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The world from Amsterdam, by Nick Ottens

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Nick Ottens

Nick Ottens is a columnist and reporter for Wynia’s Week of the Netherlands and Atlantic Sentinel, his own blog and newsletter about the politics of France, the Netherlands, Spain and the United States. He has reported from Amsterdam, Barcelona and New York for various Dutch- and English-language media, including the Atlantic Council, EUobserver, NRC, Trouw and World Politics Review. In his spare time, he edits the online magazines Never Was and Forgotten Trek.

Nick designed prize competitions to accelerate innovation in agriculture, food and health care at XPRIZE. He is a member of the Netherlands’ liberal party, VVD, and its Liberal Green network.

Bristol England hospital

Abolish the NHS

Britain has worse health care than the rest of Europe.

Nick OttensNick OttensFebruary 3, 2023February 3, 2023
Roberta Metsola Mark Rutte

Why the Netherlands Is Calling for EU Asylum Reform

Immigration systems have been overwhelmed by a post-COVID bounce in asylum applications.

Nick OttensNick OttensJanuary 27, 2023January 27, 2023
Hugo de Jonge

Dutch to Ease, After Tightening, Building Rules

The government is trying to solve a problem it created.

Nick OttensNick OttensJanuary 21, 2023January 22, 2023
Emmanuel Macron Ursula von der Leyen

Macron Is Winning the Argument for State Aid in Europe

Two years ago, the French president’s proposals were too far-fetched.

Nick OttensNick OttensJanuary 18, 2023January 18, 2023
Pedro Sánchez

Spanish Constitutional Crisis Ends with Whimper

Conservatives accept three progressive judges in order to avoid changing the nominating rules.

Nick OttensNick OttensJanuary 13, 2023
United States Capitol Washington

Drug Reforms Fail Despite Republican Support in Congress

Give cannabis stores bank accounts. End sentencing disparities for cocaine.

Nick OttensNick OttensJanuary 12, 2023January 12, 2023
Emmanuel Macron

The Arguments For and Against French Pension Reform

The current retirement age is low, but the French object to working longer.

Nick OttensNick OttensJanuary 11, 2023
Barbershop

Noncompete Clauses Should Be Banned

Companies don’t really need them. Workers pay the price.

Nick OttensNick OttensJanuary 10, 2023
Westmaas Netherlands doctors office

How Government Creates Shortages of Doctors

France, the Netherlands and the United States limited slots for medical students.

Nick OttensNick OttensJanuary 9, 2023
Joe Biden

Top Stories of 2022

Joe Biden got things done. Farmers protested in the Netherlands. The Spanish right radicalized.

Nick OttensNick OttensDecember 28, 2022
Bodegraven Netherlands farm

Dutch Plan for Organic Farming Underwhelms

The money is a drop in the bucket compared to overall farm subsidies.

Nick OttensNick OttensDecember 25, 2022January 16, 2023
Joe Biden Emmanuel Macron

Responding to American Protectionism Has Downsides for Europe

Joe Biden’s “buy American” rule is a threat, but matching protectionism with protectionism is worse.

Nick OttensNick OttensDecember 23, 2022
Constitutional Court Madrid Spain

Spanish Judges Block Senate Debate to Replace Them

Conservatives go out of their way to avoid a progressive court.

Nick OttensNick OttensDecember 22, 2022
Siena Italy bartender

Italy Shows Goodwill to EU with Last-Minute Tax Changes

The right-wing government needs the EU to sign off on COVID-19 recovery funds.

Nick OttensNick OttensDecember 20, 2022December 20, 2022
Pedro Sánchez

Sánchez Cleans Up Mess Conservatives Made in Catalonia

The right used an antiquated sedition law to persecute Catalan separatists.

Nick OttensNick OttensDecember 17, 2022December 17, 2022

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