Measuring the SDGs an initial picture for the Netherlands

falling, the number of detainees remains stable (16.3). The Dutch are relatively
infrequently faced with corruption (16.5). Government expenditure on security rose
in the past years, and is high when compared to other EU countries (16.6). In general,
the confidence in institutions is also relatively very high and has remained stable
(16.6). The turnout for parliamentary elections is relatively high, although there is
growing political disaffection (16.7).
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Health and well-being: maternal mortality is low to average when compared to
other EU countries and is steadily falling (3.1 and 3.2). This also applies to premature
mortality from non-communicable diseases including cancer (3.4). The number
of smokers and the number of new cases of HIV and hepatitis B is also falling
(3.3 and 3.5). On balance, healthy life expectancy has risen in the past period
(3.4). The suicide rate is relatively low in the Netherlands, although the number of
suicides has increased (3.4). The score on satisfaction with life in the Netherlands is
high when compared to other EU countries and very stable (3.4). Furthermore, the
mortality rate due to traffic accidents is relatively low (3.6), although the mortality
rate from air population is slowly rising (3.9).
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Skills and lifelong learning: participation in lifelong learning is relatively high when
compared to other EU countries (4.3). With respect to the skills learned through
education, the Dutch score very high compared to other EU countries (4.1, 4.4, 4.6
and 4.7). However, the trends are sometimes negative or stable. There is a risk that
the Netherlands will be overtaken by other countries in this respect.
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Assistance to developing countries: the support given by the Dutch government
and private parties to developing countries is, seen internationally, rather high;
however, government assistance has been falling for years, while private party
support is rising (17.2 and 17.3). Transfers of money by foreigners working in the
Netherlands to their home countries are increasing and are very high compared to
other EU countries (17.3).
On the other hand, there are also a number of important points of concern where a
relatively low EU ranking is combined with a trend that appears to be in the opposite
direction than the goal, or that is developing only slowly:
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Climate and energy: the Netherlands emits a relatively high amount of greenhouse
gases per capita (13.2), and the greenhouse gas intensity of the economy is only
average within the EU (13.2 and 9.4). The Netherlands consumes high volumes of
fossil fuel when compared to other EU countries, and the share of renewable energy
in total domestic energy consumption is still very low (7.1–7.3).
——
Inequality: in 2015, more people were living below the national poverty line than
in 2006, and the poverty gap has grown since 2012 (1.2).
The existing gender inequalities in various domains should not exist in a developed
country such as the Netherlands (SDG 5). In particular, life expectancy of women
is relatively low in relation to the EU. Lastly, social inequality is experienced
(feelings of discrimination, 10.3).
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Nature and the environment: the Netherlands exerts a relatively high environmental
pressure on other countries, particularly developing countries (17.11). Furthermore,
the Dutch food production system is not very sustainable (2.4 and 12.1). The
Netherlands also generates a relatively large amount of waste and the recycling ratio
is average (11.6, 12.3–12.5). The quality and withdrawal of fresh water, clean coastal
waters and sustainable fishery are important points of attention (6.3, 6.4, 14.1 and
14.7). Lastly, the natural habitat and biodiversity on land in the Netherlands are under
considerable pressure compared to other EU countries (15.1, 15.3 and 15.5).
Where does the Netherlands stand? 27