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Source: Government of the Netherlands

News item | 14-06-2021 | 12:30

Minister Van Veldhoven: “We use our iPhones for only eighteen months on average, while it contains many rare materials. Many ICT products have similar short lifespans and we produce so many of them that the ICT sector already causes over two percent of global carbon emissions. There are more challenges in the mining, production and waste of ICT, both in energy and resource use and in poor worker conditions. I believe we have to change course. That is why I have taken the initiative for the ICT Pact. With this pact we strive towards circular ICT products in a transparent value chain where worker rights are being protected.”

The Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Norway, the United Kingdom, Austria and Switzerland have all signed the pact today, as well as the Circular Innovation Council in Canada. Talks are already underway with several other countries and procuring organizations to join up as well.

Sustainable ICT market

The aim of the pact is to create a network of procurers all contributing to a large, collective demand for circular and fair laptops and smartphones. This in turn helps ICT producers change their business and accelerates new innovations. Together we accelerate the process to a sustainable market. Both procuring organizations and government can join the pact.

Procurers who join commit to buying circular and fair where possible, harmonizing their demand and sharing their experiences. Both public and private procuring organizations are welcome.

Buyer groups

Governments commit to bringing together and supporting ICT procurers within their own country in so-called buyer groups. These groups promote knowledge sharing and a collective market approach. This approach has proven successful in boosting circular procurement success in the Netherlands and Belgium.

The pact further boosts the effectiveness of the buyer groups by supporting knowledge sharing between them and connecting them in an international network. The pact also collects best practices and effective procurement criteria to make things as easy as possible for procurers.

Joining forces

On an international level the pact will support a constructive high level dialogue between procurers and the ICT market. Individually procurers are too small to affect the global ICT industry. The pact makes it possible to bring enough collective demand to the table to help the industry chance. Van Veldhoven: “Only in dialogue with the market can we take ICT from its current niche market into the mainstream. In time this could also make sustainable phones and laptops more readily available to consumers.”

More information in the Circular and Fair ICT Pact and information on how to join the pact can be found on www.CircularAndFairICTPact.com.

Source: Government of the Netherlands

News item | 31-05-2021 | 23:59

The flight ban that expires on 1 June applies to India, South Africa and all countries in Central and South America. Travellers from these countries will still be subject to the EU entry ban after 1 June. This means they may enter the European Union (including the Netherlands) only if they qualify for an exemption.

Quarantine requirement

Travellers from very high risk countries are required to self-quarantine for 10 days on arrival in the Netherlands. This period can be shortened if they test negative after the fifth day. This requirement applies to all modes of transport. Travellers from high-risk ‘orange’ countries must undergo a NAAT (PCR) test, even if they are travelling by car, and are strongly advised to self-quarantine on arrival.

• View the list of very high risk countries.

Travelling from an area where there is a virus variant of concern

Addition to this news report: If you are travelling to the Netherlands from a country where there is a virus variant of concern, you have 2 options:

• You have a negative NAAT (PCR) test result based on a sample collected no more than 24 hours before boarding abroad.
• Or you have the following 2 test results:
  • a negative NAAT (PCR) test result based on a sample collected no more than 72 hours before your arrival in the Netherlands; and
  • a negative rapid test result based on a sample collected no more than 24 hours before boarding abroad.
     

Source: Government of the Netherlands

News item | 26-04-2021 | 13:47

Minister of Infrastructure and Water Management Cora van Nieuwenhuizen introduced the ban at the direction of health minister Hugo de Jonge. Much remains unknown about the Indian mutations. The Dutch government wants to avoid the Netherlands becoming a main point of entry for passengers travelling to the European Union from India. The decision was taken in part at the urgent advice of the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM).

There is already an entry ban in place for non-EU residents. In addition, travellers from high-risk areas are subject to a double test requirement and are strongly advised to self-quarantine upon their arrival in the Netherlands. The ban on passenger flights is an additional precaution. Every week around seven flights from India arrive in the Netherlands. Most passengers on these flights transit through the Netherlands. Dutch nationals in India who are unable to return to the Netherlands are advised to find safe accommodation. There is currently also a ban on passenger flights to the Netherlands from South Africa and from countries in South America. 

Source: Government of the Netherlands

News item | 22-04-2021 | 17:40

Immediately upon his inauguration in January, President Biden stated that the US would once more endorse the Paris climate agreement. US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry announced this during the Climate Adaptation Summit (CAS) in The Hague on 25 and 26 January. Minister Van Nieuwenhuizen, who hosted this conference, co-initiated the Global Commission on Adaptation (GCA) in 2018, with the aim of prioritising the importance of adaptation to climate change on the political agenda.

