The Netherlands

  

The Netherlands is a small and densely populated country. Its economy depends on industry, particularly chemicals and metal processing, intensive agriculture and horticulture, and on its infrastructure which takes advantage of the country’s geographical position at the heart of Europe’s transportation network. These factors have led to major pressure on the environment.

The National Environmental Policy Plan (NMP) sets out Dutch environmental policy. The first version was published in 1989, followed by second and third versions in 1993 and 1998, respectively. NMP-4, laying out government environmental policy over the next few years, will be published at the end of 2000. Under the NMP, the government seeks to cut back on all forms of pollution by 80%-90% within one generation, meaning that by 2010, the present generation should be able to pass on a clean environment to the next one.

Although the environmental quality in the Netherlands has improved significantly, some important targets, particularly with respect to nitrogen oxide and ammonia emissions, climate change, and noise reduction, will not be realized within the timeframe set in the NMPs. The main reason for this is the close relation between economic growth and its negative effects on the environment. The NMP-3, therefore, proposes drastic measures in order to be able to meet the targets. Sacrificing economical benefits for environmental concerns raises political questions by the population as the Dutch economy is under pressure however.

The Dutch Government works closely with industry and NGOs on implementation of environmental policy. To be able to reach environmental targets, the government has signed agreements with the private sector and other relevant organizations.

The Netherlands, as the name indicates, is low-lying territory, with one third of the country at or below sea level. Many areas are protected from flooding by dykes and sea walls. Much land has been reclaimed from the sea, the Flevoland polder being the most recent example.

The Dutch Parliament (or Staten Generaal) consists of two chambers. The first with 75 members is indirectly elected and has limited powers. The second chamber, or lower house, is directly elected and controls the government. Members of both houses serve a four-year term. Given the balance among Dutch political parties, all governments are coalitions.

Industrial activity is predominantly in food processing, chemicals, petroleum refining, electrical and electronic machinery. It has a dynamic agricultural sector. The port of Rotterdam is the busiest in Europe, serving a vast hinterland which stretches into Germany and central Europe.
The Netherlands has a history of great painters. The 17th century was the age of the Dutch Masters, such as Rembrandt van Rijn, Johannes Vermeer and Jan Steen. The 19th and 20th centuries are no less remarkable for their high-calibre artists like Vincent van Gogh and Piet Mondriaan.

Well-known Dutch specialities include raw herring, smoked eel and pea soup, not forgetting Dutch cheeses such as Edam or Gouda.

Member States of the EU Netherlands Year of EU entry: Founding member Political system: Constitutional monarchy Capital city: Amsterdam Total area: 41 864 km² Population: 16.3 million Currency: euro Listen to the EU official language: Dutch Detailed map – click on the map