Benelux Explained

Common Name:Benelux
Conventional Long Name:Benelux Union
Linking Name:Benelux
Image Symbol:Benelux Logo.svg
Symbol Width:175px
Symbol Type:Logo of the Benelux
Map Width:220px
Admin Center Type:Administrative centre
Admin Center:Brussels
Org Type:Politico-economic union
Membership Type:Member states
Legislature:Parliament
Established Event1:Customs union treaty signed
Established Event2:Customs union in effect
Established Date2:1 January 1948
Established Event3:Renewal signed
Established Date3:17 June 2008
Established Event4:Renewal in effect
Established Date4:1 January 2010
Area Km2:75140[1] [2] [3]
Population Estimate Year:2022[4] [5] [6]
Population Estimate: 29,200,564
Population Density Km2:400
Gdp Nominal: €1.431 trillion[7]
Gdp Nominal Per Capita: €47,700
Gdp Nominal Year:2021
Currency:Euro
Currency Code:EUR
Drives On:right
Time Zone:CET
Utc Offset:+1
Time Zone Dst:CEST
Utc Offset Dst:+2

The Benelux Union (Dutch; Flemish: Benelux Unie;[8] French: Union Benelux;[9] Luxembourgish; Letzeburgesch: Benelux-Unioun)[10] or Benelux is a politico-economic union and formal international intergovernmental cooperation of three neighbouring states in Western Europe: Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg.[11] The name is a blend word formed from joining the first few letters of each country's name and was first used to name the customs agreement that initiated the union (signed in 1944).[12] It is now used more generally to refer to the geographic, economic, and cultural grouping of the three countries.

The Benelux is an economically dynamic and densely populated region, with 5.6% of the European population (29.55 million residents) and 7.9% of the joint EU GDP (€36,000/resident) on 1.7% of the whole surface of the EU.[13] In 2015, 37% of the total number of EU cross-border workers worked in the Benelux;[14] 35,000 Belgian citizens work in Luxembourg, while 37,000 Belgian citizens cross the border to work in the Netherlands each day. In addition, 12,000 Dutch and close to a thousand Luxembourg residents work in Belgium.[15]

The main institutions of the Union are the Committee of Ministers, the Council of the Union, the General Secretariat, the Interparliamentary Consultative Council and the Benelux Court of Justice while the Benelux Office for Intellectual Property covers the same land but is not part of the Benelux Union.

The Benelux General Secretariat is located in Brussels. It is the central platform of the Benelux Union cooperation. It handles the secretariat of the Committee of Ministers, the Council of Benelux Union and the sundry committees and working parties. The General Secretariat provides day-to-day support for the Benelux cooperation on the substantive, procedural, diplomatic and logistical levels. The Secretary-General is Frans Weekers from the Netherlands and there are two deputies: Deputy Secretary-General Michel-Etienne Tilemans from Belgium and Deputy Secretary-General Jean-Claude Meyer from Luxembourg.

The presidency of the Benelux is held in turn by the three countries for a period of one year. Belgium holds the presidency for 2024.

About 80% of the Benelux population speaks Dutch.

History

In 1944, exiled representatives of the three countries signed the London Customs Convention, the treaty that established the Benelux Customs Union. Ratified in 1947, the treaty was in force from 1948 until it was superseded by the Benelux Economic Union. The initial form of economic cooperation expanded steadily over time, leading to the signing of the treaty establishing the Benelux Economic Union (Benelux Economische Unie, Union Économique Benelux) on 3 February 1958 in The Hague, which came into force on 1 November 1960. Initially, the purpose of cooperation among the three partners was to put an end to customs barriers at their borders and ensure free movement of persons, capital, services, and goods between the three countries. This treaty was the first example of international economic integration in Europe since the Second World War.

