Abolish the NHS
Britain has worse health care than the rest of Europe.
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.
Why the Netherlands Is Calling for EU Asylum Reform
Immigration systems have been overwhelmed by a post-COVID bounce in asylum applications.
Dutch to Ease, After Tightening, Building Rules
The government is trying to solve a problem it created.
Macron Is Winning the Argument for State Aid in Europe
Two years ago, the French president’s proposals were too far-fetched.
Spanish Constitutional Crisis Ends with Whimper
Conservatives accept three progressive judges in order to avoid changing the nominating rules.
Drug Reforms Fail Despite Republican Support in Congress
Give cannabis stores bank accounts. End sentencing disparities for cocaine.
The Arguments For and Against French Pension Reform
The current retirement age is low, but the French object to working longer.
Noncompete Clauses Should Be Banned
Companies don’t really need them. Workers pay the price.
How Government Creates Shortages of Doctors
France, the Netherlands and the United States limited slots for medical students.
Top Stories of 2022
Joe Biden got things done. Farmers protested in the Netherlands. The Spanish right radicalized.
Dutch Plan for Organic Farming Underwhelms
The money is a drop in the bucket compared to overall farm subsidies.
Responding to American Protectionism Has Downsides for Europe
Joe Biden’s “buy American” rule is a threat, but matching protectionism with protectionism is worse.
Spanish Judges Block Senate Debate to Replace Them
Conservatives go out of their way to avoid a progressive court.
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.
Sánchez Cleans Up Mess Conservatives Made in Catalonia
The right used an antiquated sedition law to persecute Catalan separatists.