Annual Meeting
DATE
LOCATION
HOSTS
Dear colleagues and guests,
As host of the annual CEN-CENELEC meetings, we at NEN are looking forward to your arrival in the Netherlands. We are keen to welcome you to Amsterdam!
NEN was founded in 1916, and in 2016 we celebrated our centenary and were awarded the designation ‘Royal’. This honour is bestowed in the Netherlands on organisations with more than 100 employees that have been in existence for at least 100 years and are important players in their field. NEN is one of only a few standardisation institutes in the world that can draw on more than 100 years of experience. Over those 100 years, the world has gradually changed and become more digitized, efficient and sustainable. The process of standardization has made a major and positive contribution to this transformation.
Standards play a crucial role in modern economies. They are vital for international trade, stimulate innovation, facilitate compatibility, improve quality assurance and promote fair competition. By using standards, organizations can take advantage of these benefits both for themselves and for society.
Our main task, as we see it, is to bring parties and stakeholders together in national and/or international standards committees in order to reach agreements, at both national and international level. In addition, we regard it as our mission to encourage the use of standards by providing training in which we draw attention to the application and use of standards.
We also hope to forge international connections during the upcoming annual meeting because, although these days we are perfectly capable of coming together virtually, there is nothing like face-to-face meetings. You get to know each other better, and this creates more trust. This in turn is a good basis for even better collaboration and knowledge sharing, enabling us to achieve fine results together.
Over the years to come, we believe that standardisation institutes will have a big role to play in the field of Artificial Intelligence. This development affects society as a whole. The pace of technological change in the AI landscape calls for appropriate standards, ones that stimulate innovation and help increase confidence and acceptance in relation to AI technologies by addressing concerns and ensuring ethical and responsible applications.
The Netherlands is at the forefront of digital transformation. But the Netherlands, and more specifically Amsterdam, also has a rich history. Please allow us to introduce it to you. The locations we will welcome you to in the heart of Amsterdam all have their own story.
As host, we will do our utmost to make your time in Amsterdam memorable, with the focus on meetings in person between people who work on important issues that contribute to society.
Dear Delegates,
We are delighted to welcome you to the CEN and CENELEC Annual Meeting 2024. We look forward to meeting once again all Members of our community in Amsterdam in June!
First of all, we would like to extend our gratitude to our host, the Royal Netherlands Standardization Institute (NEN), for organizing this timely gathering. As one of the oldest standardization institutes in Europe, NEN has been an integral part of the standardization world for over a century and is an excellent example of the adaptability and versatility through which a reliable European Standardization System can support our rapidly changing world.
2024 is a pivotal year in many ways for our community. Standardization plays a critical role in answering many of the challenges our society and our continent are facing. It is not a small task: fostering a competitive, innovative, and inclusive economy, ensuring the future of a green, digital, and resilient Single Market, and successfully navigating the green and digital transitions, are just some of the goals which need modern, reactive, and inclusive solutions.
We, as European Standardization Organizations, have what it takes to help.
The challenging times we are living give our community an opportunity to reflect, during our Annual Meeting in Amsterdam, on our most recent developments in terms of reorganization and results achieved and to decide together on the way forward. When looking at Europe’s current and future development plans and its international relations, its labour market and its international relations, European standards are a crucial part of the solution, thanks to a robust, inclusive, and consensus-driven standardization system that is unique in the world.
2024 is also crucial as the European Union has a chance to revitalize its institutions and set its policy priorities with the approaching European elections. We are eager to work with the new institutions and improve our collaboration and continue to promote standards as the best tool to support the EU’s priorities.
During our few days together, will have the chance to discuss our collaboration with the new European institutions following the elections. We will also assess how the implementation of our joint Strategy 2030 is progressing, so that we reach our goal of ensuring our organizations are more responsive, inclusive, and sustainable.
Furthermore, as the European Year of Skills continues in 2024, we will discuss ways of drawing the attention of the younger generations to the value of standards and making sure they have the right skills to help create a better, brighter future. Finally, we will proactively consider the events involving us – such as the recent ECJ judgment and its expected impact on our system.
