To combat nuisance in The Hague, areas have once again been designated where begging, soft drug use, and/or alcohol consumption are prohibited. These are specific areas in all city districts with various facilities that attract disruptive individuals and groups, such as train stations, facilities for people with addiction problems, shopping streets, squares, and entertainment venues. Furthermore, begging around schools, cemeteries, and places of worship remains prohibited throughout the city. The use of soft drugs and alcohol is also prohibited in the vicinity of schools and playgrounds.
Mayor Jan van Zanen of The Hague informed the City Council today about the decision and the evaluation of areas with a ban on soft drugs, alcohol, and/or begging over the past few years. The designated bans on soft drugs, alcohol, and begging apply for the next three years, until April 1, 2029.
In addition to bans on soft drugs, alcohol, and begging, other measures are being taken in these areas to improve livability and safety. This applies, for example, to additional surveillance and addiction care around the shelter locations. Youth work is also active in the city, efforts are being made against disruptive youth groups, and a person-centered approach is being used regarding repeat offenders and individuals with mental health issues. Furthermore, many areas with a ban fall under a broader approach to improve livability in those neighborhoods.
Enforcement
Over the past three years (2023, 2024, and 2025), a total of 11,181 fines have been issued by enforcement officers and the police based on the prohibitions. An upward trend is visible here. According to enforcement officers and the police, they are encountering more individuals engaging in disruptive behavior. Almost seven out of ten fines were issued in the City Centre. This district is also very busy, both in terms of the number of people present and facilities that attract disruptive individuals and groups.
Many fines reveal a pattern of frequent nuisance. A ban on soft drugs, alcohol, and/or begging aims to prevent nuisance and provides enforcement officers and the police with a tool to take immediate action against violations. However, the fine figures do not tell the whole story. The absence of fines can also mean that a ban is working well to prevent nuisance. In that case, the enforcement of a ban has a preventive effect. This is evident, for example, from experiences with the begging ban on Dierenselaan. In the first few months after the ban was introduced in the shopping street, fines were issued, then there was a period of no further issues, after which the nuisance returned later.
Ban around schools and playgrounds
In most areas, the bans remain unchanged. However, based on experiences and developments in the city, it has been decided to implement some adjustments. For instance, it is now prohibited to consume alcohol within a 50-meter radius of schools and playgrounds. The use of soft drugs was already prohibited there. Soft drug use causes odor nuisance and a blurring of norms among young people, plus it leads to public play areas being avoided. Furthermore, the evaluation shows that alcohol consumption can have an escalating effect and leads to confrontations between residents and visitors.
Laak and Binckhorst
Furthermore, measures are being expanded in Laak with a begging ban in certain streets. Nuisance caused by beggars has increased in the shopping areas there. Residents of Laak have regularly reported this, indicating that beggars are pushy towards shoppers. It is expected that the begging ban, in addition to other measures in the Laak Action Plan, will help improve livability and safety in the neighborhood. The ban on soft drugs, alcohol, and begging at the Binckhorst is also new. This decision was made in view of the arrival of the night shelter facility on Binckhorstlaan, where homeless people will stay temporarily.
Not renewed
The ban on soft drugs, alcohol, and begging in Bezuidenhout has been terminated. It is a deliberate choice by the municipality not to continuously designate all locations in the city as areas where prohibitions apply when there is no justification for doing so. The bans are always assessed based on reports, experiences, and developments. It should be noted that there are also locations where alcohol can be consumed openly, such as well-known recreational and leisure spots like the Zuiderpark, The Hague beaches, and the Madestein recreation area. This does not alter the fact that enforcement officers and the police monitor these areas to prevent abuses and take action in cases of nuisance.
Perhaps you have already seen them: since last week, 12 new trees were planted around the Binnenhof. Alderman Robert Barker (Public Space, Animal Welfare, Environment) had the opportunity to help plant the trees at this historic site: ‘People are happier in a green environment. It is unique that we are now going to green this iconic location!’
The area around the Binnenhof – from the Spui to the Lange Voorhout – is gradually getting more trees and plants. The municipality wants to make this area greener and more attractive. This is sometimes complicated because there are many cables and pipes in the ground. Nevertheless, space has already been found to get started. New trees will be planted along the Hofvijver (Vijverdam). Three additional trees will be planted at the Buitenhof. In addition, eleven large planters with greenery will be installed.
Greener city center
With these steps, the municipality expects the area to become more attractive and the routes for pedestrians and cyclists to become clearer. A larger renovation is needed for even more trees on the Buitenhof. Cables, pipes, and the sewer system would then have to be relocated. This is not yet possible and will take place at a later stage.
