Ownership & classification
Founded: 1970
Ownership
NRC (long known as NRC Handelsblad) was created on 1 October 1970 by the merger of the Amsterdam Algemeen Handelsblad (1828) and the Rotterdam Nieuwe Rotterdamsche Courant (1844). Since 2015 it has been owned by Mediahuis, the Belgian-headquartered multinational publisher controlled by several Flemish/Dutch families (including the Van Thillo, Baert and Van Puijenbroek families via holding companies).
Funding
Financed commercially through subscriptions, a digital paywall and advertising as part of the for-profit Mediahuis group, with no party or state subsidy.
Affiliation & stance
A liberal 'quality' daily, generally center-left/left-liberal in stance, but privately and commercially owned with editorial independence safeguarded by an editorial statute. With no party or state control, it is correctly classified INDEPENDENT (lean CENTER_LEFT).
Editorial lean
- Our estimate
- Lean Left
- Measured from coverage
- Centerbased on 76
83/100
Factual
72/100
Objective
129
Articles
129
reports
Top stories
Most covered right now
For artist David Hockney, 88, watching was the greatest pleasure in life.

Dutch ship with emergency aid in Venezuela
Hitte in Nederland is (steeds minder) uitzonderlijk - NRC
Film review: Spielberg's entertaining sci-fi thriller "Disclosure Day" sometimes tends to be ethereal kitsch
The International Criminal Court is facing a crucial decision: will the controversial Karim Khan remain the chief prosecutor or not?
Recent coverage

Putin recognizes the oil map for the first time
Russian President Vladimir Putin acknowledged for the first time that Russia is building 'some oil reserves' during a meeting focused on energy issues. He emphasized the need to strengthen domestic oil production and increase output. Meanwhile, Ukrainian forces continued their attacks on Russian energy infrastructure, detonating an oil purification plant in the southern Krasnodar region, which produces around four million tons of crude oil annually. The Krasnodar region is one of Russia's largest oil-producing areas located near the Black Sea. On Tuesday, Ukrainian forces launched large-scale air strikes on Sevastopol, the largest city on Crimea, including attacks on oil facilities. In response, Russia, which annexed Crimea in 2014, has restricted fuel sales to the public to counteract the energy shortages. According to reports, these attacks have had no impact on the front line. During an interview with a Russian state television station, Putin described the Ukrainian attacks on Russian oil infrastructure as an attempt to destabilize Russian society. He stated that Ukraine's goal was to halt the deployment of Russian military units to improve their position in arms control talks.
Data centres are unpopular but badly needed. Time for a data centre proliferation law - NRC
The article discusses the growing importance of data centers in the Netherlands, highlighting their essential role in digital infrastructure despite being unpopular among the public. It argues that there is a need for a 'spreading law' (spreidingswet) to regulate the distribution of data centers across the country. The piece emphasizes the tension between the necessity of these facilities for technological advancement and the concerns they raise regarding local impact, such as noise, traffic, and environmental effects. Experts and stakeholders are calling for more balanced policies to ensure data center growth does not disproportionately affect certain regions.
Ukrainian oligarch and partner in danger of death after Monaco bombing, suspect still at large
An Ukrainian oligarch and their partner were seriously injured in a bomb explosion in Monaco. The suspect responsible for the attack is still at large. The incident has raised concerns about security in the region, particularly given the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Authorities are actively searching for the suspect, and investigations are underway to determine the motive behind the attack. This event has drawn attention to the potential risks faced by individuals associated with high-profile figures in politically sensitive areas.