Together, we will have the opportunity to exchange and explore how we can improve our system and continue offering up to date and inclusive solutions to the industry and society.
Our rapidly changing world offers a lot of possibilities, and the future is full of promise! Let us come together as a community and ensure that we create a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable future for all.
We look forward to seeing you all in Amsterdam!
Dear CEN and CENELEC Members and Partners,
I am happy to welcome you to the 2024 CEN and CENELEC Annual Meeting in Amsterdam! I would first like to thank our lovely host, the Royal Netherlands Standardization Institute (NEN), its CEO, Stefan Meeusen, and the organizing team for making this event possible.
2024 is a key year for several reasons. Now more than ever, European standards are evolving together with the needs of European citizens and businesses. Prioritizing the green and digital transition, ensuring a competitive, inclusive, and innovative economy are the focus points. We are committed to reaching the goals set out in our joint Strategy 2030, which is closely aligned with the European Standardization Strategy.
Together with our Members and Partners, we are relentlessly attuning our system to meet the high expectations from standards users and customers to ensure the sustainability of the European standardization system and to contribute to the resilience of the European economy.
Let us make the most of this year’s CEN and CENELEC Annual Meeting and take the opportunity to engage, learn, share experiences and opinions, and provide input and feedback to our dynamic Organizations.
The Annual Meeting is at the heart of our community. It allows us to come together, celebrate our achievements, imagine our future, and decide on the best way forward.
I am excited about this opportunity to grow together, and I look forward to seeing you all in Amsterdam!
CAs Welcome lunch *
Common session of CEN and CENELEC Boards
(Restricted to CEN and CENELEC Board Members) *
Common session of CEN and CENELEC Boards
(Restricted to CEN and CENELEC Board Members) *
Lunch*
CEN Board Meeting
(Restricted to CEN Board Members) *
Coffee break*
CENELEC Board meeting
(Restricted to CENELEC Board Members) *
Welcome Cocktail *
Head of Delegation session
(Restricted to Heads of Delegation and Alternates) *
Lunch Break
(all AGs participants welcome) *
16th Common Session of CEN and CENELEC General Assemblies*
Gala Dinner*
60th CEN General Assembly*
Coffee break
66th CENELEC General Assembly*
Lunch*
CEN Extraordinary General Assembly*
Coffee break
CENELEC Extraordinary General Assembly*
CAs Welcome lunch *
Common session of CEN and CENELEC Boards
(Restricted to CEN and CENELEC Board Members) *
Common session of CEN and CENELEC Boards
(Restricted to CEN and CENELEC Board Members) *
Lunch*
CEN Board Meeting
(Restricted to CEN Board Members) *
Coffee break*
CENELEC Board meeting
(Restricted to CENELEC Board Members) *
Welcome Cocktail *
Head of Delegation session
(Restricted to Heads of Delegation and Alternates) *
Lunch Break
(all AGs participants welcome) *
16th Common Session of CEN and CENELEC General Assemblies*
Gala Dinner*
60th CEN General Assembly*
Coffee break
66th CENELEC General Assembly*
Lunch*
CEN Extraordinary General Assembly*
Coffee break
CENELEC Extraordinary General Assembly*
Address: Rusland 17, 1012 CK Amsterdam
Distance to venue: 12 min. walk; 10 min. by public transport: 7 min walk to station Nieuwmarkt (metro 51, direction Isolatorweg) > get off at Waterlooplein and 4 min walk to H’ART
Rate: 370/night (single), 397,50/night (double) (incl. VAT/ excl. taxes & fees)
Deadline for cancellation free of charge: 7 days before the check-in date
Booking queries: eventplanning.amsterdam@radissonblu.com
Book here
Address: Amstel 144, 1017 AE Amsterdam
Distance to venue: 5 min. walk
Special offer: 20% discount on the best available rates.
