Netherlands D I P L OM AC Y
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OVER 1,200 BRIDGES Some bridges are historic, some are lit up at night, and all are beautiful sights to see. Travellers can even visit the crossing of the Reguliersgracht and the Herengracht to see 15 bridges at once.
KING’S DAY WAS GREEN ENERGY ORIGINALLY QUEEN’S DAY There had been a long line of reigning queens since 1890, and the Dutch celebrated accordingly with Queen’s Day on the 30th of April.
The government has made plans to reduce the country’s emissions of greenhouse gases to zero by 2050. It also hopes to ban petroland diesel-powered cars by 2030.
TALLEST NATION IN THE WORLD With an average height of 175.62cm, Dutch men are also the tallest globally, standing on average at 182.53cm.
LOTS OF WINDMILLS With over 1,000 on Dutch land, these mills allow for the use of wind to drain wetlands, grind grains, and even power a sawmill, such as the Molen de Otter in Amsterdam.
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At the Forefront of International Business We want to see an even bigger team Orange in this ruggedly beautiful part of Europe – and we hope to welcome more Dutch companies in the future
he Netherlands has always been at the forefront of international business. We are the third largest FDI player in the world. And, in the past decade, the Netherlands has etched itself as a major investment player in the Serbian economy. I am very proud that the Dutch business community has been growing and transforming – something I have seen first-hand during my mandate. Dutch companies are very much ingrained in Serbian everyday life. With around 500 business employing almost 20,000 people in a variety of sectors, Dutch businesses include household names that almost every Serbian knows and uses, including Ahold-Delhaize (Maxi/ Tempo), KLM, Philips, KupujemProdajem, Heineken, Unilever and many more. Our bilateral trade has been strongly growing at an average of around 20% per year and last year surpassed the milestone of €1 billion. But I feel this is just the tip of the iceberg. The potential to increase our cooperation is vast. The European Union is a big driver of economic opportunity through pre-accession funds and programmes like the Green Agenda. The impetus on green growth, infrastructure and energy diversification hit at the centre of Dutch competencies. The Embassy has been promoting opportunities in the renewable sector, waste, waste water treatment, port infrastructure and agriculture. Agriculture, in particular, is in
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Dutch DNA. We are the second largest exporter of agriculture goods in the world, just after the US. This is quite a feat for a country that is less than half the area of Serbia. However, we clearly see opportunities in Serbia. The climate, fertile soil and skillful farmers are an excellent match for Dutch innovative solutions. We’ve exchanged knowledge on new berry varieties that don’t bruise easily, covered production (i.e. greenhouses) and sustainable farming. We promote the importance of cross-pollination of ideas and knowledge between scientific institutions, government and the private sector - the so-called "golden triangle" – and work with Serbian stakeholders to improve and modernize the agricultural sector. We are now applying this knowledge exchange principle through a new initiative – Green Cities Serbia. Through a Dutch government programme called ‘Partners in Business’, we are supporting a consortium of Dutch companies from the urban landscaping sector to present sustainable and innovative solutions to Serbian cities and towns for greener and more livable cities. In fact, just in May this year, we completed a successful study visit to the Netherlands with city urbanists and decision-makers from around Serbia, which will hopefully result in some pretty neat green initiatives popping up around the country soon. It is practical programmes like these that bring me joy. Solutions and knowledge that are easily trans-
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H.E. JOOST REINTJES Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands
Agriculture, in particular, is in Dutch DNA. We are the second largest exporter of agriculture goods in the world, just after the US
ferrable and that can make an immediate impact on the lives of ordinary citizens. I believe that there is potential for deepening our economic ties. It is my hope that the positive experiences of Dutch companies operating in Serbia can serve as a calling card for other companies to test out the market. The Dutch Serbian Business Association has also been doing its part to promote Serbia as place to do business. Amid the current global challenges facing companies, including the war in Ukraine, the pandemic, and Brexit, the country is well positioned to take advantage of the opportunities presented by the near-shoring trend. With its cultural and geographic proximity, Serbia has the potential to attract companies looking to expand their footprints or simply move their supply chains closer to home. However, there are also things that we would like to see Serbia continuing to work on, which would help it capitalize on its potential. This includes accelerating the reform agenda, especially in the fields of rule of law, public administration and state owned enterprises. Our continued goals as an Embassy are to support Serbia through its reform journey, but also to promote the country as a potential investment destination for Dutch businesses. We want to see an even bigger team Orange in this ruggedly beautiful part of Europe – and we hope to welcome more Dutch companies in the future.
