More evidence this week that the Netherlands is recovering from the coronavirus pandemic as people try to offload the jigsaw puzzles and DVDs they bought during lockdown on the King’s Day street markets. The government has a clear-out of its munitions depots to support Ukraine’s war effort, as Ukrainian refugees boost net migration in the first quarter of 2022. King Willem-Alexander finally makes it to Maastricht, while Amsterdam keeps up its Koningsdag tradition of imposing an alcohol limit that everyone ignores. And health minister Ernst Kuipers is urged to step up the long-term coronavirus plan to avoid a surge in infections, lockdowns and overcrowded attics next winter.

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Ophef of the week: Amsterdam again tries to limit King’s Day revellers to one drink

News

Netherlands resumes ‘old-fashioned King’s Day fun’ as royals visit Maastricht

Busy Koningsnacht in big cities but no serious incidents reported

Second survey highlights downturn in support for Dutch monarchy

Netherlands aims to stop importing Russian gas by end of 2022

Ukraine war and pandemic are being exploited by far-right groups, AIVD warns

Dutch population has grown by nearly 50,000 since start of 2022

Fewer investors bought homes in 2021 following increase in tax rate

More evidence house price rises are slowing from January’s 20% peak

Netherlands ‘needs to step up preparations’ for potential autumn Covid surge

Baggage handlers’ strike causes chaos at Schiphol as May holiday starts

Schiphol urges airlines to scrap holiday flights as it struggles with long queues

Sport

Verstappen wins international award to cap successful weekend in Imola

Ajax and PSV win again as battle to avoid relegation heats up

Feyenoord hold narrow advantage in Conference League semi-final