Introduction: Halsema’s Call for a Crypto Ban In April 2025, Amsterdam Mayor Femke Halsema sparked political controversy by advocating for a nationwide ban on cryptocurrency payments. Her argument: cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin enable organized crime through anonymity and cross-border transactions. But…
Executive summary The Netherlands finds itself, five years after the coronavirus pandemic, in a phase of ongoing structural transition. While the last legal Covid restrictions were lifted on March 15, 2022, the economic, social, and political impact continues to leave…
An investigation into the boundaries of individual autonomy in the Kingdom of the Netherlands Introduction: The tension between autonomy and authority The desire for sovereignty – living without government authority – clashes with complex legal, fiscal, and social structures in…
Omvang van het probleem: Zowel nationale als internationale peilingen tonen dat een significant deel van de Nederlandse leerlingen niet over voldoende basisvaardigheden in taal en rekenen beschikt. Volgens de Onderwijsraad behaalt bijvoorbeeld 24% van de 15-jarigen het minimale niveau in…
Steekproefonderzoeken 2023-2024: resultaten en oorzaken In 2023 is de onderwijsinspectie begonnen met steekproefsgewijze kwaliteitsonderzoeken om een breder beeld te krijgen van de onderwijskwaliteit. Uit een eerste steekproef van ruim 200 scholen in het primair en voortgezet onderwijs bleek dat circa…
The Decline of Voter Turnout Before 1970, the Netherlands had compulsory voting, meaning citizens were required to cast their votes in elections. This system ensured broad representation and that the population’s voice was heard. However, due to the impracticality of…
Introduction Cognitive rigidity refers to an individual’s difficulty in adapting to new information, shifting perspectives, or adjusting behavior in response to changing environments. This phenomenon has been linked to various psychological disorders, including obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD),…
Introduction: A World Changing at Breakneck Speed We have entered what many call the Exponential Age, where technological advancements are not just incremental but accelerating at an unprecedented pace. The introduction of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has amplified this transformation, revolutionizing…
Professional development Career change and growth The year began turbulently with a position that didn’t align with my work style. The organization proved too large, and there was a culture of fear where my rapid decision-making caused unease among colleagues.…
Japan has long been admired for its philosophies and practices that prioritize balance, efficiency, and mindfulness. Whether in the workplace or personal life, Japanese principles can offer actionable strategies to increase productivity and achieve more during your day or week.…