The Leaders Summit on Climate is focused on, inter alia, gaining momentum on the road to the COP26 climate summit in Glasgow, which is scheduled for November. This is where the new climate plans need to be set down in order to ensure that the Paris agreements remain within reach. In addition, the Summit is garnering attention for the prevention of damage caused by climate change, including sea level rise, especially in vulnerable countries.

Key issues that the Minister will highlight during the session include the plea to bring adaptation funding on a par with mitigation funding, and additional commitment to capacity building and knowledge sharing. She will also go into the role of water, particularly in regions that run the highest risks of being faced with disproportionate consequences of the changing climate.

Minister Van Nieuwenhuizen: ‘Ninety per cent of climate disasters are related to water. Water is a crucial factor in climate adaptation. That is why we must share relevant solutions faster and on a larger scale. That is the only way to change course.’

For that reason, in the build-up to COP26, the Netherlands will join the United Kingdom and the Alliance for Global Water Adaptation to actively make a case for increasing the importance of a focus on water in national adaptation plans.

Following the Climate Adaptation Summit, the Minister’s presence at the Leaders Summit ties in with a series of activities related to the Netherlands’ global commitment to expedite adaptation efforts in the run-up to COP26. Earlier this week, the Minister discussed this with Anne-Marie Trevelyan (UK International Champion on Adaptation and Resilience for the COP26 Presidency). The issue will also be tabled during the Informal Environment Council meeting, where the EU adaptation strategy will be discussed. Bilateral collaboration in the fields of climate adaptation and sustainable mobility will also be enhanced, as was agreed this week in a consultative meeting between the Dutch Minister and her US counterpart, Transportation Secretary Buttigieg.

Source: Government of the Netherlands

News item | 15-04-2021 | 00:01

The circular economy has the potential to account for about 20 percent of the path to achieving the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement. Making the reuse of materials such as plastic mandatory is an important step, says Minister Van Veldhoven. “It should be a matter of course that plastic products are made of recycled plastic. It would be a win-win situation and a tangible example of how the circular economy contributes to achieving the climate goals. We owe it to our children to stop wasting raw materials, and to start reusing materials. Europe is already working on this and I call on other countries to also make recycled materials in production the norm. We should do it for our climate and for a healthy future for us all.”

From plant pots to shampoo bottles

Reusing plastic in new products and packaging has many benefits, starting with the fact that incinerating old plastic and producing new plastic generate CO₂ emissions. Furthermore, the plastic that is recycled and reused will not end up in the environment. And by reusing old plastic, less new plastic needs to be produced. Much new plastic is still made from petroleum so not producing it anymore would also reduce CO₂ emissions.

European proposal

European Union member states are already working towards a setting a mandatory percentage of recycled materials in manufactured products. This proposal – partly thanks to the efforts of the Netherlands – is included in the European Green Deal. The details are currently being worked out for different product groups: food and non-food packaging; the automotive industry; and the construction industry. Van Veldhoven believes that this European initiative should be adopted worldwide. More than 180 Dutch and European companies are leading the way through the Plastic Pact (in Dutch) in which they have pledged that by 2025, 30% of all their new packaging and products will be made of recycled plastic.

Circular economy

The Netherlands is striving to make its economy entirely circular by 2050. The raw materials in the circular economy are continuously reused so that there is no waste. At present, recyclable waste is sometimes incinerated or ends up in landfills. We want this to end completely by 2050. We need to move from a throwaway society to a reuse society that reuses everything from shampoo bottles and office chairs to whole trains. This can be done in several ways, such as smarter design, recycling and reusing. The circular economy avoids environmental pollution and can reduce CO₂ emissions by about 20%. The goal of the World Circular Economy Forum plus climate is to make countries aware of this. The WCEF is an international initiative by the Finnish Innovation Fund Sitra and Finland. The next annual forum will be held on 13-15 September in Canada.

Source: Government of the Netherlands

News item | 30-03-2021 | 16:50

Dutch State Secretary Stientje van Veldhoven (Infrastructure and Water Management): ‘Travelling by train is sustainable and comfortable. It is important for us to join forces on a European scale, in the purview of facilitating international train travel for travellers. For every destination up to a distance of 700 kilometres, the train should constitute an affordable and green alternative. Over the past four years, we have made significant strides in this respect: we have a direct train connection to London, the night train to Vienna is ready to go, and the intercity train to Berlin will take half an hour less with effect from 2024. Nonetheless, it is important that we realise more improvements.’

Facilitating the purchase of tickets

Along with Norway and Switzerland, twenty-five EU member states have united in the Platform on International Rail Passenger Transport. At the start of the European Year of Rail, they have produced several recommendations to promote international train travel. Today, State Secretary Stientje van Veldhoven (Infrastructure and Water Management) is presenting these recommendations during the European digital kick-off of the Year of Rail.

