The Netherlands on course to exceed flagship EU environmental targets, says RSM

• Report published by professional services network sets out scale of challenges facing European Union (EU) members.
• Detailed analysis reveals The Netherlands joins eight others in showing leadership against European Commission automobility targets between now and 2030.   
• Seven EU member states at risk of missing fundamental targets.
• RSM urges countries to support businesses by prioritising “green automobility” to drive inward investment

RSM a leading provider of professional services to middle market businesses, has found The Netherlands joins only a third of EU countries set to exceed basic green automobility targets.

The findings came in RSM Netherlands’ latest pan-European Union report, State of play: Sustainable automobility in Europe, to assess the bloc’s automobility transition.

The report also concluded that more than a quarter of the EU risks missing key green automobility targets.

Experts conducted detailed analysis of each EU state’s policies, technological and infrastructure development against what is required to meet the European Commission’s transition to sustainable automobility.

Each country’s progress was measured against the European Green Deal, and flagship targets that included the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, promotion of zero-emission vehicles, electric charging infrastructure and sustainable aviation and maritime transport.

The findings from analysis against nine automobility metrics concluded:

• The Netherlands joins only a third of the EU by developing with a sense of urgency, and exceeding the European Commission’s minimum targets.
• The Netherlands proudly stands as the fourth leading country in the European Union for electric vehicle adoption.
• More than 40% of EU member states are presently on track to meet minimum European Commission requirements.

The report additionally highlighted sustainable development challenges over the next seven years in Bulgaria, Latvia and Romania, making the sense of urgency required in their green transitions particularly acute in those countries.

Mario van den Broek, head of international services, at RSM Netherlands and report co-author, said:

“Middle market businesses are the agile, entrepreneurial difference makers who personify efforts by economies to adapt to the rapidly changing environmental landscape.”

“They can be pivotal players in the shift away from carbon intensive transport, and we need clear direction and support from political decision makers to encourage inward investment they require.”  

“Across the EU, we have identified The Netherlands prioritising their investment in innovation and policy development and delivery. In so doing, they catalyse the bloc’s and businesses’ collective pursuit of sustainable automobility.”

Cem Adiyaman, strategy manager at RSM Netherlands and report co-author said:

“The EU’s ambitious green agenda means we stand on the cusp of a new era in sustainable automobility.”

“European cities and countries have shown leadership in developing greener transport infrastructure. In order for the region to continue leading and effectively contributing to climate goals, the progress must be holistic.”

“The road ahead for the EU has to be one that prioritises collective resources, expertise and determination to reach what is a transformative final destination; a cleaner, greener and more sustainable future.”