The Day the Dutch Internet Switched Itself Off

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• PHP flaws take DigiD, MijnOverheid and parliament offline: Two critical PHP flaws, dubbed PHP2Shell, let attackers run code on servers without logging in, prompting precautionary shutdowns. (NL Times, DutchNews.nl)
• DSW announces record premium rise for 2027: DSW’s basic premium rises €14.75 to €173.25 a month, its biggest euro increase ever. (NOS, NU.nl)
• Regional transport strike called off as talks resume: FNV and CNV suspended action for two weeks after employers withdrew proposals to worsen the collective agreement. (NL Times, NOS)
• Hajar likely killed in Buitenveldert anti-squat building: Police think 29-year-old Hajar died in a former office building; 23-year-old suspect Abdi A. is held under full restrictions. (NL Times, DutchNews.nl)
• Nearly half of MPs read out AI-written speeches: An investigation found 68 of 150 MPs gave speeches this year that were mostly written with tools like ChatGPT. (DutchNews.nl, NOS)
• Customs to check imports of Channel smuggling boats: Inflatable boats are arriving more often on cargo flights from Turkey, sold in smuggling packages worth €10,000 to €20,000. (NOS)
• Formula 1 and darts move from Viaplay to Videoland: Regulator ACM approved Videoland’s €142 million takeover of Viaplay Netherlands’ sports rights and subscribers. (NOS)
• A ‘lost’ Erasmus book on manners returns to Rotterdam: Rotterdam’s library bought the only known copy of a 1609 French edition of Erasmus’s children’s manners book. (NOS)
• The ‘Apekop’ train’s second farewell: The Mat ’64 ran its last regular Valleilijn service on Wednesday and returns to its foundation for enthusiast trips. (NOS)

What’s on in Amsterdam (Thursday 22 to Sunday 25 October 2026)

• World Press Photo exhibition: The extended show of the world’s biggest press photography competition’s winning images closes soon in a historic city-centre church. (Thursday 22 to Sunday 25 October, 10:00–17:00, De Nieuwe Kerk Amsterdam, city centre (Dam Square area))
• Philip Glass under the planetarium dome with Lavinia Meijer & Reyer Zwart: Harpist and bassist-guitarist play Glass’s minimalist music under 360-degree fractal visuals, part of ADE’s arts programme. (Friday 23 October, 19:30–20:30, ARTIS Planetarium, ARTIS Amsterdam Royal Zoo, Plantage)
• Sweet Home Amsterdama: Boom Chicago’s new comedy show: A half-sketch, half-improv show about Amsterdam’s housing hunt, tiny studios, side hustles and endless construction. (Opens Friday 23 October, 20:00–22:00 (runs until 18 December), The Famous Boom Chicago Comedy Show, Jordaan)
• Pure Markt food market in Park Frankendael: A Sunday market in an east Amsterdam park where local producers sell cheese, bread, wine, books and crafts. (Sunday 25 October, 11:00–18:00, Park Frankendael, Kamerlingh Onnesstraat, Amsterdam-Oost)
• Ice skating at Museumplein: The outdoor rink opening this weekend lets you skate surrounded by the Rijksmuseum and other major museums. (Opens Saturday 24 October, Museumplein, Amsterdam-Zuid)

More on in Amsterdam

• Gratis Lunchconcert: Openbare repetitie Concertgebouworkest: The Concertgebouw holds weekly lunchtime concerts at 12:30, including orchestra rehearsals, but you need a free ticket. (Thu 22 Oct, 12:30 - 13:00, The Royal Concertgebouw Amsterdam)
• Gashouder Presents: Eric Prydz: The Swedish DJ and producer, known for progressive house and techno, plays a set at the Gashouder during ADE. (Thu 22 Oct, 18:00 - 22:00, Gashouder)
• Minimal Collective x Oude Kerk: Post-Space: Two evening programmes on 23 and 24 October feature live performances, DJ sets and an audiovisual world premiere. (At various times, Oude Kerk (Old Church))
• ADE x Van Gogh Museum: Coby Sey en Devon Rexi: An ADE evening of experimental electronics at the Van Gogh Museum, with visuals inspired by Whistler’s London night paintings. (Fri 23 Oct, 20:00 - 23:00, Van Gogh Museum)

Also in the news

• EU opens investigation into Booking.com over fraud and phishing: The European Commission is examining whether Booking.com broke the Digital Services Act by not doing enough against fake listings. (NL Times, NOS)
• Heineken ordered to pay €111 million to Greek rival MTB: An Amsterdam court held Heineken liable for market abuse by its Greek subsidiary Athenian Brewery. (NL Times, NOS)
• Amsterdam considers banning disposable packaging: The city is weighing a ban on coffee cups, fast-food containers and other single-use plastics to cut litter. (NL Times)
• Environmental groups and Schiphol residents take the cabinet to court over the airport (Het Parool)