For example, booking international train journeys online must become easier. Furthermore, it is important for timetables in member states to be better aligned and for railway tracks to provide sufficient room for international train connections. The German Trans Europe Express 2.0 initiative, an international rail network intended to connect cities in Europe by a combination of high-speed trains and night trains, could play a significant part in this respect. As regards the Netherlands, this initiative is exploring more efficient connections to Berlin, Frankfurt, Brussels, Paris, Barcelona, London, and Copenhagen.

In addition, the member states have welcomed the European Commission’s proposal to launch fifteen pilot projects involving new and innovative train services. These services are intended to be operational by 2030. The final recommendation of the member states advocates closer collaboration in setting down contracts regarding international train connections.

Ambassador

To underscore the importance of the European Year of Rail, State Secretary Van Veldhoven has appointed former member of the European Parliament Wim van de Camp as an Ambassador. He will be representing the Netherlands at several meetings.

Wim van de Camp (European Year of Rail Ambassador): ‘Great opportunities exist for the European railway sector. Rail transport now accounts for only 7 per cent of travellers and 11 per cent of freight in Europe, whereas it constitutes one of the most sustainable modes of transport. On behalf of the Netherlands, I am firmly committed to promoting this goal this year.’

Because of the Covid-19 situation, many of the meetings will be held online. By the end of the European Year of Rail, the Netherlands intends to organise a railway summit on international passenger traffic, along with Germany, Belgium and Luxembourg.

Source: Government of the Netherlands

News item | 18-05-2022 | 15:39

European fiscal framework

In October 2021, the European Commission launched a consultation on the future of the economic governance framework. Finance ministers have actively engaged through the Eurogroup and Ecofin to coordinate economic and fiscal policies across the euro area.

The Dutch government recently informed parliament about how the SGP can be reformed in the Netherlands’ view. ‘The Netherlands will take a constructive approach regarding how the SGP can be improved. We are ambitious and want to work together for the future of Europe’, said Minister Kaag.

Eurogroup President Donohoe welcomed the Netherlands’ commitment to a broad search for a compromise acceptable to all: ‘An effective economic governance framework, based on national ownership, simplification and enforcement, will enhance budgetary coordination in the euro area at a time when it is really needed. I am heartened by Minister Kaag’s commitment to looking for constructive solutions that will strike the right balance between fostering growth-friendly investments and ensuring fiscal sustainability.’

Banking Union

Completing the Banking Union has been a longstanding European objective since this major project was set in motion more than a decade ago in response to the financial crisis. On the basis of a mandate given by EU leaders, the President of the Eurogroup presented in early May a proposal for a work plan on all outstanding elements needed to complete the Banking Union. The President of the Eurogroup said, ‘Agreeing on a Banking Union work plan will bring a positive, forward-looking focus to our banking system. It will ensure our banking system is supported by common safety nets, is agile and competitive on the global stage, protects taxpayers and depositors, and supports European strategic autonomy.’

The Netherlands is positive about the President of the Eurogroup’s efforts to quickly arrive at a new work plan for the completion of the Banking Union. Minister Kaag said, ‘There is still work to be done here and Paschal is working hard on this. A strong Banking Union is crucial for the Netherlands and Europe. It will make banks financially healthier, so that savers and society as a whole run fewer financial risks.’

European Stability Mechanism

Next Monday, finance ministers in the Eurogroup will discuss the process for selecting a new Managing Director of the ESM, to succeed Klaus Regling, who will retire as of October. There are four candidates from Italy, Luxembourg, Portugal and the Netherlands. The Netherlands has put Menno Snel forward. ‘We think he is an extremely good candidate with a firm grasp of policy detail,’ says Kaag. ‘He is an economist who can build bridges and combines expertise and experience.’

Source: Government of the Netherlands

News item | 18-05-2022 | 14:00

These conclusions can be found in the Central Government Annual Financial Report and the Central Government Annual Report, submitted to the House of Representatives on the government’s behalf by Minister of Finance Sigrid Kaag on Accountability Day.

‘We look back on 2021 as a year of strong recovery, with high economic growth and low unemployment,’ the Minister said. ‘Now we’re going to have to call on the flexibility and resilience demonstrated by the Dutch people during the coronavirus pandemic once again as we deal with the terrible war in Ukraine. In addition to causing enormous human suffering, this war also has financial implications. We will have to respond to these extraordinary times together as well, by sticking to our course and making careful choices.’

