the challenge and helping others.

Source: Government of the Netherlands

News item | 23-03-2020 | 22:10

On Monday 23 March the government introduced additional measures to combat the coronavirus outbreak. Prime Minister Mark Rutte, justice and security minister Ferd Grapperhaus, health minister Hugo de Jonge and medical care minister Martin van Rijn announced the measures at a press conference. The measures are based on the advice of the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM).

The new and stricter measures are as follows:

• Stay home as much as possible. Leave the house only to go to work if you cannot work at home, to buy groceries or to take care of others. You can go out to get some fresh air, but do not do so in groups. Always keep a good distance from other people (at least 1.5 metres) and avoid all social activities and groups of people. At home: limit the number of visitors to 3 and keep sufficient distance (1.5m) from each other.
• As before, if you have a cough or a cold: stay home. If someone in your household develops a fever, all the members of the household should stay home. This does not apply to key workers in crucial sectors and critical processes, unless they themselves get sick.
• All gatherings are prohibited until 1 June, even gatherings of less than 100 people. This is a tightening of the existing ban (that applied up to 6 April). An exception is made for funerals and religious weddings. More information about this will follow soon.
• Public transport and shops are required to take measures to ensure that people keep a good distance. For instance, by limiting the number of people allowed in the shop at the same time.
• Businesses in contact-based industries, such as hair salons and beauty parlours, must be closed until 6 April. Other professionals, such as physiotherapists, are urged to work via video calls wherever possible.
• Casinos are now subject to the same restrictions as establishments serving food and drink, and will be closed from 24 March 2020.
• Establishments such as holiday parks must put measures in place so that people keep a distance of 1.5 metres from each other. Failing this, local authorities may order these locations to close.
• Mayors may designate areas, like parks, beaches or neighbourhoods, where people are not allowed to collect together. The authorities will take action against groups of 3 or more people, who do not all maintain a distance of 1.5 metres from each other. This does not apply to children or to people in the same household, such as families.
• The ban on gatherings does not apply to public markets as these play a crucial role in bringing food to consumers in some parts of the country. Municipalities and market superintendents will examine ways that a good distance between members of the public can be maintained.
• The government also wants to be able to enforce existing measures more effectively. Mayors will have the option of enacting an emergency bye-law, to more easily and more quickly initiate enforcement activities. Mayors can also order specific locations to be closed, including parks, beaches and campsites. And people who violate the rules can be fined.

Previously published measures remain in force. For more information, read about the approach to tackling coronavirus in the Netherlands.

The measures are in keeping with the Netherlands’ approach, which is to make sure that the healthcare system is able to cope and has enough capacity to help the people who need it most. This approach and the measures are based on the advice of the Outbreak Management Team. This is a group of experts chaired by Jaap van Dissel, director of the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM).

Source: Government of the Netherlands

News item | 20-03-2020 | 13:00

The Minister for Medical Care will be received at Huis ten Bosch and sworn in on Monday 23 March 2020 in the presence of His Majesty the King.

Source: Government of the Netherlands

News item | 19-03-2020 | 17:15

Until a new minister is appointed, the Minister for Health, Welfare and Sport, Hugo de Jonge, will assume responsibility for the tasks of the Minister for Medical Care.

Source: Government of the Netherlands

News item | 08-09-2015 | 13:54

Minister of Foreign Affairs Bert Koenders, Prime Minister Mike Eman of Aruba, Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation Lilianne Ploumen, Minister for the Environment Wilma Mansveld and the Mayor of Rotterdam, Ahmed Aboutaleb have all announced that they will be attending the 70th Session of the UN General Assembly.

In his address, the King will discuss the significance of the United Nations, and the contribution the Kingdom of the Netherlands has made in the fields of peace, justice and development.

Queen Máxima is also attending in her role as the UN Secretary-General’s Special Advocate for Inclusive Finance for Development. She will present the annual report on her UN activities to Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.

On Saturday 26 September, Prime Minister Mark Rutte will deliver a speech at the Sustainable Development Summit, when the new Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) will be launched. These Goals build on the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), which expire this year.
The aim of the SDGs is to widen the scope of the MDGs by incorporating subjects such as sustainability, inequality and peace into an agenda applicable to every country. The chief ambition is the eradication throughout the world of extreme poverty by 2030. Queen Máxima and Ms Ploumen will also be attending the summit. In the past few years, Ms Ploumen has led both Dutch implementation of the MDGs and the Netherlands’ contribution to the drafting of the new SDGs.

