EC over Nederland: Belastingparadijs NL moet dicht

The Netherlands has to a large extent been tapping financial flows from abroad in an original, yet potentially risky way which merits reorientation. Dutch household savings primarily end up with pension funds and insurance vehicles, which channel the bulk of these savings abroad. In recent years the net returns of these institutional investors have been disappointing and their buffers to be able to cope with financial setbacks have significantly decreased since 2008. Along with substantial pension savings, Dutch households took on substantial gross housing debt, in turn shaping the funding patterns of the financial sector. At the same time, profits received from foreign affiliates have spurred registered non-financial corporation's savings, creating a net savings surplus. Owing to its geographical location, historical ties, a traditionally strong competitive position and sound and credible institutional setting, the Netherlands has become a hub for international trade and capital flows. This allowed non-financial corporations (mostly multinationals) to channel FDI and "route" income flows, via entities in the Netherlands, between a company in one country and subsidiaries or affiliates in other countries. A partial and gradual reorientation of overall savings and funding flows towards more balanced patterns across sectors could help mitigate risks.