Venezuela's death toll rises to nearly 2,300, with more than 10,000 injured.
The death toll from recent earthquakes in Venezuela has risen to at least 2,295, according to parliamentary speaker Jorge Rodríguez, who announced this during a press conference. The number is expected to increase further, with 11,267 people reported injured and tens of thousands still missing. Over 12,800 people have been accommodated in emergency shelters, and 25 temporary camps have been set up, primarily in the heavily affected coastal city of La Guaira and the capital, Caracas. These camps provide beds, mattresses, food, and medical assistance to those who lost their homes. The government has deployed more than 26,000 military, police, fire department, and rescue service personnel, along with approximately 17,000 volunteers to assist with logistics. However, some Venezuelans report not receiving adequate help in their local areas. The earthquakes struck the northern part of Venezuela last week, and authorities have recorded hundreds of aftershocks, which experts predict could continue for months. Earlier today, it was confirmed that the Dutch USAR (Urban Search and Rescue) team, which had been searching for survivors in Venezuela, would return to the Netherlands.
Sudoku van vrijdag 3 juli 2026 - NRC
The article titled 'Sudoku van vrijdag 3 juli 2026 - NRC' appears to be a Sudoku puzzle published by NRC, a Dutch news organization. The headline suggests it is a weekly Sudoku puzzle released on Friday, July 3, 2026. The article mentions 'Nieuws, achtergronden en onderzoeksjournalistiek,' which translates to 'News, background information, and investigative journalism.' However, the content provided does not include any specific news stories, background analyses, or journalistic investigations. Instead, it seems to be a simple announcement or listing related to the publication of a Sudoku puzzle.
Dit werd een van de meest gesamplede albums uit de popmuziek - NRC
The article discusses an album that has become one of the most sampled in pop music history. It highlights how the album's influence extends across various genres and eras, with artists frequently incorporating its tracks into their work. The piece explores the cultural impact of sampling and how this particular album has shaped modern music production. It also touches on the legal and creative implications of sampling, including copyright issues and artistic innovation.
Wat is het leukste dat je kunt doen met 50 euro? - NRC
The article titled 'Wat is het leukste dat je kunt doen met 50 euro?' from NRC explores creative and enjoyable ways to spend 50 euros. It provides suggestions for activities and experiences that offer value for money, such as visiting local attractions, trying new foods, or engaging in cultural events. The piece aims to inform readers about budget-friendly entertainment options while highlighting the potential for meaningful experiences within a limited budget. As a general interest feature, it does not focus on politics, sports, or other charged topics.
A great childhood memory of the World Cup
The article is a column titled 'A wonderful childhood memory of the World Cup' published by NRC, a Dutch news outlet. The piece reflects on personal memories associated with a past World Cup event, likely referring to a football (soccer) tournament. It appears to focus on nostalgic recollections rather than providing detailed analysis or reporting on current events. The tone seems to be more reflective and sentimental, emphasizing emotional connections to the World Cup experience from a younger perspective.
The Jewish music critic that Hitler realized at a very early stage
The article discusses a Jewish music critic who recognized Adolf Hitler's dangerous ideology at an early stage. The critic's insights into Hitler's personality and rhetoric were notable, especially considering the historical context of rising fascism in Europe during the 1920s and 1930s. The piece highlights how some individuals, particularly those outside the political mainstream, were able to identify the threat posed by Nazi ideology before it became widely acknowledged. This perspective offers a unique insight into the early warnings about Hitler’s regime and the role of cultural critics in recognizing political dangers.
Heat is a tricky issue for European politicians: advocating air conditioning or even more climate action? - NRC
The article discusses the challenge faced by European politicians regarding heat-related policies, specifically whether to support the use of air conditioning or to increase efforts towards climate policy. It highlights the tension between immediate comfort solutions and long-term environmental goals. The piece presents the dilemma as a central issue in current political discourse, emphasizing the lack of consensus among policymakers. While the article does not take a clear stance, it frames the debate as a critical point of contention within European politics.
Mouth-to-mouth prosecution Chamber divided over better protecting journalists from intimidating trials
The Dutch House of Representatives is divided over whether journalists should be better protected against intimidating legal cases, such as 'monddood procederen' (literally 'silence proceedings'), which allow authorities to silence individuals by charging them with defamation or other offenses. The debate highlights concerns about the chilling effect these legal tactics can have on freedom of speech and journalistic independence. Some members argue for stronger safeguards to protect journalists, while others believe current measures are sufficient. The discussion reflects broader tensions between national security and press freedom within the Netherlands.
Council for Culture gives unsolicited advice: immediate action must be taken against AI
The Dutch Cultural Council has issued unsolicited advice urging immediate action against artificial intelligence. The council argues that AI poses significant risks to cultural values and creative industries, calling for urgent regulatory measures. This recommendation comes amid growing concerns over AI's impact on artistic expression and intellectual property rights. While the council does not propose specific policies, it emphasizes the need for proactive governance to protect cultural heritage and ensure ethical development of AI technologies.
Leaky dressing rooms, worn-out fields and high energy bills: The roulette of the Empire makes investing impossible
The article discusses the challenges faced by investors in the Netherlands due to inconsistent government policies and unpredictable decisions, which create uncertainty and make investment difficult. It highlights issues such as leaking changing rooms, worn-out fields, and high energy bills as examples of the problems caused by this instability. The author compares the situation to a 'roulette' game, suggesting that the unpredictability of government actions makes it hard for businesses and individuals to plan effectively. This lack of stability is seen as a major obstacle to economic growth and development.
Overlooked
Under-reported & one-sided