The three countries therefore foreshadowed and provided the model for future European integration, such as the European Coal and Steel Community, the European Economic Community (EEC), and the European Community–European Union (EC–EU). The three partners also launched the Schengen process, which came into operation in 1985. Benelux cooperation has been constantly adapted and now goes much further than mere economic cooperation, extending to new and topical policy areas connected with security, sustainable development, and the economy. In 1965, the treaty establishing a Benelux Court of Justice was signed. It entered into force in 1974.[16] The court, composed of judges from the highest courts of the three states, has to guarantee the uniform interpretation of common legal rules. This international judicial institution is located in Luxembourg.

Renewal of the agreement

The 1958 Treaty between the Benelux countries establishing the Benelux Economic Union was limited to a period of 50 years. During the following years, and even more so after the creation of the European Union, the Benelux cooperation focused on developing other fields of activity within a constantly changing international context.

At the end of the 50 years, the governments of the three Benelux countries decided to renew the agreement, taking into account the new aspects of the Benelux-cooperation – such as security – and the new federal government structure of Belgium. The original establishing treaty, set to expire in 2010, was replaced by a new legal framework (called the Treaty revising the Treaty establishing the Benelux Economic Union), which was signed on 17 June 2008.

The new treaty has no set time limit and the name of the Benelux Economic Union changed to Benelux Union to reflect the broad scope on the union.[17] The main objectives of the treaty are the continuation and enlargement of the cooperation between the three member states within a larger European context. The renewed treaty explicitly foresees the possibility that the Benelux countries will cooperate with other European member states or with regional cooperation structures. The new Benelux cooperation focuses on three main topics: internal market and economic union, sustainability, justice and internal affairs. The number of structures in the renewed Treaty has been reduced and thus simplified.

Activities since 2008

Benelux seeks region-to-region cooperation, be it with France and Germany (North Rhine-Westphalia) or beyond with the Baltic States, the Nordic Council, the Visegrad countries, or even further. In 2018, a renewed political declaration was adopted between Benelux and North Rhine-Westphalia to give cooperation a further impetus.

The Benelux is particularly active in the field of intellectual property. The three countries established a Benelux Trademarks Office and a Benelux Designs Office, both situated in The Hague. In 2005, they concluded a treaty establishing the Benelux Office for Intellectual Property, which replaced both offices upon its entry into force on 1 September 2006. This organisation is the official body for the registration of trademarks and designs in the Benelux. In addition, it offers the possibility to formally record the existence of ideas, concepts, designs, prototypes and the like.[18]

Some examples of recent Benelux initiatives include: automatic level recognition of diplomas and degrees within the Benelux for bachelor's and master's programs in 2015, and for all other degrees in 2018;[19] common road inspections in 2014;[20] and a Benelux pilot with digital consignment notes (e-CMR) in 2017; a new Benelux Treaty on Police Cooperation in 2018,[21] providing for direct access to each other's police databases and population registers within the limits of national legislation, and allowing some police forces to cross borders in some situations. The Benelux is also committed to working together on adaptation to climate change. A joint political declaration in July 2020 called on the European Commission to prioritise cycling in European climate policy and Sustainable Transport strategies, to co-finance the construction of cycling infrastructure, and to provide funds to stimulate cycling policy.[22] [23] [24]

On 5 June 2018, the Benelux Treaty celebrated its 60 years of existence.[25] In 2018, a Benelux Youth Parliament was created.

In addition to cooperation based on a Treaty, there is also political cooperation in the Benelux context, including summits of the Benelux government leaders. In 2019 a Benelux summit was held in Luxembourg.[26] In 2020, a Benelux summit was held – online, due to the COVID-19 pandemic – under Dutch Presidency on 7 October between the prime ministers.[27]

As of 1 January 2017, a new arrangement for NATO Air Policing started for the airspace of Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxemburg (Benelux). The Belgian Air Component and the Royal Netherlands Air Force will take four-month turns to ensure that Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) fighter jets are available at all times to be launched under NATO control.

Cooperation with other geopolitical regions

The Benelux countries also work together in the so-called Pentalateral Energy Forum, a regional cooperation group formed of five members—the Benelux states, France, Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Formed on 6 June 2007, the ministers for energy from the various countries represent a total of 200 million residents and 40% of the European electricity network.

