Ownership & classification
Founded: 1943
Ownership
Trouw is a Dutch national daily owned by DPG Media Nederland, the Dutch arm of the Belgian publishing group DPG Media. DPG Media is privately controlled by the Van Thillo family through their holding company (the former De Persgroep). Trouw passed to De Persgroep/DPG in 2009 when it acquired the PCM Uitgevers titles, and it sits alongside de Volkskrant, Het Parool and Algemeen Dagblad in the same stable.
Funding
Commercially financed through reader subscriptions and a digital paywall plus advertising, as part of DPG Media's subscription-driven newspaper portfolio. It receives no structural state or party subsidy.
Affiliation & stance
Trouw originated as a Protestant Resistance paper in 1943 and retains a reflective, ethics- and religion-attentive editorial profile broadly in the center-left, but it is editorially independent. Because it is owned by a private commercial publisher (the Van Thillo family's DPG Media) with no party, church or state control over its newsroom, it is classified INDEPENDENT.
Editorial lean
- Our estimate
- Lean Left
- Measured from coverage
- Centerbased on 282
73/100
Factual
75/100
Objective
516
Articles
516
reports
Top stories
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Recent coverage
Ukraine reports two dead after night attacks by Russia, with the death toll in Kiev rising to 30.
At least two people were killed and eight injured in Russian air strikes on the Sumy region and Kryvyj Rih in Ukraine during the night of Thursday to Friday, according to Ukrainian authorities. This follows a large-scale Russian attack on Kyiv earlier in the week which killed at least 30 people and injured around 100 others. In response to the attacks, Ukraine conducted missile strikes on Belgorod in Russia, causing a fire at an energy facility and killing one woman, according to Russian media. The overnight strike on the city of Romny in the Sumy region hit a residential building, killing two women and injuring a man, reported regional administrator Oleh Hryhorov via Telegram. Another seven people were injured in a missile strike on Kryvyj Rih, according to military city administrator Oleksandr Vilkul. In Kyiv, teams discovered three more dead bodies during the night, bringing the total number of victims to 30, according to Reuters citing Ukrainian health authorities. Kyiv's military administrator Tymur Tkačenko stated that the attack injured 99 people. Moscow claimed the extensive attack was a response to Ukrainian strikes on Russian energy infrastructure, including those carried

Multiple witnesses corona investigation are threatened again
Multiple witnesses who testified before the parliamentary inquiry into the coronavirus crisis in the Netherlands are being threatened again, according to the commission. This follows recent testimonies where witnesses reported experiencing threats during the pandemic. Commission chairperson Daan de Kort condemned the behavior as unacceptable and stated they are working with police and security services to address the issue. Witnesses called by the commission are legally required to appear and testify under oath, and the threats undermine the integrity of the process. Several individuals, including former members of the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), have previously spoken about receiving threats during the pandemic. Former Justice Minister Ferd Grapperhaus was heavily protected due to frequent threats, and concerns were raised about whether scientists feel safe enough to speak openly.