Photo caption: Alderman Robert Barker plants a tree / Municipality of The Hague.
Oranje Fonds announces which 50 organizations are in the running for an award.
Fourteen organizations from South Holland are eligible for an Appeltje van Oranje. Every year, the Oranje Fonds awards this prize to three organizations that make a special contribution to a connected society in the Netherlands and the Caribbean part of our Kingdom. A ten-day voting period and a pitch day determine which ten organizations proceed as nominees.
On October 8, three of them will receive one of the three Appeltjes van Oranje from Queen Máxima. This year, the Oranje Fonds received 99 nominations, of which 50 have been selected as contenders. An overview of all contenders can be found at www.appeltjevanoranje.nl .
The contenders from South Holland are:
Warm Rotterdam Foundation
De Buitenwacht Foundation
Work-study company Stichting Ecoware
At home in West
Facts Foundation
Shout Foundation
Humanitas Foundation
Father and Son Feyenoord Foundation
Stek, Foundation for City and Church
Cult North Foundation
Food Banks Netherlands Foundation, Rotterdam region
JAN Foundation
Don Bosco Rijswijk Foundation
Sister Mina Foundation
Breaking Poverty Together
Poverty is a persistent problem in the Netherlands. Its impact is significant and affects health, opportunities, and the ability to participate. Over 0.5 million people live below the poverty line, and another 1.1 million people are just above this line. Existing poverty policies are often complex or inadequate, meaning people do not find the support they need. Social initiatives are therefore indispensable in reducing and preventing poverty. They are close to the people, have their trust, and offer the support people need.
For this edition of the Appeltjes van Oranje, the Oranje Fonds is seeking organizations that help sustainably break the cycle of poverty and debt problems. By this, the Oranje Fonds means organizations that empower people with knowledge and skills. An important criterion in the selection of candidates is that the organizations aim to prevent or reduce poverty.
Ten-day voting period and pitch day
The ten-day voting period takes place from May 18 to May 27. Everyone can cast a single vote for one of the fifty contenders via the special voting website. The organization with the most votes is the first nominee. The remaining nine are selected following the pitch day in June. During this event, they present themselves to each other and a jury. The jury has the deciding vote on which organizations are nominated.
Appeltjes van Oranje Awards
Every year, the Oranje Fonds awards three Appeltjes van Oranje to organizations committed to a connected society. Initiatives that are indispensable and have been active for at least two years are eligible. The prize is a recognition of their work and dedication. The theme changes every year. The prize consists of a bronze statuette designed by Princess Beatrix and a cash prize of €25,000. The Queen presents the award.
The Central Electoral Office of The Hague determined the official results of the municipal council election of March 18, 2026, on March 26, 2026. The turnout was 46.4%. Of the 438,895 eligible voters, 203,533 cast their votes. Of the twenty parties that participated in the election, eleven parties received sufficient votes for one or more seats in the municipal council. The remaining nine parties did not win a seat. Four candidates were appointed by preferential votes who otherwise would not have been elected.
The distribution of the 45 seats has been determined as follows:
Side
Number of seats
Hart voor Den Haag / Groep de Mos
16
D66
8
GROENLINKS / PvdA
7
VVD
3
DENK
3
Partij voor de Dieren
2
CDA
2
SP (Socialist Party)
1
Forum for Democracy
1
Volt
1
ChristenUnie-SGP
1
34 full seats were allocated. This left eleven residual seats. Three residual seats go to list 1 Hart voor Den Haag / Groep de Mos. The following lists received one residual seat: list 2 GROENLINKS / Partij van de Arbeid (PvdA), list 3 D66, list 6 CDA, list 7 DENK, list 9 SP (Socialistische Partij), list 11 ChristenUnie-SGP, list 12 Forum voor Democratie, and list 13 Volt.
Candidates
The seats of each party were first allocated to candidates elected with sufficient preferential votes. Four candidates were elected by preferential votes who otherwise would not have been elected. These are Van de Voort and Timsi (GROENLINKS / Labour Party (PvdA)), Fonville (Partij voor de Dieren), and Alpsoy (DENK). After their appointment, candidates have ten days to decide whether to accept the appointment. If they do not, the Central Electoral Committee appoints the next candidate.