Deadline for cancellation free of charge: 7 days before the check-in date
Booking queries: group.amsterdam@edenhotels.nl
Book here
Address: Zaventemweg 3, 1043 EH Amsterdam
Distance to venue: 35-40 min. by public transport: Train from Amsterdam Sloterdijk to Amsterdam Central Station (5 min) > metro 51 (direction Isolatorweg) or metro 54 (direction Gein) (2 min) > get off at Waterlooplein and walk 4 min to H’ART
Rate: Standard room: 129/night (single), 139/night (double); upgrade: 159/night (single), 169/night (double); (incl. VAT/excl. taxes & fees)
Deadline for cancellation free of charge: 30 days before the check-in date
Booking queries: groups@tvhg.com
Book here
Address: Pieter Cornelisz Hooftstraat 2, 1071 BX Amsterdam
Distance to venue: 25 min. walk; 20-25 min. by public transport: 4 min walk to Rijksmuseum station > Tram 1 (direction Muiderpoortstation) > Get off at Frederiksplein and walk 12 min to H’ART
Rate: 229/night (single), 249/night (double) (incl. VAT/excl. taxes & fees)
Deadline for cancellation free of charge: 14 days before the check-in date
Booking queries: business.groups@leonardo-hotels.nl
Book here
Address: La Guardiaweg 59, 1043 DE Amsterdam
Distance to venue: 35-40 min. by public transport: Train from Amsterdam Sloterdijk to Amsterdam Central Station (5 min) > metro 51 (direction Isolatorweg) or metro 54 (direction Gein) (2 min) > get off at Waterlooplein and walk 4 min to H’ART
Rate: 189/night (single) / 209/night (double) (incl. VAT/excl. taxes & fees)
Deadline for cancellation free of charge: 7 days before the check-in date
Booking queries: eventplanning.amsterdam@parkinn.com
book here
Address: Tesselschadestraat 23, 1054 ET Amsterdam
Distance to venue: 30 min. walk; 20-30 min. by public transport: 7 min walk to Leidseplein station > Trams 12 or 2 (direction Central Station) > get off at Koningsplein and walk 15 min to H’ART
Rate: 215/night (single) / 235/night (double) (incl. VAT/excl. taxes & fees)
Deadline for cancellation free of charge: 14 days before the check-in date
Booking queries: business.groups@leonardo-hotels.nl
book here
H’ART Museum - Auditorium
Address: Amstel 51, 1018 DR Amsterdam
H’ART Museum Amsterdam runs major art exhibitions in conjunction with the British Museum in London, Centre Pompidou in Paris and the Smithsonian American Art Museum.
Previously named Hermitage Museum, in September 2023 it was rebranded as the H’ART Museum. It is spectacularly located on the banks of the river Amstel in the Amstelhof building, which was built in 1682. This former old people’s home has been converted into a magnificent exhibition-meeting space.
Distance to:
- Welcome cocktail: at the same location
- Gala dinner: 23 min walk/12 min public transfer. Boat shuttles will be arranged from different locations.
website
H’ART Museum - Church Hall
The welcome cocktail will be held in the Church Hall of the H'ART Museum, the most special room with perhaps the most beautiful view of the Amstel River.
Wereldmuseum
Address: Linnaeusstraat 2 1092 CK Amsterdam
The Gala dinner will take place at the Wereldmuseum Amsterdam, the museum is located in an impressive national monument. It was built in 1926 and is located on the Oosterpark. The impressive central Light Hall offers a wide view of what the museum has to offer: three permanent exhibitions, several temporary exhibitions and Wereldmuseum Junior.
The Museum is one of the largest museums in Amsterdam; it accommodates permanent exhibitions and an ongoing series of temporary exhibitions, including contemporary, modern and traditional visual arts and photographic works. The museum is part of the Nationaal Museum van Wereldculturen (Museum of World Cultures), a combination of three ethnographic museums in the Netherlands.
