Netherlands is a constitutional monarchy since 1815, the country was occupied by France between 1806 and 1815. The monarch is the guarantor of equality of all subject in front of the courts, the maintain of democracy in the country and he is the symbolic image abroad. Constitutionally, the king or the queen (now the king Willem-Alexander) is the head of the state and head of government (function delegated to the Prime Minister) and has a role in the legislative process.

The royal family.

Until 1940 the Netherlands followed a policy of neutrality but at the end of World War II, having invaded by Germany, they are committed to the construction of the European Union and maintaining the peace worldwide. The Netherlands is member of UE, OTAN and OCDE.

More informations about Netherlands:

• 16,8 millions inhabitants
• GDP around 853,3 billions euros
• GDP per capita around 50 816 USD
• 6,8% unemployment rate

I want now to focus on energy transition in the world current context: preserve Earth from gas emissions for the future generations.

First we might say that the Netherlands are a responsible country because of their tradition rooted for their frequent bicycle trips, it is not really so. In fact Netherlands have one of the highest CO2 emission rate in Europe. The import of fossil fuels accounts for 92% of primary energy in the country. Moreover the largest natural gas field in Europe is in the region of Groningen and largely sufficient to cover the needs of the country.

Thus the Dutch court sentenced the country to take drastic measures in terms of energy transition and environmental responsibility. Netherlands have to reduce its gas emissions by 25% by 2020. That's why we can now see the establishment of large wind energy park on land but also offshore.

Of course these new renewable energy should be able to meet the primary energy needs. The government would use the energy of the wind to move all the country's rail network. Mobility would be responsible for 20% of CO2 emissions in the Netherlands. 

An agreement stipulates that by 2018, the energy required for the railway sector will come exclusively from the output from wind farms.

I think that this article would have be interesting because it shows the various advanced that are trying to establish Netherlands, in terms of environmental responsibility.  

Sources: novethic.com / bfmtv.com

Jérémie