In the margins of the UN General Assembly, President Barack Obama will hold a world leader summit on UN peacekeeping which Prime Minister Mark Rutte will address. On 26 September, Foreign Affairs Minister Bert Koenders will become co-chair of the Global Counterterrorism Forum.
The programme for the Kingdom delegation is filled with numerous events, talks and bilateral meetings.

The Kingdom aspires to non-permanent membership of the UN Security Council (2017 to 2018). This aspiration is in line with the Kingdom’s international ambitions and commitment and the position of The Hague as the world’s legal capital. As a non-permanent member of the Security Council, the Kingdom will have a voice in decisions on, for example, the mandates of UN peacekeeping missions and protection of people in areas in conflict.

Source: Government of the Netherlands

News item | 29-07-2015 | 13:18

Mr Rutte specifically addressed Russia’s doubts about the timing and form of the tribunal, stating that the Netherlands had carefully listened to Russia’s earlier questions. He stressed that it was preferable to make a decision about the tribunal before the facts and charges have been established precisely in order to avoid politicising the prosecution process. This has also been the course of action taken in the past with most of the other specialised UN tribunals. In addition, there will be plenty of scope for states to provide information to the tribunal, which will be bound by the highest international standards of independence and legitimacy.

In their open and detailed conversation, Mr Rutte urged the Russian president to allow latitude for trying those responsible for the MH17 disaster in a UN tribunal. Russia undertook to do this by approving resolution 2166. We all have a duty to the victims of this terrible disaster and their families to see justice done, said Mr Rutte.

Mr Rutte spoke to Prime Minister Razak of Malaysia about the resolution yesterday. The Dutch government has been reaching out to other leaders as well, in a concerted diplomatic effort. Foreign minister Koenders has been in talks with various parties in New York yesterday and today and will address the Security Council about the resolution at today’s session.

Source: European Banking Authority

The European Banking Authority (EBA) launched today its annual EU-wide transparency exercise, as part of its efforts to monitor risks and vulnerabilities and to reinforce market discipline. As in the past, the exercise is exclusively based on supervisory reporting data, which will keep the burden for the banks to a minimum. The EBA expects to publish the results at the beginning of December, together with the annual Risk Assessment Report (RAR).

The EBA has started today the interaction with the 124 banks participating in the transparency exercise. This interaction envisages the verification of pre-populated templates and any data quality correction that will be done through the supervisory reporting channel.

The EBA expects to release around 1 million data points, up to 10,000 data points per bank. As in the previous years, the data will cover capital positions, profitability, financial assets, risk exposure amounts, sovereign exposures and asset quality.

Source: European Banking Authority

The three European Supervisory Authorities (EBA, EIOPA and ESMA – ESAs) today issued their Autumn 2023 Joint Committee Report on risks and vulnerabilities in the EU financial system. The Report underlines the continued high economic uncertainty. The ESAs warn national supervisors of the financial stability risks stemming from the heightened uncertainty, and call for vigilance from all financial market participants.

Recent years have presented a series of adverse events, i.e., the Russian aggression against Ukraine, the energy crisis, and US mid-sized banks turmoil in March 2023, which most financial institutions have navigated well. Nonetheless, the European economy continues to experience a period of heightened uncertainty which presents material financial stability risks that necessitate vigilance from all financial market participants. The economic outlook remains fragile, not least amid persistently elevated geopolitical risks, high inflation, and an uncertain macro-financial outlook.

Market implications from turmoil in the banking sector in March also highlight the continuing sensitivity of the European financial system to exogenous shocks and the high ongoing market uncertainty. Market nervousness and bad news about parts of the financial system could spread rapidly and lead to a general jump in risk aversion.

The increase in interest rates generated heterogeneous impacts on the financial sector. This resulted in increased net interest income for banks, reduced profitability for insurers and liquidity risks for the asset management sector.

Against the backdrop of these risks and vulnerabilities, the Joint Committee of the ESAs advises national competent authorities, financial institutions and market participants to take the following policy actions:

• financial institutions and supervisors should closely monitor the broader impact from strong increases in policy interest rates and sudden rises in risk premia and accounted for in risk management;
• financial institutions and supervisors should remain prepared for a deterioration in asset quality in the financial sector. Supervisors should continue to closely monitor asset quality and loan loss provisioning;
• financial institutions and supervisors should be aware of and closely monitor the impact of inflation risk. Inflation not only impacts financial institutions by its effects on asset quality and valuation, but also through rising expenditures and rising funding costs as a result of higher interest rates and other channels;
• financial institutions should place high importance on effective risk management and governance arrangements, in particular in relation to liquidity risk and interest rate risk, as recent problems in the US and Switzerland highlight. Financial institutions need to remain resilient to the impact of future substantial interest rate changes.