News item | 20-02-2025 | 13:41
The Court of Audit ruled in 2023 that the current implementation of the export credit insurance is unlawful, because it has not yet been tendered. This unlawfulness must be resolved. In recent months, the government has explored several options to resolve this unlawfulness. This showed that a tender is the best option.
Certainty, peace and innovation
Since 1932, Atradius Dutch State Business (ADSB) has been the operator of the Export Credit Insurance (EKV) in the Netherlands. In 2007, the Council of State ruled that the European Procurement Guidelines and the Procurement Act apply to the implementation of this insurance. That has not happened before, making the current performance unlawful.
The government has explored several options in recent months to resolve the unlawfulness. This exploration shows that tendering is the best option. Tendering offers the most certainty and peace for the implementation of the EKV. A previously held market consultation made it clear that several parties are interested in offering the EKV. According to the government, competition can lead to more efficiency and innovative services. After the tender, the EKV version will of course be monitored by the ministries involved.
Preparation
The ministry is currently preparing the tender with the help of experts. The Ministry also involves companies and NGOs, insofar as legally possible. Before the summer, the government sends an update on the state of affairs regarding the tender to the Lower House.
Continuity remains guaranteed
The government attaches great importance to the continuity of current services for companies that use it. The choice for a tender has no consequences for the current agreements between the State and Atradius Dutch State Business (ADSB), the current provider of the EKV. The State fulfills the legal obligations from these agreements. This also applies to the policies that ADSB has concluded on behalf of the State or will do so in the future.
Export credit insurance
Export is essential for the Netherlands. It is an important engine for economic growth, job creation and income, since a large part of the national income comes from trade abroad. Moreover, Export strengthens the international competitive position of Dutch companies and encourages innovation and cooperation at world level. In many cases, commercial insurers do not offer coverage when it comes to high amounts, long durations or countries with unstable political situations. In that case, entrepreneurs can go to the export credit insurance of the Dutch government.