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Good news from Netherlands
Positive stories set in or affecting Netherlands, gathered from the newsrooms Rally reads. Every headline links back to the publisher who reported it.
41 stories.
Visual artist Angel-Rose Oedit Doebé turns pink rice into an archive of Indian and Surinamese identity
Amsterdam-based artist Angel-Rose Oedit Doebé uses pink rice, archival images, and objects to explore cultural identity and memory, blending Indian and Surinamese heritage. Her work, now on display in Delhi, offers a vibrant, personal archive that celebrates shared histories. The exhibition invites viewers to reflect on ancestry and the stories that shape communities.
The Hindu
Could This Dutch Invention Help Tackle Plastic Pollution in America's Waterways?
A Dutch invention called the Bubble Barrier uses air bubbles to collect plastic from canals and rivers. Lansing, Michigan, is set to be the first U.S. city to adopt the technology, offering a promising way to reduce water pollution. The system could help clean up local waterways and inspire wider adoption.
Smithsonian Magazine
Virgin unveils new train designs and plans for cross-Channel service linking London and Europe from 2030
Virgin’s new cross-Channel train designs promise faster, more stylish travel between London and Europe, with 20 daily services planned. The company aims to bring its signature hospitality to the route, offering passengers a more comfortable and convenient way to connect major cities. This could make cross-border travel smoother and more enjoyable from 2030.
Euronews
Alliance against invisibility: Prado and Rijksmuseum join forces for women in art
Two of Europe’s leading museums are working together to highlight women’s contributions to art and history. By revisiting their shared heritage, the Prado and Rijksmuseum aim to restore the visibility of women artists and patrons who have long been overlooked. This collaboration ensures their stories are finally given the recognition they deserve.
Euronews
'Women don't cry any more, they cash in': Shakira turns Madrid into a festival of empowerment
Shakira’s Madrid residency brings together women of all ages and backgrounds in a joyful celebration of Latin culture and empowerment. Through music and spectacle, she transforms personal struggles into a shared moment of freedom and unity. The shows offer a space where diverse audiences connect, uplifted by the power of collective joy.
Euronews
‘Thrilling’: Dutch cattle farmers switch to rice as solution to warmer climate and sinking peatlands
Dutch farmers are switching from cattle to rice as a way to adapt to warmer weather and protect peatlands. The change could reduce CO2 emissions while introducing a new crop to the Netherlands. It’s a creative solution to climate challenges.
Euronews
Dutch company unveils electric drone that can fly for eight hours
Drones with longer flight times can help industries like agriculture and surveying work more efficiently. DeltaQuad’s Evo-LE drone offers up to eight hours of flight, reducing the need for frequent battery changes. This could make drone operations smoother and more cost-effective.
NV
'Make women feel seen': Why the Dutch have a new word for labia
The Dutch have introduced new, more neutral words for labia to replace outdated terms that carry stigma. Campaigners hope this change will reduce body shaming and encourage sex positivity. It’s a small but meaningful step toward greater comfort and respect for women’s bodies.
BBC News
A Researcher Studying in a Dutch Library Was Amazed to Discover a Scrap of Parchment From a 1,700-Year-Old Copy of ‘The Odyssey’
A researcher in the Netherlands found a 1,700-year-old fragment of *The Odyssey* in a library. The scrap contains Greek verses from Book 12, where Odysseus describes his crew’s fate. This discovery helps scholars better understand ancient texts and their survival over time.
Smithsonian Magazine
‘Race-cation’ boom: Searches for 24-hour city breaks rise by 500% as runners plan marathon trips
Runners are planning more marathon trips abroad, with searches for “race-cations” surging. Travellers are also exploring what to see and do in European race destinations, making the most of their trips. It’s a win for both athletes and local tourism.
Euronews
A Rare Nazi-Looted Painting, Lost for Some 80 Years, Turned Up in a Real Estate Listing. Now, a Judge Has Ordered It Returned to Its Rightful Heirs
A judge in Argentina has ordered the return of an 18th-century portrait to its rightful Dutch Jewish heirs after it was stolen by Nazi officials in 1945. This landmark decision marks a significant step towards justice and restitution for families affected by wartime looting, helping restore a piece of their heritage.
Smithsonian Magazine
Kenya tests solar-powered ambulance for remote communities
A solar-powered ambulance is being tested in Kenya to bring healthcare to remote areas with unreliable electricity. Designed by students, the vehicle reduces reliance on fossil fuels, making medical services more accessible. This innovation could improve health outcomes for communities with limited infrastructure.
Euronews
Best friends for decades - until a DNA test revealed they were sisters
Two women in their 40s, adopted from Mumbai and raised near each other in the Netherlands, have discovered they are biological sisters through a DNA test. This revelation not only deepens their lifelong friendship but also rekindles their sense of family, showing the profound connections that can exist beyond adoption. It's a heartwarming reminder of the unexpected bonds that can emerge in life.
BBC News
The Netherlands, Spain push for EU-wide minimum age on social media
The European Commission is expected to announce a social media ban for minors next week. The Netherlands and Spain want it harmonised, EU-enforced, and extended to video games and AI chatbots.
Euronews
Nigeria’s trade surplus widens as Q2 exports hit N27tn
Nigeria’s trade surplus grew to N12.59 trillion in Q2 2026, fueled by a 27.64% rise in exports, including crude oil and refined petroleum. This boosts the economy by increasing revenue and trade opportunities, particularly with key partners like India, Spain, and the Netherlands. Stronger exports help balance trade and support growth.
Business Day
The Euronews Travel autumn bucket list: Our top picks for holidays in Europe
Autumn travel in Europe offers fewer crowds, lower prices, and stunning seasonal atmosphere. The Euronews Travel team shares top destinations to inspire your next getaway. It’s a great time to explore without the summer rush.
Euronews
Nearly impossible? How Fairphone built the ethical, repairable Fairphone Gen 6+.
Fairphone’s new Gen 6+ smartphone is designed to last, with a focus on repairability and durability. Unlike many modern phones, it’s built to withstand wear and tear, offering a more sustainable alternative. This approach benefits users who want long-lasting devices and supports a shift toward more ethical technology.
Ars Technica
Solar-powered ambulance completes successful trial run
The world’s first solar ambulance completed a successful trial run on Friday, raising hopes of bringing vital medical care to remote regions.
Africanews
Could high-speed trains run from London to Europe every 15 minutes?
Catching a train from London to mainland Europe could soon become a lot easier, with services to Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam potentially departing as often as every 15 minutes by the end of the decade as Eurostar faces a wave of new competition.
Euronews
New European Sleeper train to launch from Brussels and Amsterdam to Copenhagen and Malmö in 2028
A new overnight train route will connect Brussels and Amsterdam to Copenhagen and Malmö, making travel between the Benelux and Scandinavia easier. The service, launching in 2028, offers a sustainable alternative to flying, helping travelers and the environment. This partnership with a German railway operator marks a step forward for European rail travel.
Euronews
George Russell king of the sprint and driving with freedom after engagement
George Russell is finding his form, driving with newfound freedom after a tough start to the season. His improved performance in the sprint race helps close the gap in the championship, offering hope for a stronger campaign ahead. It’s a welcome turnaround for the Mercedes driver.
The Telegraph
Johannes Vermeer's 'Girl with a Pearl Earring' goes on rare overseas trip to Japan
Vermeer’s *Girl with a Pearl Earring* is traveling to Japan for the first time in over a decade, giving art lovers a rare chance to see the masterpiece. The painting is on loan from the Mauritshuis while the museum renovates, bringing joy to visitors in Osaka. This special exhibition highlights the beauty of sharing cultural treasures.
Euronews
These ‘Extremely Rare’ 17th-Century Drawings Were Astonishingly Well-Preserved. Now They Are on Display for the First Time in Nearly a Century
A 17th-century drawing book, long hidden from public view, is now on display at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam. The artwork, attributed to Rombout Uylenburgh, offers a rare glimpse into the past. This is the first time in nearly a century that these well-preserved drawings have been accessible to the public.
Smithsonian Magazine
Myths and legends come alive in the Bras Basah.Bugis precinct
The Bras Basah.Bugis precinct came alive with illuminated flying creatures during a Dutch street theatre performance at the Singapore Night Festival. Puppeteers interacted with guests, bringing myths and legends to life in a dazzling display. The event offered a unique and enchanting experience for attendees.
The Straits Times
Exclusive: You Can Finally Buy a Fairphone—a Sustainable, Repairable Smartphone—in the US
The Fairphone, a sustainable and repairable smartphone, is now available in the US. This gives American buyers an alternative to phones with limited warranties and expensive repairs. The Fairphone’s design prioritizes longevity and ease of fixing, offering a more eco-friendly choice.
Wired
Virgin Trains takes major step towards challenging Eurostar with London to Europe services
Virgin Trains has gained approval to run up to 20 daily return services through the Channel Tunnel from 2030, ending Eurostar’s long monopoly. This move will give travelers more options for London-to-Europe rail travel, increasing competition and potentially improving service. It’s a step toward greater choice and efficiency in cross-Channel journeys.
Euronews
This Dutch Painting Showed a 17th-Century Drinking Game Until Someone Smudged Out a Player, Spoiling the Fun. A Museum Just Restored the Imbibing Soldier
A museum has restored a 17th-century painting by Pieter de Hooch, bringing back a soldier who was painted over, likely to remove him from a scene with two other figures. The restoration returns the artwork to its original composition, preserving the artist’s intended vision and a glimpse of daily life. It’s a small but meaningful act of cultural care.
Smithsonian Magazine
Demi Vollering wins Tour de France Femmes
The Dutch 2023 laureate won her second Tour de France, with Kasia Niewiadoma of Poland and Elisa Long Borghini of Italy completing the podium.
Le Monde
Poland now sixth-largest EU economy, ahead of Switzerland and Belgium
Poland's economy is gaining in importance in Europe. In 2025 the country ranked sixth in the EU by nominal GDP, accounting for almost 5% of the bloc's total output.
Euronews
How Being Cool Is Making The Hague a Vacation Hot Spot
The Hague is becoming a popular summer destination as tourists seek relief from Europe’s heat waves. While the influx brings new energy to the city, officials are carefully managing the surge to prevent overcrowding. This balance could help sustain its appeal as a cool, welcoming escape.
The New York Times
Wiebes doubles up to win Tour de France Femmes stage two and stay in yellow
Wiebes’s seventh Tour de France stage win was her first while wearing the yellow jersey
The Globe and Mail
Tour de France Femmes 2026: Pauline Ferrand-Prévot defends her title in a dramatic, mountainous edition
Pauline Ferrand-Prévot is a favorite to defend her title in the 2026 Tour de France Femmes, a mountainous course that could favor climbers. Her rivalry with Dutch rider Demi Vollering adds excitement to the race, showcasing top talent in women’s cycling. The event promises thrilling competition and a celebration of athletic skill.
Le Monde
A New Generation of Chefs Reimagines Indonesian Cuisine in the Netherlands to Tell the Stories of Its Origins
A new wave of chefs in the Netherlands is reimagining Indonesian cuisine, shifting away from colonial nostalgia to reflect modern Indonesian identity. Their fresh approach honors the food’s origins while adapting it for today’s diners. This creative evolution celebrates cultural heritage in a way that resonates with contemporary audiences.
Smithsonian Magazine
You can visit every bridge on the back of euro banknotes – and they’re all in one town
A Dutch town has built real versions of the bridges featured on euro banknotes, turning the original artistic designs into a tangible attraction. This creative project invites visitors to explore the bridges firsthand, offering a unique way to connect with the currency’s design. It’s a charming example of how art and community can come together.
Euronews
Health: Solar-powered ambulances soon heading to Kenya
A Dutch student team has designed a solar-powered ambulance to reach remote areas, offering faster medical care where it’s needed most. The two-seater vehicle is built for off-road terrain and can travel at high speeds, improving access to healthcare in underserved regions. This innovation could save lives by bridging critical gaps in medical transport.
Africanews
The Great Bubble Barrier: How air bubbles are stopping river plastic before it reaches the sea
A Dutch company has developed an innovative solution to plastic pollution: a curtain of air bubbles that intercepts river plastic before it reaches the sea. This approach helps reduce ocean contamination by tackling the problem at its source, offering a proactive way to protect marine ecosystems. It’s a promising step toward cleaner rivers and healthier oceans.
Euronews
Star speedcubers square off at European championship
More than 1,200 speedcubers from 53 countries are gathering in the Netherlands for the European Speedcubing Championship, where top competitors will test their skills in creative challenges. The event celebrates the global community of puzzle enthusiasts and their impressive problem-solving abilities.
Al Jazeera
Rubik’s Cube stars shine at European speedcubing event in the Netherlands
More than 1,000 speedcubers from 53 countries are gathering in Arnhem, the Netherlands, to celebrate the creativity and skill of the sport. Competitors are tackling challenges like blindfolded solves and solving while wearing oven gloves, showcasing the diversity of talent in the community. The event highlights the inclusive and dynamic spirit of speedcubing.
Euronews
The Netherlands Pushes to Make Manure a Hotter Product
The Netherlands is turning manure into a valuable product as environmental rules limit its use. Rising fertilizer costs make this a win for farmers and the planet. It’s a creative solution to a growing problem.
The New York Times
Museum Spreads 800 Pounds of Peanut Butter in Tribute to Dutch Artist
A museum in Rotterdam has spread 800 pounds of peanut butter in a 270-square-foot hexagon to honor artist Wim T. Schippers. The playful, immersive installation invites visitors to engage with the artist’s work in a unique way. It’s a creative tribute that brings art to life for the public.
The New York Times
Look Closer: Pieter De Hooch’s Puzzle Box
Pieter de Hooch’s 1663 painting *Interior With Women Beside a Linen Cupboard* offers quiet intrigue in its everyday scenes, revealing subtle details that set it apart from his contemporary Vermeer. The work’s unassuming title belies the depth of its storytelling, inviting closer inspection. This fresh look helps art lovers appreciate the richness of overlooked masterpieces.
The Atlantic