Boat pick-up locations for the gala dinner:
- in front of the H’ART (Amstel 51) – Sailing between 18:00-18:30
- Radisson Blu hotel (Kloveniersburgwal) – Sailing between 18:15 - 18:45
Boats are foreseen from the Tropenmuseum (Mauritskade at the level of Pillows Hotel) at the end of the gala dinner back to the Central Station (in front of the Double Tree Hotel) and the Radisson Blu Amsterdam (Kloveniersburgwal)
In case you would like to use public transport:
- From Central Station: tram 14 (stop Alexanderplein)
- From Sloterdijk: tram 19 (stop Eerste van Swindenstraat)
- From Muiderpoort station: tram 3 (stop Linnaeusstraat)
- From Leidseplein: tram 7 (stop Alexanderplein)
- From the water: Canal Bus and Artis Expressboat
website
The Anne Frank House was established on 3 May 1957 in cooperation with Otto Frank, Anne Frank’s father.
The Anne Frank House is located in the city centre of Amsterdam, at Prinsengracht 263-267. The entrance to the museum is around the corner, at Westermarkt 20. It is a 20-minute walk from Amsterdam Central Station. Alternatively, take tram 13 or 17 and get off at the Westermarkt stop. It is a 10-minute walk from Dam Square. You can take all the time you need for your visit. On average, a visit takes an hour.
website
A’DAM LOOKOUT is an observation deck with an unrivalled panoramic view of Amsterdam. You’ll see the city’s historical centre, its pulsating port, the unique Dutch polder landscape and you’ll spot the famous canals which belong to the UNESCO World Heritage list. Complementing the experience is a state-of-the-art interactive exhibition and free audio tour about Amsterdam’s history and culture. A’DAM LOOKOUT is located on top of the A’DAM Tower in Amsterdam North.
website
The Rijksmuseum is the museum of the Netherlands. It tells the story of 800 years of Dutch history from 1200 to the present. They also organize several exhibitions per year from their own collection and with (inter)national loans.
There’s something for everyone at the Rijksmuseum. From guided tours to family games, workshops and theatre programmes. If you’re visiting for the first time, how about taking The best of the Rijksmuseum tour? During school holidays, they arrange special activities for young people, like a Escape Game.
website
Home to the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, the Stedelijk Museum and The Royal Concertgebouw, Museumplein is the cultural beating heart of Amsterdam. Recently renovated to a world-class standard, the leafy and architecturally astounding 19th-century district of Oud-Zuid is an art lover’s utopia. The open square between the buildings pulses with activity all day, with open-air exhibitions, markets and a large paddling pool to dip your toes into on warmer days. In the winter months, the square transforms with a vast outdoor ice rink. Get free entry to more than 70 museums with the I amsterdam City Card.
The Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam is one of the oldest botanic gardens in the world. Today, there are more than 4,000 plant species growing in the garden and greenhouses. The Hortus is located in the Plantage district in the hectic center of Amsterdam. Behind the 300-year-old gates, however, the bustle of the city seems to disappear.
The Hortus is open every day from 10 am to 5 pm (in summer it is open until 9 pm, only on Thursdays and Sundays). Please note: the Hortus is a pin-only location, so you can’t pay with cash at the entrance, store or restaurant.
website
Public transport | Travel advice www.9292.nl
Taxi TCA | www.tcataxi.nl
Radisson Blu hotel, Amsterdam City Center
located at Rusland 17, Amsterdam
On foot
The hotel is 1.2 km from the station. It is a 15-minute walk.
By metro
Metro lines 51, 53, and 54 will take you to Nieuwmarkt metro station. The hotel is 450 meters away.
H’ART Museum
located at Amstel 51, Amsterdam
Public transport
- Tram 14: stop Waterlooplein.
- Metro 51, 53 and 54: stop Waterlooplein. Use exit Hortusplantsoen.
Car/bus/taxi
Cars, buses and taxis cannot stop in front of H’ART Museum. Are you being brought by car or taxi? Please use the address Nieuwe Keizersgracht 1, that will bring you to the raised access pole, which it is a one-minute walk to the museum entrance.
Wereldmuseum Amsterdam
Located at Linnaeusstraat 2, Amsterdam
https://amsterdam.wereldmuseum.nl/en
Public transport
- From Central Station: tram 14 (stop Alexanderplein)
- From Sloterdijk: tram 19 (stop Eerste van Swindenstraat)
- From Muiderpoort station: tram 3 (stop Linnaeusstraat)
- From Leidseplein: tram 7 (stop Alexanderplein)
- From the water: Canal Bus and Artis Expressboat
Public transport | Travel advice www.9292.nl
Taxi TCA | www.tcataxi.nl
Amsterdam is the capital of the Netherlands. These days the city has a population of just over 790.000 inhabitants and is the largest city in the country. It is very unique for its large and untouched historical centre. It has a rich architectural history, dominated by water. It is a meeting point for all different cultures around the world and has a welcoming attitude towards visitors. It is a beautiful and romantic city with its antique houses, lovely bridges, famous canals and of course the list of world class attractions!
Getting to the city centre
Getting to Amsterdam city centre from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol couldn’t be easier. You can travel by train, bus, taxi or rental car from the airport. Alternatively, you can get someone to pick you up. Heading to Amsterdam? Whether you travel by train, bus or taxi, you’ll be in the capital in no time. Check all your options here.
With 9292, you can plan all your trips by train, bus, metro, tram, and ferry. Need to travel by bicycle, electric bicycle / scooter or a rental bike? It can include that in your travel advice as well. Enter your trip from A to B and it will immediately show you up-to-date travel information for all public transport in the Netherlands. In case of any changes, it will show you an alternative travel advice. Plan your trip here.
Public transport in Amsterdam is cashless. Simply check in with your Debit or Credit Card or save money on travel with the I amsterdam City Card, which offers unlimited use of Amsterdam's public transport system for 24, 48 or 72 hours.
Getting around
Once you arrive in Amsterdam, you'll find everything is close by. Hotels, venues, restaurants and attractions are all connected by modern and efficient public transport system and your travel time will rarely exceed 30-45 minutes. Trams, buses, metro, ferries, and, of course, cycle lanes make getting to all corners of the city hassle free.
Things to do
Amsterdam boasts a packed cultural agenda, helping you to make the most of each day of your visit. Venues like the Royal Concertgebouw, the Dutch National Opera and Ballet and the International Theatre Amsterdam are highly regarded for their world-class performances. Taking a canal cruise is considered a ‘must do’ for first-time visitors. Canal cruises can include drinks and/or dinner.
The I amsterdam City Card
The I amsterdam City Card is your all-access ticket to major highlights and more than 70 museums, public transport, a canal cruise and bicycle hire. You can save money and get exclusive discounts at restaurants, attractions and concerts. You can order a City Card here.
Shopping
Amsterdam has a diverse selection of retail options. For luxury stores, head to De Bijenkorf department store on Dam Square, or the PC Hooftstraat for designer names. High street brands are easily found in Kalverstraat near Dam Square or wander around the De 9 Straatjes (Nine Streets) for an eclectic collection of boutiques, independent brands and vintage treasures. Alternatively, hop on a train to Batavia Stad Fashion Outlet.
Language
Dutch is the only official language of the Netherlands. English is widely spoken in Amsterdam and throughout the Netherlands, with approximately 90% of the population speaking it at a level comparable to that of a native speaker.
Electrical voltage
The power supply in the Netherlands is 230 volts. To be more specific: 220-240 volts AC (Alternating Current), 50-60 hertz. The same voltage is used over the rest of Europe
Dutch currency
As in most European countries, the currency of the Netherlands is the Euro (symbolised as EUR or €). Other currencies are normally not accepted, so be sure to change dollars, etc. at one of the currency exchange offices located throughout the city. Many shops and restaurants in Amsterdam accept credit cards, but not all. It is therefore recommended to either ask before you order or ensure you have a sufficient amount in cash to cover the bill. Most shops and restaurants do not accept €200 or €500 notes.
Tipping
Service is always included. It is however customary to tip in restaurants, bars and when paying for taxis. As a general rule tipping between 5 and 10% is acceptable.
Most common payment methods
The Netherlands is a very modern country. You can pay with cash or a debit card and often with your phone via NFC, Apple Pay, or Google Wallet.