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Delhaize Serbia presented Sustainability Report 2021 Corporate social responsibility and sustainability as business imperatives in the 21st Century
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business vision of the leading companies in the 21s t centur y includes a broader perspective of the future and setting long-term goals. Corporate social responsibility, with a focus on sustainability, is imperative today to contribute to the environment where a company operates. Delhaize Serbia is an example of such business operations, from care for e m p l o ye e s a n d c u s t o m e r s t o strengthening community relations. By implementing and respecting these values in the market of Serbia daily, the company contributes to the economy and society in general, investing resources in all segments, including digitalization. Such an approach enables the identification of relevant issues and challenges in society. In presenting its annual Sustainability Report 2021, this retail chain, which is the leader in the market, summed up initiatives, projects, contributions, and results in the areas of a healthier life, environmental protection, and support to the local community and employees. In the impressive atmosphere of King Petar’s House, the company pre-
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sented to its partners and associates priorities and a strategic focus on continuous support for quality improvements at all levels, education, transparent communication, and care for the environment where we live and work by raising awareness and reducing unfavorable activities. Specific initiatives and successes were achieved in collaboration with the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, where the company developed an original nutrition concept for animals aimed at improving their health, eliminating antibiotics in breeding, and achieving a positive impact on CO2 emission reduction. Regarding fresh meat, the company is distinguished by investing in the safety of quality service and offering at favorable prices. By engaging in the entire process of fresh meat production and distribution, from farms to retail shelves, the company makes verified products available daily to its consumers. Thanks to the company’s collaboration upon the highest standards with local producers at more than 70 farms in Serbia, customers can rely on safety when selecting fresh meat of local origin in Maxi, Mega Maxi, Tem-
JAN-WILLEM DOCKHEER CEO of Delhaize Serbia
As a market leader, it is essential that we continue to be strong support for the country's economy and that we improve society and inspire it to a healthier life
po, and Shop&Go stores. Breeding, preparation, distribution, display, and offering of these products are strictly controlled and guided by the expertise of professional teams, which contributes to preserving their high nutritional values. On the other hand, successfully reducing pesticide residue in fruit and vegetables and setting standards for their control was achieved through various innovations, thanks to the company’s collaboration with the Faculty of Agriculture of Belgrade University and accredited laboratories. A particular focus was also on raising awareness about the relevance of healthier life. Exceptional support to this topic was provided via the Nutri Score project, an investment of the company aimed at helping customers in education about what they consume daily. Last year, this nutritive labeling system was successfully implemented on all packed products within the Delhaize Serbia private label. It represents a letter-based guide for moderate, balanced, healthier nutrition, thus developing and maintaining better habits and good immunity of customers.
"As a market leader, it is essential that we continue to be strong support for the country's economy and that we improve society and inspire it to a healthier life. We are committed to the responsible management of surplus food; we contribute strongly to environmental protection, promote healthier choices, and support the local community with regular donations. Through various programs for our associates, we are actively working to improve each individual's working conditions and personal development. The results and progress we can see in the Sustainability Report are a great responsibility for us to be an even better partner to the community, society, and people in the future, " said Jan-Willem Dockheer, CEO of Delhaize Serbia. Day-to-day business operations must be environmentally friendly, in accordance with the global situation with the living environment and needs of the community and represent a decision for a sustainable future. In 2021, Delhaize Serbia used 80 percent of total power from green sources and continued implementing CO2 cooling systems and propane display cases in stores across the country. These investments, with the implementation of energy efficiency measures, reduced the total CO2 emission by 38 percent last year, which is beneficial from the global perspective. The company also recycled 13,000 tonnes of waste or 14 percent more than in 2020, and, within the initiative for responsible collection of hazardous
waste from consumers, 1,150 kilos of batteries was collected and forwarded for further treatment. These are the results of committed efforts and long-term investments, as the global retailer Ahold Delhaize decides to have all plastic within the private brand recyclable, compostable, or reusable by 2025, with a goal of total elimination of single-use plastic. Such initiatives, in all business segments, have multiple benefits and a direct impact on future operations and survival. Human resources are a primary value of this retail chain, and the company allocates special resources to support employees and strengthen its teams. As individuals advance, investments are made in their development and education – with the company growing on solid foundations. Almost 111,000 train-
Delhaize Serbia retained the title of the largest food donor of the Food Bank Belgrade
ing hours were provided for additional professional development of the workforce. Furthermore, three new development programs for leaders were completed for nearly 250 colleagues. The Mentorship Program was also successfully executed by providing high-quality education, inspiration, and support for further development. Those in need are integral to Delhaize Serbia’s strategic focus and activities to improve the community. Therefore, the company donated 780 tonnes of fruit and vegetables to more than 78 charities with 14,000+ beneficiaries and 203 tonnes of fruit and vegetables for fodder in 2021 alone. Delhaize Serbia retained the title of the largest food donor of the Food Bank Belgrade. It continued to collaborate with this charity on systemic management of food surpluses by upgrading the donation system via the development of the digital Maxi platform “Plate by Plate.” With a donation of 200,000 euros to UNICEF, a transport vehicle and devices necessary for neonatal units in Kragujevac and Novi Sad were provided. A donation worth 50,000 euros was made to the Food Bank Belgrade for support in procuring a vehicle necessary for daily operations of the donor system and food delivery to end-users. Through its long-term business decisions, Delhaize Serbia continues to strengthen its vision with constant investments and contributions, taking into account all factors of the environment and position of the society. The primary goal remains to strengthen the greenest possible image of the living and working environment, where healthier habits are available to many consumers, with supreme offering and service.