In 2017 the members of the Benelux, the Baltic Assembly, three members of the Nordic Council (Sweden, Denmark and Finland), and all the other countries EU member states, sought to increase cooperation in the Digital Single Market, as well as discussing social matters, the Economic and Monetary Union of the European Union, immigration and defence cooperation. Foreign relations in the wake of Russia's annexation of Crimea and the 2017 Turkish constitutional referendum were also on the agenda.[28]

Since 2008 the Benelux Union works together with the German Land (state) North Rhine-Westphalia.[29]

In 2018 Benelux Union signed a declaration with France to strengthen cross-border cooperation.[30]

Politics

Benelux institutions

Under the 2008 treaty there are five Benelux institutions: the Benelux Committee of Ministers, the Benelux Council, the Benelux Parliament, the Benelux Court of Justice, the Benelux Secretariat General. Beside these five institutions, the Benelux Organisation for Intellectual Property is also an independent organisation.

Benelux Committee of Ministers:The Committee of Ministers is the supreme decision-making body of the Benelux. It includes at least one representative at ministerial level from the three countries. Its composition varies according to its agenda. The ministers determine the orientations and priorities of Benelux cooperation. The presidency of the Committee rotates between the three countries on an annual basis.[31]

Benelux Council:The council is composed of senior officials from the relevant ministries. Its composition varies according to its agenda. The council's main task is to prepare the dossiers for the ministers.[32]

Benelux InterParliamentary Consultative Council:The Benelux Parliament (officially referred to as an "Interparliamentary Consultative Council") was created in 1955. This parliamentary assembly is composed of 49 members from the respective national parliaments (21 members of the Dutch parliament, 21 members of the Belgian national and regional parliaments, and 7 members of the Luxembourg parliament). Its members inform and advise their respective governments on all Benelux matters.[33] On 20 January 2015, the governments of the three countries, including, as far as Belgium is concerned, the community and regional governments, signed in Brussels the Treaty of the Benelux Interparliamentary Assembly.[34] This treaty entered into force on 1 August 2019. This superseded the 1955 Convention on the Consultative Interparliamentary Council for the Benelux. The official name has been largely obsolete in daily practice for a number of years: both internally in the Benelux and in external references, the name Benelux Parliament has been used de facto for a number of years now.

Benelux Court of Justice:The Benelux Court of Justice is an international court. Its mission is to promote uniformity in the application of Benelux legislation. When faced with difficulty interpreting a common Benelux legal rule, national courts must seek an interpretive ruling from the Benelux Court, which subsequently renders a binding decision. The members of the Court are appointed from among the judges of the 'Cour de cassation' of Belgium, the 'Hoge Raad of the Netherlands' and the 'Cour de cassation' of Luxembourg.[35]

Benelux General Secretariat:The General Secretariat, which is based in Brussels, forms the cooperation platform of the Benelux Union. It acts as the secretariat of the Committee of Ministers, the council and various commissions and working groups. The General Secretariat has years of expertise in the area of Benelux cooperation and is familiar with the policy agreements and differences between the three countries. Building on what already been achieved, the General Secretariat puts its knowledge, network and experience at the service of partners and stakeholders who endorse its mission. It initiates, supports and monitors cooperation results in the areas of economy, sustainability and security.

Benelux works together on the basis of an annual plan embedded in a four-year joint work programme.[36]

Benelux legal instruments

The Benelux Union involves intergovernmental cooperation.[37]

The Treaty establishing the Benelux Union explicitly provides that the Benelux Committee of Ministers can resort to four legal instruments (art. 6, paragraph 2, under a), f), g) and h)):[38]

1. Decisions

Decisions are legally binding regulations for implementing the Treaty establishing the Benelux Union or other Benelux treaties.

Their legally binding force concerns the Benelux states (and their sub-state entities), which have to implement them. However, they have no direct effect towards individual citizens or companies (notwithstanding any indirect protection of their rights based on such decisions as a source of international law). Only national provisions implementing a decision can directly create rights and obligations for citizens or companies.