Although there is a strong rise of 'pin only' stores in our country, more than three quarters of all stores, pubs, bars, and accommodation offer the option to pay in cash. Nevertheless, it’s always a good idea to check this in advance.
Emergency number
You should call 112 for urgent assistance in life-threatening situations or if you witness a crime. The number can be used to report emergencies of various types, such as a road accident, a fire or an intruder, where every second counts. This toll-free emergency number can be used in all EU member states. The operator who answers will immediately alert the appropriate emergency service: the fire brigade, police or ambulance service.
Internet
If you are a guest of a hotel, you can often use their wireless internet. And more and more cafés are now also offering wireless internet, which you can access with your own laptop or phone. Some places offer this service free of charge, while in others you have to pay. If you don´t have a laptop you can use one of the internet cafes in the city.
Embassies
Embassies and other diplomatic missions, such as consulates represent the government of a country in another (host) country. A government can help its citizens abroad through its foreign missions within limited possibilities. You can find the alphabetical overview of all countries and regions here.
Water in Amsterdam
You can drink water from tap everywhere in the Netherlands. And it is much cheaper than buying bottled water in the supermarket.
How safe is Amsterdam for tourists?
Amsterdam is considered one of the safest destinations for tourists. However, it is always wise to exercise caution and take necessary precautions to ensure a smooth and secure trip.
Covid measures
The Government of the Netherlands has decided to lift all travel restrictions related to coronavirus.
Public transport | Travel advice www.9292.nl
Taxi TCA | www.tcataxi.nl
Radisson Blu hotel, Amsterdam City Center
located at Rusland 17, Amsterdam
On foot
The hotel is 1.2 km from the station. It is a 15-minute walk.
By metro
Metro lines 51, 53, and 54 will take you to Nieuwmarkt metro station. The hotel is 450 meters away.
H’ART Museum
located at Amstel 51, Amsterdam
Public transport
- Tram 14: stop Waterlooplein.
- Metro 51, 53 and 54: stop Waterlooplein. Use exit Hortusplantsoen.
Car/bus/taxi
Cars, buses and taxis cannot stop in front of H’ART Museum. Are you being brought by car or taxi? Please use the address Nieuwe Keizersgracht 1, that will bring you to the raised access pole, which it is a one-minute walk to the museum entrance.
Wereldmuseum Amsterdam
Located at Linnaeusstraat 2, Amsterdam
https://amsterdam.wereldmuseum.nl/en
Public transport
- From Central Station: tram 14 (stop Alexanderplein)
- From Sloterdijk: tram 19 (stop Eerste van Swindenstraat)
- From Muiderpoort station: tram 3 (stop Linnaeusstraat)
- From Leidseplein: tram 7 (stop Alexanderplein)
- From the water: Canal Bus and Artis Expressboat
Public transport | Travel advice www.9292.nl
Taxi TCA | www.tcataxi.nl
Amsterdam is the capital of the Netherlands. These days the city has a population of just over 790.000 inhabitants and is the largest city in the country. It is very unique for its large and untouched historical centre. It has a rich architectural history, dominated by water. It is a meeting point for all different cultures around the world and has a welcoming attitude towards visitors. It is a beautiful and romantic city with its antique houses, lovely bridges, famous canals and of course the list of world class attractions!
Getting to the city centre
Getting to Amsterdam city centre from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol couldn’t be easier. You can travel by train, bus, taxi or rental car from the airport. Alternatively, you can get someone to pick you up. Heading to Amsterdam? Whether you travel by train, bus or taxi, you’ll be in the capital in no time. Check all your options here.
With 9292, you can plan all your trips by train, bus, metro, tram, and ferry. Need to travel by bicycle, electric bicycle / scooter or a rental bike? It can include that in your travel advice as well. Enter your trip from A to B and it will immediately show you up-to-date travel information for all public transport in the Netherlands. In case of any changes, it will show you an alternative travel advice. Plan your trip here.
