AGP Executive Report

Amsterdam Crime: A 23-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of killing Hajar, whose remains were found in a suitcase after she disappeared in Amsterdam. He was detained after an assault on his foster father. Family and Care: Prime Minister Rob Jetten and his fiancé are expecting their first child via surrogacy in 2027. In Nijmegen, a protected cradle room has opened for mothers who cannot care for a newborn; it is the first in eastern Netherlands. Justice System: Police, prosecutors and courts are struggling with heavy caseloads, and growing delays are leading judges to reduce some sentences. Cultural Heritage: The Netherlands has returned a Benin artefact 129 years after it was looted during the 1897 invasion.

Cyberattack: Ahold Delhaize confirmed a malicious cyberattack that disrupted online services across its grocery brands. Albert Heijn deliveries are expected to restart gradually on Friday, after more than 11 days offline; stores remained open. Amsterdam Crime: Police arrested a 23-year-old man in connection with the violent death of Hajar, whose body was found in a suitcase in the Amstel River. Transport: Amsterdam is adding late-night metro services and extra buses for this week’s Dance Event, while NS plans to raise fares 4.7% in January. Migration Policy: The Netherlands is among five EU countries negotiating a migrant return hub in Rwanda, which sources say is the leading candidate to host the centre. Energy: The Netherlands has met the EU’s gas-storage target after government intervention, with reserves reported at the required minimum level of 64%. Family News: Prime Minister Rob Jetten and his partner announced they are expecting a child through surrogacy in 2027.

Amsterdam Unrest: Police arrested two people after fireworks and fires flared again in Floradorp, where residents are protesting the rejection of a New Year’s bonfire. Cyberattack: Ahold Delhaize confirmed a malicious attack behind outages affecting its grocery brands; Albert Heijn’s online deliveries were expected to remain disrupted until at least Thursday. Household Costs: Dutch parents face higher childcare bills in 2027, adding pressure as families plan ahead. Jobs and Welfare: CBS data show 69% of people who grew up in households receiving benefits were employed at 29, compared with 89% of peers whose families never claimed welfare. Banking: An Amsterdam court has ordered ING to keep serving Gazprom until the Russian company secures another European bank account. Culture: Amsterdam Dance Event marks its 30th anniversary this week, with events across the city from October 21 to 23.

Politics & Royalty: Prime Minister Rob Jetten and his partner are expecting a child via surrogate. Princess Catharina-Amalia was promoted to sergeant in the Royal Netherlands Navy. Supermarket Cyberattack: Ahold Delhaize reported malicious activity to Dutch police after outages hit its websites and apps, including Albert Heijn’s online service. Amsterdam: Police confirmed missing 29-year-old Hajar’s body was found in a suitcase; her family has asked to grieve privately. Separately, a suspected arson attack forced 55 homes to be evacuated. Travel: A passport-control failure at Schiphol caused long queues and missed flights before service was restored after about 10 hours. Trains between Arnhem and Utrecht face a 12-day suspension from October 20. Sport: Ethiopian runners dominated the Amsterdam Marathon, with Diriba breaking the course record and Berhanu winning the men’s race. Business: ASML reported €11.7 billion in third-quarter sales and €5 billion in net income. AkzoNobel and Axalta plan to combine as Axanzo, subject to regulatory approval.

Retail Disruption: Albert Heijn says online deliveries will remain suspended until Thursday at the earliest, extending a cyber incident’s impact to at least 11 days. Stores are open, but supply problems have also hit several chains. Travel: Schiphol restored its passport-control system after a 10-hour failure that caused long queues and left hundreds of travellers missing flights. Amsterdam Marathon: Ethiopian runners dominated Sunday’s race, with Diriba setting a course record; more than 30,000 participants brought major road closures. Health Warning: Use of unapproved weight-loss drug retatrutide is rising in the Netherlands, with sellers reportedly marketing it on TikTok. A Dutch obesity specialist warns buyers may not know what the products contain. Tax Changes: From 2027, the expat tax ruling’s tax-free allowance will fall from 30% to 27%, with higher salary thresholds for some workers. Amsterdam Business: A restaurant in the Jordaan is contesting a city closure order over cooking odours; a court ruling is expected in two weeks.

Schiphol Disruption: A passport-control system failure caused long queues at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol; service was restored after 10 hours, but hundreds of passengers reportedly missed flights. Ajax: The Amsterdam side ended its poor run with a 5-2 win at Groningen, its first victory there since 2023. Amsterdam Marathon: More than 30,000 runners took to the city’s streets, bringing major road closures; Ethiopia’s Diriba set a course record. Public Safety: A court convicted a man over antisemitic remarks at a pro-Palestinian protest in Amsterdam. Travel: Rail works will disrupt services between Arnhem and Utrecht from October 20 to 31, with replacement buses running on affected sections. Digital Security: Dutch cloud providers are raising concerns after US authorities’ request led to the seizure of a server in Amsterdam.

