Amsterdam

A view of the Maltese House of Parliament, where lawmakers are set to legalize adult-use recreational cannabis, Valletta, Malta. 

Malta just legalized recreational cannabis. Will other European countries follow? 

Malta is the first European country to legalize adult-use recreational cannabis. Germany and Luxembourg are likely to follow suit, but it's a far cry from the liberal Canadian model.

Malta just legalized recreational cannabis. Will other European countries follow? 
Tronco, or multiple foot stocks used to to constrain enslaved people

The Netherlands hosts a new slavery exhibit, as historical debates continue 

The Netherlands hosts a new slavery exhibit, as historical debates continue 
A scene from an Amsterdam metro subway with a huge TV ad of a white man's face

Amsterdam bans fossil fuel ads from its metro

Amsterdam bans fossil fuel ads from its metro
A woman smokes a joint at cannabis coffee shop Prix d'Ami in Amsterdam, Netherlands, March 13, 2020.

Amsterdam officials move to ban tourists from its cannabis cafés

Amsterdam officials move to ban tourists from its cannabis cafés
Amsterdam's red-light district remains sparse as many international tourists have stayed away during the pandemic.

Is overtourism over? Travelers to Europe stay home due to COVID-19 restrictions.

Is overtourism over? Travelers to Europe stay home due to COVID-19 restrictions.
A sign reads "no sex" in the red-light district in Amsterdam.

Sex workers in Europe struggle to survive as clubs slowly reopen

As sex clubs reopen across Europe, sex workers worry about their earnings and also whether they can stay safe. Niki Adams, a spokesperson with English Collective of Prostitutes, says the pandemic and lack of state support shows how far the industry still has to go to gain legal recognition.

Sex workers in Europe struggle to survive as clubs slowly reopen
Alongside tulips and windmills, the global image of Amsterdam is one of a city entwined with water.

Amsterdam’s coronavirus recovery plan embraces ‘doughnut economics’ for people and the planet

A key part of "doughnut" economic thinking is no longer using the gross domestic product as a proxy for society’s success. 

Amsterdam’s coronavirus recovery plan embraces ‘doughnut economics’ for people and the planet
a sign in amsterdam that says you can't drink in the street

Overtourism in Amsterdam's red-light district provokes local outrage

It’s estimated over 19 million tourists visited Amsterdam last year. Residents of the city of 850,000 say overtourism has made parts of the city unbearable.

Overtourism in Amsterdam's red-light district provokes local outrage
voting in holland

In upset, Dutch Labor party trumps populists in European vote

The Dutch vote was a first test of the appeal of populist and Eurosceptic parties contesting elections across the bloc through Sunday, and the outcome may offer some relief to established pro-EU parties.

In upset, Dutch Labor party trumps populists in European vote
Two while men in suits

With far-right topping Dutch polls, EU elections could see Eurosceptics take the lead

All eyes will be on the Netherlands and its exit polls Thursday night, where young and charismatic Thierry Baudet, leader of new far-right party — with plenty of controversial statements to his name — is hoping to gain seats in European parliament. Some say the rise of far-right Eurosceptic parties has fevered speculation that this week’s election results could determine the future of the European project.

With far-right topping Dutch polls, EU elections could see Eurosceptics take the lead
Jeroen Nijland

In wake of Brexit, British companies head to Amsterdam

Amsterdam is one of the biggest destinations for businesses looking for a new home amid Brexit.

In wake of Brexit, British companies head to Amsterdam
Nuria at My Red Light, a social project in the form of a brothel in Amsterdam. Nuria plans to retire from sex work later this year and work full-time in an administrative role at My Red Light.

A Dutch brothel where women work for themselves

My Red Light in Amsterdam is almost entirely run by former or current sex workers. And it's designed to ensure that those who rent rooms there aren't being trafficked or exploited. But some maintain that the work itself is inherently exploitative.

A Dutch brothel where women work for themselves
Rie van de Mueren (r) used to be a professional ballroom dancer. She's with Dieuwer Duijf at the Music Salon, which holds dance parties for the elderly in north Amsterdam.

Amsterdam is tackling loneliness one dance party at a time

Public health experts now say loneliness is a growing health threat. Amsterdam is taking the subject seriously.

Amsterdam is tackling loneliness one dance party at a time
Two people walk across the beach sand. Across the water are wind turbines and other buildings

Sea levels off Dutch coast highest ever recorded in 2017

In the Netherlands, where most land is below sea level, a marine institute has recorded the highest sea level since 2007

Sea levels off Dutch coast highest ever recorded in 2017
Demonstrators rally on behalf of LGBT asylum-seekers in Amsterdam, Netherlands.

'Not gay enough': Dutch authorities challenge asylum-seekers to prove their sexuality

Lawyers and activists working with LGBT refugees in the Netherlands report that immigration authorities are increasingly demanding that people fleeing anti-gay persecution back home prove their sexuality.

'Not gay enough': Dutch authorities challenge asylum-seekers to prove their sexuality