Public transport in Amsterdam is cashless. Simply check in with your Debit or Credit Card or save money on travel with the I amsterdam City Card, which offers unlimited use of Amsterdam's public transport system for 24, 48 or 72 hours.
Getting around
Once you arrive in Amsterdam, you'll find everything is close by. Hotels, venues, restaurants and attractions are all connected by modern and efficient public transport system and your travel time will rarely exceed 30-45 minutes. Trams, buses, metro, ferries, and, of course, cycle lanes make getting to all corners of the city hassle free.
Things to do
Amsterdam boasts a packed cultural agenda, helping you to make the most of each day of your visit. Venues like the Royal Concertgebouw, the Dutch National Opera and Ballet and the International Theatre Amsterdam are highly regarded for their world-class performances. Taking a canal cruise is considered a ‘must do’ for first-time visitors. Canal cruises can include drinks and/or dinner.
The I amsterdam City Card
The I amsterdam City Card is your all-access ticket to major highlights and more than 70 museums, public transport, a canal cruise and bicycle hire. You can save money and get exclusive discounts at restaurants, attractions and concerts. You can order a City Card here.
Shopping
Amsterdam has a diverse selection of retail options. For luxury stores, head to De Bijenkorf department store on Dam Square, or the PC Hooftstraat for designer names. High street brands are easily found in Kalverstraat near Dam Square or wander around the De 9 Straatjes (Nine Streets) for an eclectic collection of boutiques, independent brands and vintage treasures. Alternatively, hop on a train to Batavia Stad Fashion Outlet.
Language
Dutch is the only official language of the Netherlands. English is widely spoken in Amsterdam and throughout the Netherlands, with approximately 90% of the population speaking it at a level comparable to that of a native speaker.
Electrical voltage
The power supply in the Netherlands is 230 volts. To be more specific: 220-240 volts AC (Alternating Current), 50-60 hertz. The same voltage is used over the rest of Europe
Dutch currency
As in most European countries, the currency of the Netherlands is the Euro (symbolised as EUR or €). Other currencies are normally not accepted, so be sure to change dollars, etc. at one of the currency exchange offices located throughout the city. Many shops and restaurants in Amsterdam accept credit cards, but not all. It is therefore recommended to either ask before you order or ensure you have a sufficient amount in cash to cover the bill. Most shops and restaurants do not accept €200 or €500 notes.
Tipping
Service is always included. It is however customary to tip in restaurants, bars and when paying for taxis. As a general rule tipping between 5 and 10% is acceptable.
Most common payment methods
The Netherlands is a very modern country. You can pay with cash or a debit card and often with your phone via NFC, Apple Pay, or Google Wallet.
Although there is a strong rise of 'pin only' stores in our country, more than three quarters of all stores, pubs, bars, and accommodation offer the option to pay in cash. Nevertheless, it’s always a good idea to check this in advance.
Emergency number
You should call 112 for urgent assistance in life-threatening situations or if you witness a crime. The number can be used to report emergencies of various types, such as a road accident, a fire or an intruder, where every second counts. This toll-free emergency number can be used in all EU member states. The operator who answers will immediately alert the appropriate emergency service: the fire brigade, police or ambulance service.
Internet
If you are a guest of a hotel, you can often use their wireless internet. And more and more cafés are now also offering wireless internet, which you can access with your own laptop or phone. Some places offer this service free of charge, while in others you have to pay. If you don´t have a laptop you can use one of the internet cafes in the city.
Embassies
Embassies and other diplomatic missions, such as consulates represent the government of a country in another (host) country. A government can help its citizens abroad through its foreign missions within limited possibilities. You can find the alphabetical overview of all countries and regions here.
Water in Amsterdam
You can drink water from tap everywhere in the Netherlands. And it is much cheaper than buying bottled water in the supermarket.
How safe is Amsterdam for tourists?
Amsterdam is considered one of the safest destinations for tourists. However, it is always wise to exercise caution and take necessary precautions to ensure a smooth and secure trip.
Covid measures
The Government of the Netherlands has decided to lift all travel restrictions related to coronavirus.
Should you have any question about these meetings, please contact governance@cencenelec.eu