Dutch report from former ASML CEO Peter Wennink warns the Netherlands faces tough choices to secure future prosperity

The government-commissioned report urged The Netherlands to sharply increase technology investment and shake up its labour market to safeguard the EU country’s long-term prosperity. In sum, it calls for $176 billion tech spend over the next decade. The report echoes the European Union competitiveness report from Draghi. The report by Wennink, who in 2023 described the Netherlands as becoming “fat, dumb and happy”, is expected to influence ongoing coalition talks on forming a new Dutch government. Rob Jetten of the liberal D66 party (who as election winner is in position to become Dutch prime minister) said he would like to “grab the report with both hands”.