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We Expect More Investments From the Netherlands
The Netherlands tops the list of foreign investors in Serbia, investing over 4 billion euros in the previous ten years
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ith excellent trade and investment results in S erbia, relations b e tween the Netherlands and Serbia remain at a high level. We talked about that and the DSBA with Djordje Petrović, Executive Director of the Dutch-Serbian Business Association (DSBA).
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Last year’s trade between the Netherlands and Serbia amounted to 870.98 million euros. Which aspect of cooperation between the two countries is the best, i.e. what contributed the most to such a result? — Few people know how strong the cooperation between the two countries is. In the previous five years, the trade between them amounted to more than 3 billion euros, with the last year’s trade amounting to almost 900 million. We hope that we will exceed a billion euros in trade annually. The Netherlands and Serbia have been cooperating in many different areas, but IT and agriculture take the lead. Dutch investors have only praise Serbia. Are we going to see new Dutch investments this year as well, considering that the Netherlands top the list of foreign investors in the number of investments
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DJORDJE PETROVIĆ Executive Director of the Dutch-Serbian Business Association (DSBA)
The Netherlands ranks first on the foreign investor list in Serbia, investing over 4 billion euros in the previous ten years
in Serbia from 2010 to 2020? — The Netherlands ranks first on the foreign investor list in Serbia, investing over 4 billion euros in the previous ten years. We were recently in The Hague where the Netherlands Enterprise Agency held a forum to present business opportunities in the Western Balkans. The Dutch Ambassador to Serbia, H.E. Joost Reintjes, had a presentation which showed some of the largest investments of Dutch companies in Serbia. Apart from me, the forum was attended by Emily Holland, Secretary-General of the DSBA, as well as Bojan Leković, President of the Board, who chaired the round table discussion, which attracted a lot of attention and during which we discussed the current great opportunities, as well as obstacles. Bearing in mind the great interest that was shown in the forum, as well as based on the successes of Dutch companies in Serbia so far, I am confident that we can expect more investments from the Netherlands in the future. Given the ongoing war in Eastern Europe, how much do you think it will affect the cooperation between Serbia and the Netherlands? — The war caused great disturbances on a global level and everyone is
feeling certain consequences. The cooperation between Serbia and the Netherlands will probably be affected in some way, not in the sense of hindered relations between the two countries, but due to the disruption of the supply chain, it may not be possible to produce certain products and subsequently trade in them. At this point, it is very difficult to say how many disruptions there could be. We all hope that the war will end as soon as possible and that things will return to normal to some extent. Have you had new members joining the DSBA recently, given the crisis? What is the mood among the members? — Only Dutch companies operating in Serbia and Serbian companies that already have economic ties with the Netherlands can become DSBA members. Therefore, our goal is not to have as many members as possible but to meet the needs of a narrowly defined target group in the best possible way. Despite the closed membership model we have, the number of our members has been going up year on year. Considering the unstable times we are living in at the moment, the mood of our members remains to be very
good and a positive atmosphere prevails despite everything. What can Serbian companies expect from the Netherlands? What is the Dutch market looking for that our companies can offer? — The Dutch market is very competitive and has leading global players in almost every industry operating in it. Nevertheless, we are confident that there is enough room for Serbian companies in the Dutch market. At the aforementioned forum in The Hague, we talked with the Serbian Ambassador to the Netherlands, H.E. Ksenija Milenković, and we plan to hold a business gathering where we could present certain Serbian companies and their offer to the Dutch market. We also plan to assemble the business community at that gathering, because, at such events, new ideas and new business ventures are often born through making acquaintances. We have been planning to do this for a very long time, so we hope that it will finally be feasible to hold such a gathering in the autumn. Serbia and the Netherlands have had good economic relations and