2. Agreements

The Committee of Ministers can draw up agreements, which are then submitted to the Benelux states (and/or their sub-state entities) for signature and subsequent parliamentary ratification. These agreements can deal with any subject matter, also in policy areas that are not yet covered by cooperation in the framework of the Benelux Union.

These are in fact traditional treaties, with the same direct legally binding force towards both authorities and citizens or companies. The negotiations do however take place in the established context of the Benelux working groups and institutions, rather than on an ad hoc basis.

3. Recommendations

Recommendations are non-binding orientations, adopted at ministerial level, which underpin the functioning of the Benelux Union. These (policy) orientations may not be legally binding, but given their adoption at the highest political level and their legal basis vested directly in the Treaty, they do entail a strong moral obligation for any authority concerned in the Benelux countries.

4. Directives

Directives of the Committee of Ministers are mere inter-institutional instructions towards the Benelux Council and/or the Secretariat-General, for which they are binding. This instrument has so far only been used occasionally, basically in order to organize certain activities within a Benelux working group or to give them impetus.

All four instruments require the unanimous approval of the members of the Committee of Ministers (and, in the case of agreements, subsequent signature and ratification at national level).

Characteristics

Countries

Kingdom of Belgium[39] Kingdom of the Netherlands[40] Grand Duchy of Luxembourg[41]
Official local name Dutch; Flemish: Koninkrijk België
Royaume de Belgique
Königreich Belgien
Koninkrijk der NederlandenGroussherzogtum Lëtzebuerg
Großherzogtum Luxemburg
Grand-Duché de Luxembourg
Common name BelgiumThe NetherlandsLuxembourg
Population
17,203,616
Area30,528 km2 41,543 km22,586.4 km2
Population density363.6/km2407.8/km2247.2/km2
Capital cityBrusselsAmsterdamLuxembourg City
Largest urban areasBrussels : 2,500,000
Antwerp : 1,200,000
Liège : 749,110
Ghent : 594,582
Charleroi : 522,522[42] [43] [44] [45] [46] [47]
Amsterdam : 2,480,394
Rotterdam : 1,181,284
The Hague : 1,054,793
Utrecht : 656,342
Haarlem : 424,601[48]
Luxembourg City : 180,000
Esch-sur-Alzette : 33,939
Differdange : 24,805
Dudelange : 20,003
Ettelbruck : 8,544
Form of governmentFederal parliamentary constitutional monarchyUnitary parliamentary constitutional monarchyUnitary parliamentary constitutional monarchy
Current heads of state and governmentPhilippe (Monarch)
Alexander De Croo (Prime Minister)
Willem-Alexander (Monarch)
Dick Schoof (Prime Minister)
Henri (Monarch)
Luc Frieden (Prime Minister)
Official languagesDutch, French, GermanDutch, Regional: English, Frisian,[49] Papiamento/Papiamentu[50] French, German, Luxembourgish
Main religions58% Roman Catholic
16% Other Christian
5% Islam
2% Other religion[51]
49.2% Non-Religious
24.4% Roman Catholic
15.8% Protestant
4.9% Islam[52]
68% Roman Catholic
3% Protestant
3% Other Christian
2% Islam[53]
GDP (nominal)[54] [55] [56] [57] $454.687 billion$938.419 billion$57.423 billion
GDP (nominal) per capita[58] [59] [60] $40,107$43,603$101,994
GDP (PPP)[61] [62] [63] $494.121 billion $832.623 billion $55.730 billion
GDP (PPP) per capita$43,585[64] [65] [66] $49,166$98,987
Real GDP growth rate[67] [68] 1.30%1.80%4.40%
CurrencyEuroEuro
United States dollar
Euro
Military personnel37,500[69] 46,500[70] 1,510[71]
Labour force5,279,000[72] 7,884,000265,800