Schiphol Disruption: A passport-control system failure knocked out all 78 electronic gates Sunday morning, forcing manual checks and causing long lines. Officials said there was no reason to suspect a cyberattack. Amsterdam: Police say missing 29-year-old Hajar’s body was found in the Amstel and believe she was the victim of a crime. Her family has asked for privacy as they grieve. Marathon Weekend: More than 30,000 runners are expected at the Amsterdam Marathon, with road closures and changes to tram, bus and metro services. Digital Sovereignty: Dutch cloud providers are concerned after a U.S. request led to the seizure of an Amsterdam server. Rail Travel: Planned works will disrupt Utrecht–Arnhem train services from October 20 to 31, with replacement buses on affected sections. Public Safety: Burglaries fell below 4,500 in the Netherlands in the third quarter, the biggest year-on-year drop for that period since 2022. Labour Market: The number of registered plumbers has risen nearly 60% in a decade, but demand for skilled workers still outstrips supply.

Digital Sovereignty: Dutch cloud providers want answers after U.S. authorities requested the seizure of an Amsterdam server, warning that unclear Dutch legal review could damage trust. Prosecutors say the seizure followed a mutual-assistance treaty; data have not been shared with the U.S. Amsterdam Safety: Police found missing 29-year-old Hajar dead, with foul play suspected. Separately, 55 homes remain evacuated as city officials warn of escalating violence. Football: Croatian police arrested Hajduk Split supporters after antisemitic chants and praise for Hitler before the club’s match against Ajax, which has historic ties to Amsterdam’s Jewish community. Food Security: A cyberattack disrupting supermarket systems has raised concern about Dutch food supplies; the Netherlands is exploring emergency food reserves. Energy and Industry: EU purchases of Russian LNG rose 9.5% in the first nine months of 2026, despite plans to phase out Russian gas. ASML reported record third-quarter sales of €11.7 billion and raised its 2026 outlook, while warning that AI demand is straining supply.

Amsterdam Safety: Fifty-five homes remain evacuated after a suspected arson fire in Amsterdam, where a man has been arrested. Police also confirmed that a body found in the Amstel belongs to Hajar, missing since Oct. 4; foul play is suspected. In a separate case, a woman was found dead in Beek en Donk and one person was arrested. Zuidasdok Delayed: The Cabinet has postponed the project’s northern section. Amsterdam alderman Moeskops warns that residents and businesses face years more disruption and costs could rise by hundreds of millions of euros. Ajax Match Fallout: Croatian police arrested at least 12 Hajduk Split fans after Nazi and antisemitic chants, clashes with officers and a match interruption during Ajax’s visit. Cybersecurity Risks: A Dutch IMF board member warned attacks could disrupt the Port of Rotterdam, power grid or payment systems. The Albert Heijn cyberattack has also prompted the Netherlands to explore emergency food reserves. Chip Industry: ASML reported record quarterly sales and warned its planned capacity increases may still fall short of surging demand.

Amsterdam Crime: Police say Hajar, 29, whose body was found in the Amstel, was killed in a crime; she had been missing since Oct. 4. Separately, a suspected arson fire forced 55 homes to be evacuated, and a man was arrested. Ajax and Antisemitism: Ajax lost 2–1 to Hajduk Split in Croatia, where fans chanted antisemitic slurs and praised Hitler; Croatian police arrested at least a dozen people. Protests and heightened security are also surrounding Dutch matches involving Israeli teams. Cybersecurity: Ahold Delhaize’s online services remain disrupted, affecting Dutch brands including Albert Heijn, Etos and bol.com. The attack has renewed concern about supermarket supply chains, with the Netherlands exploring emergency food reserves. Trade and Jobs: Rotterdam port throughput rose 0.9% in the first nine months of 2026, reaching 323.2 million tonnes, despite pressure from low river levels and shifting energy flows. Food Habits: Dutch meat consumption fell again in 2025, with pork seeing the sharpest drop.