We are confident that there is enough room for Serbian companies on the Dutch market
the desire to improve them. What do we need to work on to make our relations even better? — We should work on deepening existing relations, presenting good examples from practice, connecting more political and business communities and getting better acquainted with our cultural differences. Everything we have accomplished so far in the cooperation between the two countries did not come overnight. A very large number of people have made a lot of effort to get us to where we are today,
as well as further improve the current situation. I would like to underline the great and dedicated work of the Dutch Embassy in Serbia, both now, helmed by Ambassador Joost Reintjes, and in the past. The continuity of their committed work is very important. I am sure that the Dutch Embassy in Serbia will continue to be one of the key drivers of improving existing relations and developing new ones between the two countries. We, as the DSBA, and individuals will try to help with that as much as possible.
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Dutch High School Student in Serbia Tom de Boer – Founder and Managing Director; H.E. Joost Reintjes, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Katarina Vinokić, High School Student on vwo5, Nehalennia in Middelburg
It is a great opportunity to start working from the Netherlands for the company in Serbia
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atarina Vinokić, High School Student on vwo5, Nehalennia in Middelburg, is only 17 and got a chance to gain international experience in ESM company in Serbia. Her main task is to set up Social Media and assist in Marketing. ESM has only LinkedIn for a year and very recently, she created an Instagram account. “I want to expand, both of these, together,
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with our news section on the ESM. We have been working more and more on our name recognition lately. Last year, we changed the name Todebo to ESM (European Strut & Support Manufacturer). As this is our main activity, we make the brand more recognizable for all companies and our future business partners. For me, the recent construction fair SEEBBE in Belgrade, opened by the Dutch Ambas-
sador H.E. Joost Reintjes, was a highlight. It was ESM's first time at a Serbian exhibition where we promoted our product range in the Balkans”, said Katarina and pointed out: “Due to the growth in construction projects in the Balkans, in which our strut and supports are needed for all HVAC & E installations, we expect a lot from the contacts we have made there”. www.esm.rs ; Phone: +381 22671543.
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Green Cities in Serbia: Global Challenges, Dutch Solutions
One of the main ambitions in that strategy is to have 25% of green areas in Serbian cities by 2030. The strategy has been further elaborated in an action plan, outlining a comprehensive and integral program of steps to be taken to get there
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he transition towards green urban areas provides opportunities for the private sector. To make the most of these, seven Dutch companies and the Netherlands Embassy in Serbia joined forces in the PIB-funded Green Cities Serbia-project. We talked to Hans Buster, the project coordinator.
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Hans, can you tell us a bit about the transition Serbian urban areas are going through at the moment? — Cities in Serbia are rapidly changing. A lot of real estate is being developed and infrastructure projects are being implemented all around the country. It’s quite the building boom. Take Belgrade for example, the city is visibly changing. The skyline looks different every other month and new constructions are popping up like mushrooms. Serbian authorities – aware of the importance of sustainable and livable cities – are making sure that this rapid transition is in fact a green one. Driving force behind that is the
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government strategy and the aim to have 25% of green area in Serbian cities by 2030. Serbia has furthermore adopted the EU green agenda, which in essence is an agreement with the EU to tackle a broad range of sustainability issues in the Western Balkans, which comes with significant funding opportunities. One of the aims of the Green Agenda is in fact to make urban environments more climate resilient. Other international partners like the World Bank have also freed up financial resources to support that goal. So both ambition and money are driving change. Our project partners are working with all stakeholders to help turning ambition into reality, making sure that the most sustainable and innovative solutions are being implemented. In December 2020, a group of Dutch companies decided to join forces and make the most out of these economic opportunities. How did that come about?
