On 22 April, Olaf Sleijpen spoke at the Jeroen Bosch Summit in Den Bosch. Drawing on Bosch’s Garden of Earthly Delights, he sketched a triptych of the earning potential in the Netherlands: a calm starting point on the left-hand panel, a succession of challenges on a turbulent central panel, and a right-hand panel on how we can ensure that the good life and a healthy business climate continue in the Netherlands and Europe.
17 April 2026
Background
The war in the Middle East is driving up oil and gas prices. This is reminiscent of 2022, when rising energy prices drove inflation sharply higher. But how similar is the current situation really, and what does that mean for inflation and monetary policy today?
Read more Energy prices are rising: what does this mean for inflation and monetary policy?
26 March 2026
News
According to new figures from De Nederlandsche Bank (DNB), the total value of Dutch exports to the Middle East amounted to €47 billion in 2025, while imports totalled €21 billion. This means that the Netherlands’ trade with the region accounts for less than 5% of total Dutch imports and exports.
Read more The Netherlands has limited financial ties with the Middle East
24 March 2026
Press release
It is precisely in these uncertain times that we must strengthen the Dutch economy. And this requires a strong European Union that is more resilient and autonomous.
Read more Uncertain times call for a strong Netherlands and a strong Europe
24 March 2026
News
The war in the Middle East could cause inflation in the Netherlands to rise significantly, though less so than during the 2022 energy crisis. In a severe scenario, economic growth could slow down considerably. This is according to new calculations by De Nederlandsche Bank.
Read more War in the Middle East: the impact on the Dutch economy