News item | 09-12-2025 | 16:10
The appreciation of entrepreneurs for the Dutch business climate has remained stable this year, for the first time after years of decline. The predictability of policy, political stability, personnel and energy shortages and regulatory pressure remain themes on which entrepreneurs would like to see improvement. Companies rate the business climate in 2025 at 6.1, a slight increase compared to 2024 (6.0). This is evident from the annual Business Climate Monitor commissioned by the Ministry of Economic Affairs.
Despite these challenges, the strengths of the Dutch business climate remain intact, according to entrepreneurs. Companies are positive about the quality of life, the high level of knowledge, the digital and physical infrastructure and the proximity to important stakeholders. The Netherlands has long been among the global leaders in these areas.
Minister Karremans (Economic Affairs): “Entrepreneurs benefit from predictable policy and an effective approach to obstacles such as high regulatory pressure, a full electricity grid and personnel shortages. I hear concerns about this in conversations with entrepreneurs and board members of large companies and see them confirmed in this monitor. If entrepreneurship is not attractive or if companies make their investments elsewhere, this directly affects our earning capacity and therefore our prosperity. That is why we must work hard to improve our business environment.”
Growing concerns about business climate
The Business Climate Monitor shows that companies are considering moving some or all of their activities abroad. Although the share of companies considering this remains stable (around 20%), these plans are becoming more serious and the willingness to invest outside the Netherlands is increasing. Internationally active companies in particular are more likely to consider a (partial) relocation.
Cabinet approach: reducing regulatory pressure and strengthening the investment climate
The government is taking concrete steps to strengthen the business climate. For example, it is working on a cabinet-wide approach to reducing regulatory burden, aimed at eliminating or simplifying 500 rules by the summer of 2026. At the request of the cabinet, Mr Wennink is also writing advice on strengthening the investment climate and the future earning capacity of the Netherlands. In addition, the Productivity Agenda and the renewed industrial policy aim to structurally improve economic resilience.
The Business Climate Monitor was commissioned by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate by SEO Economic Research and the Amsterdam Center for Business Innovation.