Dutch CEOs urge ‘political courage’ on euro

Author (Person)
Series Title
Series Details 3.12.11
Publication Date 03/12/2011
Content Type

Article reported that the chief executives of the top five industrial companies in the Netherlands urged European leaders in December 2011 to show the 'political courage' needed to save the euro and stay competitive against emerging market rivals.

The letter appeared to be largely aimed at the Dutch government, which had been accused of being inward-looking in both its economic and foreign policies. The executives noted that the Dutch economy depended on trade and warned against 'retreating behind the dikes', saying more internationalism was needed to keep the Netherlands and Europe competitive.

The CEOs were undoubtedly referring to the nationalist policies of Geert Wilders’ Freedom Party - the third-largest party in the Netherlands – which supports the minority coalition government from parliamentary backbenches.

Related Links
RNW, 2.12.11: Euro reaching its final hour, warn Dutch CEOs http://www.rnw.nl/english/bulletin/euro-reaching-its-final-hour-warn-dutch-ceos
ESO: Background information: Dutch hurt by downturn http://www.europeansources.info/record/dutch-hurt-by-downturn/
ESO: Background information: Eurozone crisis rocks Dutch government http://www.europeansources.info/record/eurozone-crisis-rocks-dutch-government/

Countries / Regions ,