HANS BUSTER Program Coordinator of Green Cities Serbia-project
The Balkans are very connected and there are plenty of opportunities to expand regionally
— Actually it all started in 2019 when several Dutch companies worked together on the construction of a new shopping mall with a lot of greenery, from interior greenery to green roofs and outdoor green walls. The successful cooperation during that project led to a greenery conference organized by the Dutch Embassy in Belgrade and my landscaping company Vita Verde, where these Dutch companies came to speak with investors, architects, general contractors and other interested parties. The experience was so positive from all sides, that when the Agricultural Attaché Network (LAN) colleagues at the Embassy proposed to join forces in a Partners for International Business (PIB) project, everyone enthusiastically contributed to make that happen and at the end of 2020 we kicked off the project. And what Dutch knowledge and innovation does the consortium offer that isn’t on the market here in Serbia? Why the Dutch?
— The Dutch go all the way - from idea generation and planning to execution of landscaping projects. The project partners are global leaders and each bring their own expertise to the table; landscape architecture and urban design; nurseries with the top quality planting materials (each with their own focus and know-how); companies with innovative products that improve tree pits and protect the surrounding infrastructure; companies that produce smart utility and green roof systems. We present solutions that can perform well in all weather conditions, even in the difficult Serbian climate, with very hot summers and cold winters. In short, the Dutch offer the “full package”. From urban and landscaping design to innovative infrastructure solutions. And is it working? What are you main successes so far? — Although the start of program was challenging because of COVID, we are now well on our way. We have participated in an important trade fair in Belgrade and just came back from an excellent study visit of Serbian urbanists and decision makers to the Netherlands,
where we showcased best practices throughout the country and visited the Floriade. And our efforts are paying off. I am proud to share that during the past year we have started and even finished projects like a new retail park in Belgrade with almost 25.000 plants and trees, several shopping malls and other commercial and residential complexes. While we are currently working on a roof gardens and vertical gardens for the new flagship store of a big supermarket chain. We are also in the process of negotiating several new projects and partnerships throughout the country. Looking ahead, how do you see this sector develop in the next couple of years? And what would be the role of your company and/ or the consortium in these expected developments? — With the combination of ambitious strategies, funds and development in both the private and the public sector, I believe Serbia continues to offer a lot of opportunities for the project and for the whole Dutch sector. As a general manager of Vita Verde, a local company, we are on top of all the latest devel-
opments and can respond quickly. At the same time, the cluster of Dutch companies provides all the support for the Serbian stakeholders, making us a very strong team in the market. To keep the momentum going and expand our activity portfolio, we are planning further activities in the second half of 2022 like a trade mission and a “Green Symposium” in Serbia.
Our project partners are working with all stakeholders to help turning ambition into reality, making sure that the most sustainable and innovative solutions are being implemented
Finally, any plans to expand further in the region? — The Balkans are very connected and there are plenty of opportunities to expand regionally. Through our partnerships, we are receiving more and more requests from neighboring countries. We are already working on several pro jects in Montenegro and have experience in working on projects in Greece and North Macedonia. The strength of the PIB-project in general and the cluster of companies working on Green Cities Serbia specifically, is the great cooperation and the willingness to help each other and our local partners. With that in mind, I am certain we will deepen our cooperation and consequently also further expand geographically.
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Overall Trade With the Netherlands Growing In order to attract even more investments from the Netherlands, Serbia needs to work on promoting its economy and economic potential through various seminars and workshops in cooperation with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce
C O O P E R AT I O N
ccording to the latest available data from the State Statistics Office (SSO), the total trade in goods with the Netherlands in the first quarter of 2022 amounted to 251.2 million euros, which is a 19% growth compared to the same observed period in 2021. Our exports increased by 4% and amounted to 100.5 million euros. Serbia still has a deficit in trading with the Netherlands in the amount of 50.2 million euros. The export to import ratio stands at 66.7%. The total trade in goods with the Netherlands in 2021 amounted to 871 million euros, an 11% hike relative to 2020. Our exports went up by 2% compared to 2020 and stood at 376.6 million euros. In 2021, Serbia also recorded a deficit in trading with the Netherlands to the amount of 117.8 million euros. The export to import ratio was 76.2%. In the first quarter of 2022, Serbia mostly exported the following to the Netherlands – circulation pumps for heating systems; protein concentrates without milk fat; excavators; frozen raspberries without added sugar; ships and vessels for transporting goods and passengers;
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The largest number of Dutch companies in Serbia are engaged in wholesale and retail trade and repair of motor vehicles
cigarettes; centrifugal pumps, single-stage, for other purposes; parts and accessories for motor vehicles (8701-8705); raw soybean oil, including degummed and other types centrifugal pumps, multilevel, for other purposes (source: SSO). In the first quarter of 2022, Serbia mostly imported the following from the Netherlands – unclassified goods according to the customs tariff (stored); medication for retail sale; tobacco extracts and juices; polyether alcohols in primary forms; tire shaping or retreading machines; rubber or plastics processing machinery; tobacco, stringy, lightly dried in the air; styrene; poly methylene phenyl isocyanate (crude MDI) and dryers (source: SSO). According to the data collated by the Serbian Business Register Agency, Dutch citizens and legal entities based in the Netherlands have found 511 active companies in Serbia as of May 6, 2022. The largest number of these companies are engaged in wholesale and retail trade and repair of motor vehicles, while the least number of them are active in agriculture, forestry and fishing.