2026 municipal council election numbers
Eligible voters
438,895
Votes cast
203,533 (turnout: 46.4%)
Valid votes
202,203 (99.34%)
Blank votes
361 (0.18%)
Invalid votes
969 (0.48%)
Residents make election possible
Jan van Zanen, Chairman of the Central Electoral Commission: “The municipal council election requires a greater organizational effort from the municipality than other elections. In addition, the preparation time was short this time: less than 4.5 months ago, we went to the polls for the House of Representatives election. Nevertheless, we managed once again to ensure the election ran virtually flawlessly. That is why I would like to compliment the thousands of involved residents of the city and the hundreds of civil servants who dedicated themselves to this election. Whether that was at a polling station, during the counting, or behind the scenes. They make the elections in The Hague possible.”
On Wednesday, April 1, the newly elected municipal council will meet for the first time. The full results and all official reports can be viewed at uitslagen.denhaag.nl .
With the opening of the renovated boulevard in Scheveningen and festive programming throughout the city, the City by the Sea celebrates spring. Just before the Easter weekend, on Thursday, April 2, the Scheveningen boulevard will be officially reopened. Events such as KidsFest, KijkduinFest, and SummerFest will follow in April and May. In The Hague, you don’t have to choose: here you experience city and beach in one day.
Renovation of Scheveningen boulevard completed A major innovation this beach season is the boulevard in Scheveningen. Along a length of 600 meters, the seaside between De Pier and Museum Beelden aan Zee is greener and wider, with a stronger connection between the boulevard and the sand. Beneath the natural stone lies future-proof craftsmanship with smart solutions for cables, pipes, and rainwater harvesting. Beach pavilions have been relocated, and there is more space for public events.
The eye-catcher is the large new staircase at the Grand Hotel Amrâth Kurhaus, including a new location for the ‘Army and Navy’ monument. This monument was ceremonially unveiled by Queen Wilhelmina in 1921 and, more than 100 years later, has a new prominent spot on the boulevard. All the Fairytale Statues by the Sea are back in place.
Festive start On Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 April, the free event Kidsfest aan Zee takes place in Scheveningen with music, sports, games, and entertainment for children and the whole family. Fenna Ramos, Juf Roos, and POPZ, among others, will be present. All the children will also dance the The Hague shuffle together. This event not only marks the opening of the beach season but also the festive inauguration of the renovated boulevard. The European Robotic League, a The Hague Freedom Meal by the sea, and Aircooled Scheveningen will follow in May.
KijkduinFest puts family seaside resort on the map In early May, the festivities continue along the Hague coast. On May 2, KijkduinFest kicks off: a multi-weekend festival. KijkduinFest offers a varied program featuring culture, sports, and music. During the festive opening, the seaside resort transforms into a lively festival site. On the stage next to the carousel, performances by local dance and music schools will be featured, followed by live music and DJ sets. In between, visitors can visit local businesses for food and drinks.
On Sunday, May 10, the Trail Kijkduin takes place, where Haag Atletiek organizes various trails for children, beginners, and advanced runners along the beach, dunes, and Ockenburgh. The day is dedicated to sport and fun, with a festive atmosphere including a DJ, medals, and a joint awards ceremony for all participants.
SummerFest From May 23 to May 25, the connection between city and beach is strengthened with SummerFest. During the Whitsun weekend, The Hague city centre is dedicated to summer, fashion, music, and fun. For four days, visitors can enjoy a mix of live music, surprising performances, stylish shopping, and a varied selection of food and drinks. From street musicians to energetic DJs, the city is buzzing with summer vibes
The Hague kicks off the new season of Operation Steenbreek: from March 21 to October 31, residents, schools, and organizations can once again receive free plants in exchange for paving stones. With this campaign, the municipality aims to further green, cool, and beautify the city together with its residents.
The kick-off took place this weekend in the Van Kinsbergenstraat in the Zeeheldenkwartier and was organized by Duurzaam Den Haag. Alderman Robert Barker (Public Space, Animal Welfare and Environment) helped residents create and renovate facade gardens. The street received a significant green boost, thanks in part to local resident and initiator Liam Yung (31). Alderman Barker is pleased with the enthusiasm of the local residents: “Greening is not only good for the climate, it makes our city more livable for everyone. The commitment of residents shows that The Hague is ready for a green future.”
Cooler and better looking
With Operation Steenbreek, the Municipality of The Hague is making the city greener. Plants provide cooling on hot days and absorb rainwater more effectively. They also make the neighborhood much more beautiful and inviting. In 2025, no fewer than 118,000 tiles were removed by residents as part of Operation Steenbreek. Last year, The Hague came second in the Dutch Tile Removal Championship. Director Joris Wijsmuller of Duurzaam Den Haag: “This year marks the final edition of the Dutch Tile Removal Championship. I hope that as many residents as possible participate and that we set new records again this year. How cool and wonderful would it be if The Hague became Dutch Champion, for the third and final time!”