Associated territories

[73] Aruba[74] Curaçao[75] Sint Maarten[76]
Official local nameLand ArubaLand CuraçaoLand Sint Maarten
Population
Area180 km2444 km234 km2
Population density575.21/km2344/km21110/km2
Capital cityOranjestadWillemstadPhilipsburg
Form of governmentUnitary parliamentary constitutional monarchyUnitary parliamentary constitutional monarchyUnitary parliamentary constitutional monarchy
Sovereign stateKingdom of the Netherlands
Current heads of state and governmentWillem-Alexander (Monarch)
Evelyn Wever-Croes (Prime Minister)
Willem-Alexander (Monarch)
Gilmar Pisas (Prime Minister)
Willem-Alexander (Monarch)
Luc Mercelina (Prime Minister)
Official languagesDutch, PapiamentoDutch, PapiamentuDutch, English
Main religions75.3% Roman Catholic
4.9% Protestant
1.7% Jehovah's Witness
1.2% Other Religion
41.9% Protestant
33.1% Roman Catholic
5.2% Hindu
4.1% Other Christian
GDP (nominal)$2.664 billion$3.159 billion$1.059 billion
GDP (nominal) per capita$25,751$18,360$18,360
GDP (PPP)$2.516 billion $3.128 billion $0.3658 billion
GDP (PPP) per capita$36,015$15,000$36,327
Real GDP growth rate2.40%3.60%3.60%
CurrencyAruban florin

