Twee Panden Gekraakt in Het Centrum
- Amsterdam, 2025-03-17 – Aktiegroep Nieuwmarkt, an activist group known for its opposition to housing demolitions in the 1970s to make way for a metro line, has resurfaced. The...
- The group announced their action in a letter to residents of Bianca Castafioreplein, a small square nestled between Verversstraat and the Zwanenburgwal canal.
- This declaration signals a renewed commitment to addressing vacant properties and advocating for housing access in the neighborhood.
Aktiegroep Nieuwmarkt Reclaims Amsterdam Buildings amid Housing Concerns
Table of Contents
- Aktiegroep Nieuwmarkt Reclaims Amsterdam Buildings amid Housing Concerns
- Aktiegroep Nieuwmarkt Reclaims Amsterdam Buildings: A Q&A on Squatting and Housing Concerns
- What is Aktiegroep Nieuwmarkt and why have they resurfaced?
- Why is there a housing shortage in Amsterdam?
- What is squatting and why is it happening in Amsterdam?
- Is squatting legal in Amsterdam?
- What is Ymere’s role in this situation?
- What happened in the Nieuwmarkt neighborhood in the past?
- What other groups are involved in the squatting movement in amsterdam?
- What are the potential consequences of the resurgence of Aktiegroep Nieuwmarkt?
- Key Takeaways: Squatting in Amsterdam
Amsterdam, 2025-03-17 – Aktiegroep Nieuwmarkt, an activist group known for its opposition to housing demolitions in the 1970s to make way for a metro line, has resurfaced. The group has occupied a building on the Zwanenburgwal, reigniting the debate around squatting in Amsterdam adn the city’s ongoing housing shortage.
The group announced their action in a letter to residents of Bianca Castafioreplein, a small square nestled between Verversstraat and the Zwanenburgwal canal.
“Na 50 jaar is Aktiegroep Nieuwmarkt eindelijk terug! Leegstand is een misdaad die Ymere begaat.dat laten we in onze buurt niet meer gebeuren! Iedereen in deze buurt kent wel iemand die verlegen zit om een woonruimte. Kraken gaat door!”
This declaration signals a renewed commitment to addressing vacant properties and advocating for housing access in the neighborhood. The act of squatting is presented as a direct response to perceived inaction by housing corporations like Ymere.
Second Building Squatted
Law enforcement has confirmed that a second building on Keizersgracht has also been squatted. The identity of the group behind this second occupation remains unclear.Authorities have not apprehended anyone in either case, as the squats were not discovered while in progress. As of now, no formal complaints have been filed by the property owners.
Past Context of Squatting in Amsterdam
The recent actions by Aktiegroep Nieuwmarkt echo a long history of squatting in Amsterdam. The 1960s saw the rise of the squatting movement, fueled by urban development projects and a severe housing shortage. Protests led to the establishment of squats in areas like Nieuwmarkt. One notable example is Het fort van Sjakoo, which has as been legalized and now operates as a cultural center and leftist bookstore.
Squatting Today
Despite changes in legislation and urban development, squatting remains a relevant issue in Amsterdam. Online platforms like radar.squat.net list various groups and events related to the squatting community, including Actiegroep Niet te Koop, Anarchist group amsterdam, OCCII, FightFamily, Vrankrijk, LAG, and De Drie Duyfjes.
In November 2023,two buildings near Nieuwmarkt were squatted,with the squatters citing the housing crisis,the International day against Sexist and Sexual Violence,solidarity with Palestinian comrades,and anger over the rise of fascism in the Netherlands as their motivations.
The future of Squatting
The resurgence of Aktiegroep Nieuwmarkt highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding housing availability and affordability in Amsterdam. Whether these actions will lead to broader changes in housing policy or further confrontations remains to be seen. The situation underscores the complex relationship between activism, property rights, and the right to housing in a densely populated urban environment.
Aktiegroep Nieuwmarkt Reclaims Amsterdam Buildings: A Q&A on Squatting and Housing Concerns
This article explores the resurgence of Aktiegroep Nieuwmarkt, an activist group known for its history of squatting in Amsterdam, and delves into the broader context of squatting, housing shortages, and activism in the city.