Amsterdam: A large parking-garage fire forced residents to leave a residential block. Transport: Strikes disrupted public transport across much of the Netherlands, as school holidays and the Amsterdam Marathon added to travel pressures. Public Health: RIVM confirmed five new West Nile cases; the Dutch death toll remains at 10. Technology: ASML is exploring production growth beyond its planned 30% capacity increase by 2028, as AI investment drives demand for chipmaking equipment. Immigration: The Senate approved ending court-imposed financial penalties on the IND for late permit decisions. Applicants can still challenge delays in court, but judges will no longer be able to levy fines. EU Budget: The Netherlands is backing a lower spending figure than the European Commission’s proposed long-term budget, as leaders remain divided over the bloc’s priorities and contributions.

Ajax: Ajax lost 2-1 away to Hajduk Split in its first Conference League match, with coach Míchel criticised over his communication and decision to start 19-year-old Jofre Torrents. EU Budget: Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten joined the push for a smaller EU budget as leaders clash over a proposed €2 trillion plan; the Netherlands is among the countries seeking cuts. Public Health: The Netherlands reported five new West Nile virus cases, bringing the country’s death toll to 10, as infections spread across Europe. Rotterdam: Three Russian gymnasts were denied visas for the world championships; World Gymnastics said it regretted the confusion, while visa decisions rest with Dutch authorities. Jobs and Travel: Unemployment held at 4% for a second month, with 408,000 people out of work. Public transport strikes disrupted services across much of the country. Amsterdam: A man was charged after a suspicious fire, while hundreds of municipalities are refusing exemptions for New Year’s Eve fireworks.

Transport: Public transport is disrupted by strikes across much of the Netherlands. Tech and Jobs: Amsterdam-based TomTom plans to cut about 200 jobs, or 6% of its workforce, as it restructures to improve profitability. Meanwhile, ASML reported record quarterly sales as AI-chip demand outstripped supply, and raised its full-year outlook. Privacy: The Consumentenbond is suing Meta over its AI camera glasses, saying they can record people without consent and seeking changes to their settings—or a sales ban. A hearing is set for November 26 in Amsterdam. Art and Public Order: A Kandinsky painting looted from an Amsterdam family by the Nazis sold in London for nearly €32 million. In Amsterdam-Noord, three people were arrested after residents set fires and threw stones and fireworks at emergency workers following the rejection of a New Year’s bonfire request. Defence: Oshkosh has started building the first prototype of the Netherlands’ Kaaiman patrol vehicle; deliveries of 150 vehicles are expected from 2028.

ASML: The Dutch chip-equipment giant reported record third-quarter sales of €11.7 billion and €5 billion in net profit, lifting its full-year outlook as AI demand outstrips supply. Some customers are already asking about orders for 2029 and 2030. Amsterdam: Police seized a server at a data centre at the request of U.S. authorities and are preparing a copy of its data for transfer. The server belongs to an Italian internet provider accused by Washington of supporting antifa; police have not said what information will be handed over. Transport: A regional public-transport strike is disrupting services across much of the Netherlands, with further weekly strikes planned through Christmas. Public safety: One person was injured in an explosion at an Amsterdam apartment building.

ASML: The Veldhoven chip-tool maker reported €5 billion in third-quarter profit and raised its 2026 sales outlook as AI demand outstrips supply. Some customers are already discussing orders for 2029 and 2030. Amsterdam: One person was injured in an apartment-building explosion in Slotermeer. Police are investigating; it is the 12th blast reported in Slotermeer and Osdorp since June. Public Transport: A strike has halted buses and regional trains across much of the Netherlands, disrupting travel. Digital Finance: Amsterdam-based Qivalis has won electronic-money authorisation from De Nederlandsche Bank, clearing a key hurdle to issuing a euro stablecoin under EU rules. Security: Police arrested a terrorism suspect near Rotterdam over an alleged plan to attack a concrete target. Dutch lawmakers also backed a plan for faster responses to Russian hybrid sabotage. Jobs and Growth: RaboResearch says two extra weekly hours from part-time workers could add an estimated €35 billion a year to the Dutch economy.

Security: A suspect was arrested near Rotterdam over an alleged plan for a mass attack on a “concrete target.” In Nijmegen, two more men were arrested over the fatal shooting of an 18-year-old during Vierdaagse festivities. Cyberattack: Dutch supermarket group Ahold Delhaize took systems offline after a cyber incident disrupted websites and apps at several US chains; the company said it had no indication customer data was stolen. Rotterdam Worlds: The Artistic Gymnastics World Championships begin this weekend, amid a row over Dutch visa refusals for three Russian gymnasts. Football: Alkmaar will keep away fans out of Hapoel Be’er Sheva’s Europa League match on security grounds, prompting condemnation from Israel. Cost of living: Dutch inflation rose to 3.4% in September. Housing: Protesters in Amsterdam demanded action on the shortage, asking where the promised 100,000 homes a year are.