See also

Further reading

External links

Official sites

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Bevolkingsteller. Statistics Netherlands. Dutch. 9 June 2021.
  2. Web site: Structure of the Population. en. Statbel. 30 June 2022.
  3. Web site: Statistiques // Luxembourg. statistiques.public.lu. 11 April 2022 . 11 April 2022.
  4. Web site: Bevolkingsteller. Statistics Netherlands. Dutch. 9 June 2021.
  5. Web site: Structure of the Population. en. Statbel. 30 June 2022.
  6. Web site: Statistiques // Luxembourg. statistiques.public.lu. 11 April 2022 . 11 April 2022.
  7. Web site: Gross domestic product at market prices (Current prices and per capita) . Eurostat.
  8. Web site: Over de Benelux. Benelux. 2015-02-09. nl. Dit alles onder een nieuwe naam: de Benelux Unie.. 13 January 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150113111524/http://www.benelux.int/nl/benelux-unie/benelux-een-oogopslag/. dead.
  9. Web site: A propos du Benelux. Benelux. 2015-02-09. fr. Le 17 juin 2008, un nouveau Traité Benelux était signé. Désormais, la coopération va se concentrer sur trois thèmes-clés: le marché intérieur & l'union économique, le développement durable et la justice & les affaires intérieures et tout ceci sous un nouveau nom: l'Union Benelux..
  10. Web site: De Benelux. 4 January 2018 . Government of Luxembourg. 2018-10-21. lb. D'Benelux-Unioun besteet aus dem Kinnekräich Belsch, dem hollännesche Kinnekräich an dem Groussherzogtum Lëtzebuerg..
  11. Web site: Benelux Treaty of Economic Union - Belgium-Luxembourg-Netherlands [1958]].
  12. Revue de l'Institut International de Statistique (1947) Vol. 15, No. 1/4, page 43. However, according to The Economist, it was coined in August 1946 by that newspaper's correspondent in Belgium (News: Going Dutch. The Economist. 6 September 2012. 3 May 2008.).
  13. Web site: Facts and figures, EU demographics European Union . 2024-04-05 . european-union.europa.eu . en.
  14. https://www.benelux.int/files/9014/3042/3435/Political_declaration_signed.pdf
  15. Encyclopedia: Benelux Definition, Countries, History, & Facts . 2024-06-28 . Encyclopædia Britannica . en.
  16. Web site: Algemene voorstelling van het Benelux-Gerechtshof. Benelux-Gerechtshof. 2016-05-10.
  17. Web site: Benelux union. https://web.archive.org/web/20091001023203/http://www.benelux.be/en/act/act_nieuwVerdrag.asp. dead. 1 October 2009.
  18. Web site: Entrepreneurs | Benelux Office for Intellectual Property. www.boip.int . https://web.archive.org/web/20150604163837/https://www.boip.int/wps/portal/site/home/ . 4 June 2015.
  19. Web site: oÉcrsroru du Comité de Ministres Benelux . https://web.archive.org/web/20180926083232/http://www.benelux.int/files/4815/1721/2154/M20181_FR_.docx.pdf . 2018-09-26 . live . 14 October 2022 . benelux.int . fr.
  20. Web site: Trait_Benelux_inspection_du_transport_routier . https://web.archive.org/web/20160408024606/http://www.benelux.int/files/5414/1457/2528/Trait_Benelux_inspection_du_transport_routier.pdf . 2016-04-08 . live . 14 October 2022 . benelux.int . fr.
  21. Web site: Traité entre le Royaume de Belgiqu€, le Grand-Duché de Luxembourg et le Royaume des Pays-Bas en matière de coopération policière . https://web.archive.org/web/20180826150205/http://www.benelux.int/files/6615/3258/9333/2018-07-23_Verdrag_Politie_NL-FR_signe.pdf . 2018-08-26 . live . 14 October 2022 . benelux.int . fr.
  22. Web site: Benelux :: Benelux countries take the lead in stimulating European cycling policy . www.benelux.int . 1 February 2022.
  23. Web site: Benelux Countries Take the Lead in Stimulating European Cycling Policy . Dutch Cycling Embassy . 1 February 2022 . en-gb.
  24. Web site: Morgan . Sam . View from Brussels: Bicycles and the post-virus silver bullet . eandt.theiet.org . E&T . 1 February 2022 . 16 July 2020.
  25. Web site: A 60th anniversary for the Benelux Union. 3 June 2018. Alain . de Muyser . Diplomat Magazine . 31 August 2021.
  26. Benelux Prime Ministers' Summit . https://web.archive.org/web/20190722121503/http://www.benelux.int/files/9415/5427/7383/20190402_Decl_Benelux_Summit_EN_Final.pdf . 2019-07-22 . live . Luxembourg . 2 April 2019 . 31 August 2021.
  27. Joint Declaration Benelux Summit . 2020-10-07 . Ministry of General Affairs (Netherlands) . 31 August 2021.
  28. Web site: Ratas meets with Benelux, Nordic, Baltic leaders in the Hague. ERR. 22 June 2017.
  29. Web site: Benelux + . 2024-03-04 . Benelux . en.
  30. Web site: History of the Benelux . 2024-03-04 . Benelux . en.
  31. Web site: 2018-01-04 . The Benelux . 2023-05-23 . gouvernement.lu . en.
  32. Book: Vermeulen. Gert. Justice, Home Affairs and Security. European and international institutional and policy development. Bondt. Wendy De. 2015-01-28. Maklu. 978-90-466-0747-3. 25. en.
