The Launch of the Business Climate Survey 2026 – the Netherlands

We were very happy to welcome company representatives and members for the launch of the Business Climate Survey Netherlands 2026 last Friday at @Ef First Education.

Lieke de Jong, Country Manager at EF, shared how founder Bertil Hult started a small company in 1960 that has now grown into a language learning giant, operating 50 schools across more than 60 countries, teaching foreign languages and cultures to 4 million students, managed by 50,000 employees globally.

Colleague Eva Vlegels, General Manager Netherlands, EF Corporate Learning division addresses employee communication, talent mobility, and cross-border efficiency. EF has recently been named by Times as one of the 100 most influential company.

Before entering the Dutch results, Ambassador Liljeström welcomed us to this joint #TeamSwedenNL event and thanked all the companies who participated: “The BCS is very powerful tool. It helps us understand local conditions and how to give more tailored support”.

Lena Sellgren, Chief Economist and Head of Research, Business Sweden gave us an initiated Global Economic Outlook, where the risks caused by geopolitical tensions were identified as primary near-term risk by over 60% of companies surveyed.

Still, trade remains resilient despite challenges; most countries still apply WTO rules, though US and China operate outside this framework. But large risks for stagflation, especially if the Strait of Hormuz will be closed for a long time. Business Sweden will reveal all the data and a revised Global outlook on the 11 June 2026, to follow digitally.

Fredrik Nordquist, Business Sweden NL and Vincent van Roijen, the Swedish Chamber moved on to present the results of the Dutch BCS. Some highlights:

Netherlands Business Climate

• Netherlands ranks in top ten of 40+ markets surveyed; shows strong profitability above average but cautious investment plans
• 71% of respondents believe the Swedish brand positively contributes to both business development and employer branding.
• 73 % of Swedish companies expect their industry turnover to increase.
• The main challenges identified include the shortage of skilled labour, lengthy licensing and permitting procedures, grid congestion and regulatory complexity.

A lively panel discussion featured representatives from Frico and Scania, moderated by Tomas Korseman. The panellists confirmed that the survey findings closely reflect their own experiences.

Both companies pointed to geopolitical uncertainty and delayed customer investment decisions as factors affecting current market conditions, while emphasising that long-term investment plans remain in place. Electrification, digitalisation and innovation continue to drive strategic decisions, even during periods of uncertainty.

One of the dominant themes throughout the discussion was the persistent shortage of skilled labour. Both speakers described difficulties in recruiting qualified technical staff and mechanics, limiting their ability to expand despite strong market demand. The conversation also touched upon changing workforce expectations, the importance of attracting younger talent, and the responsibility companies have in creating supportive working environments.

The event concluded with a shared sense that, despite geopolitical uncertainty and structural challenges, Swedish companies in the Netherlands continue to demonstrate resilience and a willingness to invest for the future. While labour shortages and regulatory hurdles remain pressing concerns, collaboration, innovation and long-term thinking were identified as key ingredients for continued success.

To view the pictures, please press here. Photography by Hanne Hansen.

To read the Business Climate Survey, press here. 

Once again, thank you to EF Education First Amsterdam for hosting us, Oddbird for sponosoring the alcohol-free wine and to Selmas Nordic Bakery for providing us with cinnamonbuns and sandwhiches for lunch.

Proudly powered by: