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The world from Amsterdam, by Nick Ottens

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Fiscal Issues

Thierry Breton Mark Rutte

Dutch Government’s Budget and Climate Deal, Explained

Higher interest rates necessitate spending cuts. The Netherlands must do more to cut emissions.

Nick OttensNick OttensApril 28, 2023June 26, 2023
Mark Rutte

Dutch Parties in Rush to Do Budget Deal

The government must agree cuts or tax increases before parliament goes on summer recess.

Nick OttensNick OttensApril 22, 2023April 28, 2023
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, 2022February 17, 2023
Lex Hoogduin

Netherlands Should Consider Euro Exit: Former Central Banker

High debts, high inflation: the eurozone reminds Lex Hoogduin of the Italy of the 1990s.

Syp WyniaSyp WyniaNovember 16, 2022January 13, 2023
Mark Rutte

Dutch Spend €16 Billion to Offset Higher Living Costs

Companies and freelancers will pay higher taxes to finance relief for the lowest incomes.

Nick OttensNick OttensSeptember 1, 2022October 9, 2022
Washington DC

Why Congress Let Biden’s Child Benefits Lapse

And what it can learn from the Dutch.

Nick OttensNick OttensApril 26, 2022June 9, 2022
Sigrid Kaag

Netherlands’ Kaag Disappoints Liberal Well-Wishers

Foreign journalists thought this Dutch finance minister would be different.

Nick OttensNick OttensMarch 26, 2022April 23, 2022
Arthur Ravenel Jr Bridge South Carolina

America’s $1 Trillion Infrastructure Bill, Explained

Where the money would go and why.

Nick OttensNick OttensAugust 2, 2021January 10, 2023
Joe Biden

Child Benefits Could Outlive Biden’s COVID-19 Stimulus

A new allowance could cut child poverty in half and encourage Americans to have more kids.

Nick OttensNick OttensMarch 8, 2021November 24, 2021
Joe Biden

Biden Plans $1.9 Trillion Coronavirus Rescue Program

Money would go to hiring health workers, raising unemployment benefits and supporting states.

Nick OttensNick OttensJanuary 14, 2021November 24, 2021
Berlaymont Brussels Belgium

EU “Government Shutdown” Looms

If Hungary and Poland maintain their veto, the EU could be without a proper budget.

Nick OttensNick OttensDecember 7, 2020June 20, 2022

Spain Proposes Major Tax Increases to Fund 2021 Budget

Wealthy Spaniards and corporations would pay more.

Nick OttensNick OttensOctober 28, 2020January 30, 2022

Dutch King Announces Borrowing, Investments to Weather COVID-19

Unlike during the last economic crisis, the Dutch government is not cutting spending.

Nick OttensNick OttensSeptember 15, 2020December 1, 2021
Emmanuel Macron

What’s in France’s €100 Billion Stimulus

The big items are tax cuts, job retraining and investments in the green economy.

Nick OttensNick OttensSeptember 5, 2020February 16, 2022
The Hague Netherlands

Dutch Extend COVID Aid for Businesses

Government pays half the rent and 90 percent of salaries.

Nick OttensNick OttensAugust 29, 2020October 2, 2021

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