  33. Book: Puig, Lluís Maria de. International Parliaments. 2008-01-01. Council of Europe. 978-92-871-6450-6. 70. en.
  34. Web site: PDF..
  35. Web site: Belkahla. Mehdi. Benelux Court of Justice. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20200203072432/https://www.mpi.lu/fileadmin/mpi/medien/research/MPEiPro/Benelux_CJ_law-mpeipro-e1265.pdf . 3 February 2020 .
  36. Web site: Common Work Programme . https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221009/http://www.benelux.int/files/8514/9933/4534/Common_Work_Programme_2017-2020.pdf . 2022-10-09 . live . Benelux Union . January 2017 . 31 August 2021.
  37. Web site: Intergovernmental cooperation of the Baltic and the Benelux countries Regional cooperation Lithuania in the Region and the World Foreign Policy Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
  38. Web site: 3 February 1958 . trait_Benelux_17.06.2008Ondertekend . 14 October 2022 . benelux.int.
  39. Belgium. 26 May 2022 .
  40. Netherlands. 26 May 2022.
  41. Luxembourg. 26 May 2022 .
  42. Web site: Language selection - Statbel. https://web.archive.org/web/20081029020131/http://www.statbel.fgov.be/pub/d0/p009n014_nl.pdf . 2008-10-29 . live. www.statbel.fgov.be.
  43. Web site: Urbanaudit.org. https://web.archive.org/web/20060109043932/http://www.urbanaudit.org/CityProfiles.aspx?CityCode=BE001C&CountryCode=BE. dead. 2006-01-09.
  44. Web site: Urbanaudit.org. https://web.archive.org/web/20060109023345/http://www.urbanaudit.org/CityProfiles.aspx?CityCode=BE002C&CountryCode=BE. dead. 2006-01-09.
  45. Web site: Urbanaudit.org. https://web.archive.org/web/20060109030027/http://www.urbanaudit.org/CityProfiles.aspx?CityCode=BE005C&CountryCode=BE. dead. 2006-01-09.
  46. Web site: Urbanaudit.org. https://web.archive.org/web/20060109025150/http://www.urbanaudit.org/CityProfiles.aspx?CityCode=BE003C&CountryCode=BE. dead. 2006-01-09.
  47. Web site: Urbanaudit.org. https://web.archive.org/web/20060109040958/http://www.urbanaudit.org/CityProfiles.aspx?CityCode=BE004C&CountryCode=BE. dead. 2006-01-09.
  48. http://statline.cbs.nl/StatWeb/start.asp?LA=nl&DM=SLNL&lp=Search%2FSearch Statistics Netherlands
  49. Web site: Wet gebruik Friese taal. Ministerie van Binnenlandse Zaken en. Koninkrijksrelaties. wetten.overheid.nl.
  50. Web site: Invoeringswet openbare lichamen Bonaire, Sint Eustatius en Saba. Ministerie van Binnenlandse Zaken en. Koninkrijksrelaties. wetten.overheid.nl.
  51. Book: Eurobarometer 393: Discrimination in the EU in 2012. European Commission. 29 December 2015. 233–234.
  52. Schmeets, Hans; Mensvoort, Carly van (2015). Religieuze betrokkenheid van bevolkingsgroepen, 2010–2014, Centraal Bureau voor de Statistiek
  53. Web site: Discrimination in the EU in 2012 – Special Eurobarometer 393 (The question asked was "Do you consider yourself to be...?") . European Commission . 2 February 2016.
  54. Web site: World Economic Outlook Database . . April 2016.
  55. Web site: GDP (current US$) . https://web.archive.org/web/20130612025819/http://databank.worldbank.org/data/download/GDP.pdf . 2013-06-12 . live . . . 2 July 2015.
  56. Web site: GDP and its breakdown at current prices in US Dollars . . December 2015.
  57. Web site: GDP (Official Exchange Rate) . . . 4 June 2015 . 24 December 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20181224231351/https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/fields/2195.html . dead .
  58. Some data refers to IMF staff estimates but some are actual figures for the year 2015, made in April 2016. World Economic Outlook Database-April 2016, International Monetary Fund. Accessed on 12 April 2016.
  59. Data refer mostly to the year 2014. http://data.worldbank.org/indicator/NY.GDP.PCAP.CD selecting all countries, GDP per capita (current US$), World Bank. Accessed on 9 July 2015.
  60. http://unstats.un.org/unsd/snaama/selbasicFast.asp National Accounts Main Aggregates Database, December 2014
  61. Web site: Report for Selected Country Groups and Subjects (PPP valuation of country GDP). IMF. 13 June 2016.
  62. Web site: Data . "Gross domestic product 2014, PPP", World Bank, accessed on 2 July 2015. https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221009/http://databank.worldbank.org/data/download/GDP_PPP.pdf . 2022-10-09 . live . Data.worldbank.org . 2 July 2015. 2 July 2015.
    European Union calculated by sum of individual countries.
  63. Web site: The World Factbook—Central Intelligence Agency. https://web.archive.org/web/20070613003104/https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/rankorder/2001rank.html. dead. 13 June 2007.
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  74. Aruba. 19 May 2022.
  75. Curacao. 19 May 2022.
  76. Saint Martin. 30 May 2022.