In order to assist businesses affected by coronavirus and ensure that employees kept their jobs, the government continued to provide support packages in 2021. These support packages and the measures to combat the pandemic, such as vaccinations and test capacity, accounted for expenditure of more than €30 billion.

Public finances and economic developments

Despite the unforeseen extra expenditure related to the coronavirus pandemic, the public finances were in better shape than expected in 2021. This was partly thanks to the rapid economic recovery. Government tax receipts increased and the fact that more people were in work reduced spending on benefits. The total government budget deficit (central government, municipalities and other public authorities) was 2.5% of gross domestic product (GDP). Government debt was 52.1% of GDP.

Strong economic growth of 5.0% was achieved in 2021, as the economy rebounded from the economic blow dealt by the coronavirus pandemic in 2020. There were historic shortages in the labour market, with unemployment remaining low (4.2%). However, the tight labour market did not lead to strong wage growth. Wages rose on average by 2.2%. Inflation averaged 2.7% in 2021, but rose substantially in the final months of the year to more than 5%.

Rapid development of compensation schemes

In the annual reports the government reviews revenue and expenditure in 2021 and sheds light on the various ministries’ spending. In its response to the annual reports, the Court of Audit will today indicate whether the money was spent in a regular manner and what can be improved.

The management of central government finances remained under pressure in 2021, as it had been in 2020. The year was dominated by the coronavirus crisis, compensation schemes for Groningen and childcare benefit rectification measures. Ministries devised a wide range of schemes under a great deal of pressure and in some cases the speed at which this was done had an adverse impact on the regularity of financial transactions.

The government wants to reverse this trend by making extra efforts to ensure that financial processes are managed with due care. This will involve for example reassessing the financial frameworks, such as the Central Government Financial Management Order. The aim is to prevent incidental irregularities from becoming structural. The government also wants to preserve an orderly budget process and concentrate budgetary decision-making at a single point in time. It is crucial that the process is not rushed, in order to ensure that all interests involved can be weighed properly and that all the applicable rules can be followed. This will help improve policy and promote the regularity of the public finances.

Source: Government of the Netherlands

News item | 04-04-2022 | 18:52

With the response to the pandemic and the war in Ukraine clearly in the foreground, this joint document – presented by Spain and The Netherlands, two countries traditionally identified with divergent positions on this matter –  emphasizes the need to find consensus.

A reformed  European Fiscal Rules should deliver on “the core objective of reinforcing fiscal sustainability through country-specific consolidation strategies that are realistic, gradual but ambitious, as well as compatible with economic growth and job creation” Furthermore, the paper mentions the need for economic reforms, high quality public investments and clear safeguards.

Following the meeting between the President of the Spanish Government, Pedro Sánchez, and the Dutch Prime Minister, Mark Rutte, Spain and the Netherlands reinforce their collaboration in key medium-term economic priorities.

In a joint press conference with Minister Kaag in Luxembourg, in the margins of the Eurogroup, Vice President Calviño highlighted the need to “leave behind divisive debates and build on the basis of the strong existing consensus in key areas to strengthen the European economy and face present and future challenges”. Vice President Kaag emphasized that the Netherlands wants to “take a constructive approach in the debate and stressed the need for cooperation.”

Source: Government of the Netherlands

News item | 24-11-2021 | 17:28

During the conference, it was agreed to provide more insight into green export finance and make it more measurable, so that progress can be tracked and compared, including against the Paris climate goals. In addition, the countries have agreed to increase efforts to develop new forms of green export finance and promote cooperation on this theme in international forums like the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).

All members of the E3F coalition signed the COP26 statement. The statement sets out agreements to accelerate the green energy transition through new export finance policies and end government support for the fossil fuel energy sector.

Cooperation crucial

State Secretary for Finance Hans Vijlbrief chaired the E3F Conference on behalf of the Dutch government: ‘The fact that we are organising this conference so soon after COP26 in Glasgow underlines that we, the Netherlands, want to work globally for greener export finance. That’s crucial. Because we want to both achieve our climate goals, stimulate future economic growth and maintain a level playing field. And the only way to do that is by working together to use export finance for sustainable outcomes. The Netherlands will continue to push for this via the E3F coalition.’

In order to monitor progress, the E3F countries have agreed to report jointly on green transactions. The first such report will be published within the next six months. The coalition will also continue to work to involve as many other countries as possible in this initiative, partly with a view to creating a level playing field. During the conference, Belgium, Finland and Italy became members of the coalition.

National measures

The government has also introduced various national measures to make export finance – specifically export credit insurance – greener. These measures involve tracking ratios of green to fossil fuel investments in portfolios and providing broader coverage options for green transactions.

Export Finance for Future (E3F) was launched in spring this year by Denmark, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom. The E3F Statement of Principles can be found here.