Economic cooperation between the Republic of Serbia and the Kingdom of the Netherlands is carried out in several sectors - agriculture, metal processing industry, renewable energy sources and IT. There are numerous initiatives from both the Dutch and Serbian sides for further improvement of economic cooperation, through cooperation and investments in the food industry, chemical industry, production of building materials, wood industry and furniture production, mechanical and metal-processing industry, transport and logistics, textile industry and high technologies especially in the field of services, where good relations have already been established that should now be nurtured and deepened, with the aim of joint entry into third markets, and with an emphasis on the sector of programming in production processes, transport and the automotive industry. In order to attract even more investments from the Netherlands, Serbia needs to work on promoting its economy and economic potential through various seminars and workshops in cooperation with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce.
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Increase of Jobs
ECONOM Y
The Netherlands’ economic freedom score is 79.5, making its economy the 8th freest in the 2022 Index. The Netherlands is ranked 5th among 45 countries in the Europe region, and its overall score is above the regional and world averages, by 2022 Index of economic freedom
he economy of the Netherlands is the 17th largest in the world in 2021 (in terms of Gross domestic product; GDP) according to the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund. Its GDP per capita was estimated at $57,101 in the fiscal year 2019/20, which makes it one of the highest-earning nations in the world (see list of countries by GDP (PPP) per capita). The Netherlands’ economy expanded by 0.4 percent on quarter in the three months to March 2022, compared to a preliminary estimate of a flat reading, after a downwardly revised 0.7 percent gain in the previous period. It was the weakest growth in the GDP since the first quarter 2021, as household consumption grew softer (1.5% vs
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3.6%), while government spending fell by 0.6%, reversing sharply from a 5.2% rise in Q4 2021. At the same time, fixed investment contracted by 0.3%, while exports and imports declined by 0.3% and 0.4%, respectively. On a yearly basis, the GDP advanced by 6.7 percent, lower than the preliminary figure of a 7% rise, and following a downwardly revised 6.2 percent expansion in the previous quarter as written on Statistics Netherlands. On the one hand, the adjustment is the result of new, more complete data for the first quarter of 2022 and, on the other, of adjustments to the annual figures for 2020 and 2021 and the reconciliation of the quarterly estimates with these new annual figures. This is done every year in June. Based on additional and updated informa-
The second estimate shows that the number of employee and self-employed jobs increased by 109 thousand in Q1 2022 compared to Q4 2021
tion, a new quarterly distribution for care has also been used for the quarters of 2020 and 2021, according to CBS. The s econd e stimate shows that the number of employee and self-employed jobs increased by 109 thousand in Q1 2022 compared to Q4 2021. The first estimate suggested an increase of 127 thousand jobs. Relative to Q1 2021, the second estimate for Q1 2022 further suggested an increase of 537 thousand employee and self-employed jobs compared to the same quarter in 2021, versus 518 thousand according to the first estimate as sad on CBS Netherlands. According to RaboBank, the labor force participation rate was at an all-time high in the Netherlands and the number of job openings per unemployed person is at its highest point ever. In almost every sector, companies say they are experiencing staff shortages. We expect the tightness in the labor market to continue for the rest of this year and for the unemployment rate to average 3.3 percent this year. The Netherlands’ economic freedom score is 79.5, making its economy the 8th freest in the 2022 Index. The Netherlands is ranked 5th among 45 countries in the Europe region, and its overall score is above the regional and world averages, by 2022 Index of economic freedom.