What is Aktiegroep Nieuwmarkt and why have they resurfaced?
Aktiegroep Nieuwmarkt is an activist group with roots in the 1970s, known for opposing housing demolitions during the construction of the Amsterdam metro line. They have resurfaced in 2025, occupying buildings to protest vacancy and advocate for housing access, citing the ongoing housing shortage as a key motivator. Their return signals a renewed commitment to addressing vacant properties and challenging housing policies in Amsterdam.
Why is there a housing shortage in Amsterdam?
Amsterdam faces a chronic hosing shortage due to a combination of factors including:
high Demand: Amsterdam is a popular city to live in, attracting people for its job opportunities, culture, and quality of life.
Limited Space: As a densely populated urban environment, Amsterdam has limited space for new construction.
Construction Delays: Construction projects often face delays due to regulations and other obstacles. In 2023, Amsterdam aimed to build 7,500 new homes but only managed to start construction on over 5,000 ([3]).
Nitrogen Emission Regulations: Recent rulings regarding nitrogen emissions have also exacerbated the housing shortage by halting numerous construction initiatives ([1]).
What is squatting and why is it happening in Amsterdam?
Squatting is the act of occupying abandoned or unoccupied buildings or land without the permission of the owner. In Amsterdam, squatting is often seen as a form of protest against housing shortages and vacant properties.
Key reasons for squatting in Amsterdam include:
Housing Crisis: A severe shortage of affordable housing leaves many with limited options.
Protest Against Vacancy: Activists view vacant properties as a waste of resources when many people are in need of housing.
Historical Context: Squatting has a long history in Amsterdam as a form of activism and resistance.
Social and Political Motivations: Some squatters are motivated by social and political issues, such as solidarity with other movements.
Is squatting legal in Amsterdam?
While squatting has a historical presence in Amsterdam, its legal status has evolved. Changes in legislation have made squatting more tough. As of March 2025,authorities have not made arrests in recent squatting cases because the acts were not discovered while they were in progress,and no formal complaints have been filed by property owners.
What is Ymere’s role in this situation?
Ymere is a housing corporation in Amsterdam that is being targeted by Aktiegroep Nieuwmarkt. The group accuses Ymere of contributing to the housing crisis by allowing properties to remain vacant.
What happened in the Nieuwmarkt neighborhood in the past?
The nieuwmarkt neighborhood has a history of activism and resistance, particularly in relation to urban growth projects.In the 1970s, there were significant protests against the demolition of houses to make way for the metro line. These protests, sometimes referred to as the “Nieuwmarktrellen,” shaped the Amsterdam squatting movement ([2]).
What other groups are involved in the squatting movement in amsterdam?
Besides Aktiegroep Nieuwmarkt, several other groups are active in the squatting movement in Amsterdam. These groups include:
Actiegroep Niet te Koop
Anarchist group Amsterdam
OCCII
FightFamily
Vrankrijk
LAG
De Drie Duyfjes
These groups are listed on platforms like radar.squat.net,which serves as a resource for the squatting community.
What are the potential consequences of the resurgence of Aktiegroep Nieuwmarkt?
The resurgence of Aktiegroep Nieuwmarkt could lead to:
Increased awareness of the housing crisis in Amsterdam.
Further confrontations between activists, property owners, and authorities.
Potential changes in housing policy aimed at addressing vacancy and affordability.
Key Takeaways: Squatting in Amsterdam
| Aspect | Description |
|—————————|—————————————————————————————————————-|
| Aktiegroep Nieuwmarkt | Activist group protesting housing shortages and vacancy. |
| Motivations for squatting | Housing crisis, protest against vacant properties, historical activism, solidarity and anger over fascism. |
| Legal Status | Evolving laws make squatting challenging; arrests depend on immediate discovery and owner complaints. |
| Housing shortage causes | High demand, limited space, construction delays, nitrogen emission regulations. |
| Groups involved | Actiegroep Niet te Koop, Anarchist group Amsterdam, OCCII, FightFamily, Vrankrijk, LAG, De Drie Duyfjes, and others. |