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.
Crisis in Drenthe: BBB drains another deputy who is trying to solve the nitrogen crisis
The article reports on the ongoing nitrogen crisis in Drenthe, Netherlands, highlighting the political challenges faced by the BBB (Bijzonder Belangrijk Betrokken) party. It mentions that another deputy has been removed due to their efforts to address the issue, suggesting continued internal struggles within the party. The focus is on the environmental concerns related to nitrogen emissions affecting local ecosystems and agriculture.
Cabinet calls for rapid transition to European cloud services
The Dutch government has announced plans to transition quickly to European cloud services. This move comes amid growing concerns about data security and privacy, particularly regarding reliance on non-European providers. The initiative aims to ensure that sensitive government data is stored and processed within Europe, aligning with broader efforts to strengthen digital sovereignty. The shift is expected to involve significant investment and collaboration with European technology companies. This decision reflects a strategic effort to reduce dependency on foreign cloud infrastructure.
Calling Erdogan a dictator is not appreciated as a joke
The article titled 'Erdogan dictator noemen? Dat wordt ook als grap niet gewaardeerd' by Trouw discusses the controversy surrounding the use of the term 'dictator' to describe Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. The piece highlights how such labeling is increasingly viewed negatively, even in informal contexts, reflecting broader societal and political tensions regarding Turkey's leadership under Erdoğan. It suggests that the term has become so contentious that it is no longer accepted as a joke or light-hearted remark, indicating a shift in public perception and discourse around his governance. The article implies that this change reflects growing criticism of Erdoğan's authoritarian tendencies and the impact of his policies on Turkish society.
Van Zutphen resigns as national ombudsman
The article reports that Van Zutphen has decided to step down from his role as the National Ombudsman. The National Ombudsman is an independent official responsible for addressing complaints against the government and ensuring accountability. This decision may have significant implications for the oversight mechanisms within the Dutch government. Van Zutphen’s departure could lead to a transition period during which a new individual will be appointed to assume the responsibilities of the position. The reasons behind his resignation were not detailed in the provided text.
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.
Het CDA probeert voorzichtig wat religieuze veren af te schudden
The Christian Democratic Appeal (CDA), a Dutch political party with Christian democratic roots, is reportedly attempting to distance itself from certain religious aspects. This move suggests a strategic effort to modernize the party's image or appeal to a broader electorate by reducing overtly religious references in its policies or messaging.
Nitrogen plans Cabinet assured of House majority: Pro 'finally sees a step forward'
The Dutch government has secured a parliamentary majority for its nitrogen reduction plans, which aim to address environmental concerns related to nitrogen emissions. This development marks a significant step forward for the government, as it ensures the plan can proceed despite previous opposition. The plans involve measures to reduce nitrogen pollution, primarily from agriculture, which has been a contentious issue in the Netherlands. Environmental groups and some political parties had previously criticized the government's approach, but this new support indicates a shift in political consensus. The outcome could lead to changes in agricultural practices and land use across the country.
Peter Berdowski: Hoe Nederland verstrikt raakte in de eigen torenhoge klimaatambities
The article discusses Peter Berdowski's critique of the Netherlands' ambitious climate goals, arguing that the country has become entangled in its own high expectations. Berdowski, a former minister and energy expert, questions whether these targets are realistic and highlights potential challenges in achieving them. The piece explores the tension between national ambitions and practical implementation, including issues related to energy transition, economic impact, and international commitments. It raises concerns about whether the Netherlands is setting itself up for failure by pursuing overly aggressive climate policies without sufficient planning or support.

Loss-making Twente Airport finally goes to a group of regional entrepreneurs
The Dutch regional airport Twente Airport, which has been operating at a loss since its reopening in 2017, is set to be transferred to a group of local entrepreneurs. The province of Overijssel has agreed to lease the airport to these entrepreneurs, ending its co-ownership. The airport, located in Enschede, continues to operate under provincial and municipal ownership but faces financial challenges. The province will still contribute to the renovation of the runway, costing around 10 million euros, with Overijssel covering 5.7 million euros. Local entrepreneurs will cover a third of the costs, while the municipality will also provide funding. Coalition parties GroenLinks and PvdA initially opposed further public investment but eventually supported the plan on condition that the entrepreneurs provide 3 million euros in initial capital. The entrepreneurs aim to rent the airport initially and eventually become owners within a few years. The airport primarily serves business flights, long-term aircraft parking, disassembly of old planes, and test flights, with military exercises conducted there. Vacation flights are not planned due to cost concerns.
Hantavirus outbreak is over, says WHO
The World Health Organization has stated that the outbreak of hantavirus is over. Hantavirus is a viral disease that can cause severe respiratory issues and is typically transmitted through contact with rodent droppings or urine. The organization likely made this statement after assessing the situation and confirming that there are no further cases or risks of transmission. This conclusion comes after a period of concern and monitoring by health authorities.
Overlooked
Under-reported & one-sided