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Dutch Aviation Leads Strive for Netzero Emission
The aviation sector is responsible for two percent of the CO2 emissions at a global level and seven percent of the emissions in the Netherlands. Worldwide, the demand for aviation doubles every fifteen years. People like to explore the world, travel for business, or meet family and friends. To facilitate this growth, natural resources and materials are needed. KLM Royal Dutch Airlines introduced its Fly Responsibly sustainability initiative in 2019, directed at transforming KLM into a more sustainable airline. In addition to fleet renewal, scaling-up production and use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) form the cornerstone of KLM’s approach. For the first time worldwide, a passenger flight partly flown on sustainably produced synthetic kerosene was carried out in The Netherlands in February 2021. Since then, the Netherlands aviation sector leads the country’s striving to reach net-zero emissions in 2050.
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Portraits, Self-portraits and Flowers
Van Gogh's works are among the world's most expensive paintings to have ever sold, and his legacy is honoured by a museum in his name, the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam
C U LT U R E
utch Post-Impressionist painter Vincent Willem van Gogh (1863 – 1850) posthumously became one of the most famous and influential figures in Western art history. In a decade, he created about 2,100 artworks, including around 860 oil paintings, most of which date from the last two years of his life. His early works, mostly still lifes and depictions of peasant labourers, contain few signs of the vivid colour that distinguished his later work. In 1886, he moved to Paris where he met members of the avant-garde, including Émile Bernard and Paul Gauguin, who were reacting against the Impressionist sensibility. As his work developed he created a new approach to still
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life and landscape. His paintings grew brighter as he developed a style that became fully realised during his stay in Arles in the South of France in 1888. During this period he broadened his subject matter to include series of olive trees, wheat fields and sunflowers. Van Gogh suffered from psychotic episodes and delusions and though he worried about his mental stability. His depression persisted and Van Gogh is believed to have shot himself in the chest with a revolver, dying from his injuries two days later. Van Gogh's paintings did not sell during his lifetime, during which he was generally considered a madman and a failure, although some collectors recognised the value of his work. His fame came only
His early works, mostly still lifes and depictions of peasant labourers, contain few signs of the vivid colour that distinguished his later work
after his death, when he evolved in the public imagination into a misunderstood genius. His reputation grew in the early 20th century as elements of his style came to be incorporated by the Fauves and German Expressionists. He attained widespread critical and commercial success over the ensuing decades, and is remembered as an important but tragic painter whose troubled personality typifies the romantic ideal of the tortured artist. Today, Van Gogh's works are among the world's most expensive paintings to have ever sold, and his legacy is honoured by a museum in his name, the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, which holds the world's largest collection of his paintings and drawings.
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Cheese Under the Spotlight
Like most cheeses, it is commonly eaten on crackers and bread, and may be eaten with crackers following the main course of a meal as a dessert of "cheese and biscuits" dam is a semi-hard cheese that originated in the Netherlands, and is named after the town of Edam in the province of North Holland. Edam is traditionally sold in flat-ended spheres with a pale yellow interior and a coat, or rind, of red paraffin wax. Edam ages and travels well, and does not spoil; it only hardens. These qualities (among others) made it the world's most popular cheese between the 14th and 18th centuries, both at sea and in remote colonies. Mild Edam goes well with fruit such as peaches, melons, apricots, and cherries. Aged Edam is often eaten with traditional "cheese
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Mild Edam goes well with fruit such as peaches, melons, apricots, and cherries
fruits" like pears and apples. Like most cheeses, it is commonly eaten on crackers and bread, and may be eaten with crackers following the main course of a meal as a dessert of "cheese and biscuits". Pinot gris, dry Riesling, semidry Riesling, sparkling wine, Chardonnay, and Shi-
raz/Syrah are some recommended wines to accompany this cheese. Edam has been treated dramatically and humorously in a variety of cultural art forms. In the novel All Quiet on the Western Front, the main character believes its red outer covering is a sign of impending death. It is a wine aroma nuance in Sideways and an object of desire in the animated film Shopper 13. Edam is a seriocomic pivot in the Australian film Three Dollars. Actor Jason Flemyng advertised Edam in the UK. Edam was tested by MythBusters in episode 128 for its putative suitability as cannon ammunition against a ship's sail, but it bounced off the sail without damaging it.
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TOURISM
Most Visited Museums in the Netherlands In 2019, the Van Gogh Museum launched the Meet Vincent Van Gogh Experience, a technology-driven "immersive exhibition" on Van Gogh's life and works, which has toured globally
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he Anne Frank House is a writer's house and biographical museum dedicated to Jewish wartime diarist Anne Frank. The building is located on a canal called the Prinsengracht, close to the Westerkerk, in central Amsterdam in the Netherlands. During World War II, Anne Frank hid from Nazi persecution with her family and four other people in hidden rooms, in the rear building, of the 17th-century canal house, later known as the Secret Annex. She did not survive the war but her wartime diary was published in 1947. Ten years later the Anne Frank Foundation was established to protect the property from developers who wanted to demolish the block. It’s not suprising that the Van Gogh Museum has been number one of the most visited museums for some time. You’ll find the largest collection of works by Vincent van
T
Gogh in the world. The Van Gogh Museum is in the Museum Square in Amsterdam South, close to the Stedelijk Museum, the Rijksmuseum, and the Concertgebouw. The museum opened on 2 June 1973, and its buildings were designed by Gerrit Rietveld and Kisho Kurokawa. The museum contains the largest collection of Van Gogh's paintings and drawings in the world. In 2017, the museum had 2.3 million visitors and was the most-visited museum in the Netherlands, and the 23rd-most-visited art museum in the world. In 2019, the Van Gogh Museum launched the Meet Vincent Van Gogh Experience, a technology-driven "immersive exhibition" on Van Gogh's life and works, which has toured globally. In the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam the impressive collection is spread over more than 200 rooms and masterpieces by masters like
Art lover admire the painting in Rijksmuseum
The Rijksmuseum
Vermeer and Rembrandt. The Rijksmuseum is the national museum of the Netherlands dedicated to Dutch arts and history and is located in Amsterdam. The museum is located at the Museum Square in the borough of Amsterdam South, close to the Van Gogh Museum, the Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam, and the Concertgebouw. The Rijksmuseum was founded in The Hague on 19 November 1798 and moved to Amsterdam in 1808, where it was first located in the Royal Palace and later in the Trippenhuis. The current main building was designed by Pierre Cuypers and first opened in 1885. On 13 April 2013, after a tenyear renovation which cost € 375 million, the main building was reopened by Queen Beatrix. In 2013 and 2014, it was the most visited museum in the Netherlands with record numbers of 2.2 million and 2.47 million visitors. It is also the largest art museum in the country. Next, Zaanse Schans is a neigh-
bourhood of Zaandam, near Zaandijk, Netherlands. It is best known for its collection of windmills and wooden houses that were relocated here from the wider region north of Amsterdam for preservation. From 1961 to 1974, old buildings from all over the region known as the Zaanstreek were relocated using lowboy trailers to the Zaanse Schans. Two of the windmills in the Zaanse Schans are preserved in their original site where they were first constructed, and therefore don't make up part of the relocated structures. The Zaans Museum, established in 1994, near the first Zaanse Schans windmill, is located south of the neighbourhood. This architectural reserve for Zaanse timber construction is a protected village scene because of its architectural-historical and landscape value. It developed into an international tourist destination with several million visitors every year: in 2016, there were 1.8 million, in 2017 – 2.2 million. Than, there is Escher in Het Paleis. It is a museum in The Hague, Netherlands, featuring the works of the Dutch graphical artist M. C. Escher. It is housed in the Lange Voorhout Palace since November 2002. In 2015 it was revealed that many of the prints on display at the museum
were replicas, scanned from original prints and printed onto the same type of paper used by Escher, rather than original Escher prints as they had been labeled. The museum is housed in a former royal residence dating back to the eighteenth century. Queen Emma bought the stately house in 1896. She used it as a winter palace from March 1901 till her death in March 1934. It was used by four subsequent Dutch queens for their business offices, until Queen Beatrix moved the office to Paleis Noordeinde. The first and second floors have exhibitions showing the royal period of the palace, highlighting Queen Emma's residence. Finally, The Mauritshuis is an art museum in The Hague, Netherlands. The museum houses the Royal Cabinet of Paintings which consists of 854 objects, mostly Dutch Golden Age paintings. The collection contains works by Johannes Vermeer, Rembrandt van Rijn, Jan Steen, Paulus Potter, Frans Hals, Jacob van Ruisdael, Hans Holbein the Younger, and others. Originally, the 17th century building was the residence of count John Maurice of Nassau. It is now the property of the government of the Netherlands and is listed in the top 100 Dutch heritage sites.
The Rijksmuseum is the national museum of the Netherlands dedicated to Dutch arts and history and is located in Amsterdam Anne Frank house and holocaust museum in Amsterdam
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