PRIORITY POINTS 2026: Collaboration, Competitiveness and Commitment for a Stronger Investment Climate
The Priority Points are AmCham's key recommendations to the Dutch Governement for a strong investment climate in the Netherlands and contain input from AmCham's Board, Committees and member companies.
The transatlantic relationship is facing increased political tensions, economic uncertainty, and geopolitical challenges, yet it remains the world’s largest and most integrated economic partnership, valued at approximately $9.5 trillion and supporting around 16 million jobs. Within this relationship, the Netherlands plays a key role through substantial trade, investment, and employment ties with the United States, including nearly $1 trillion in U.S. investment in the Netherlands and more than $726 billion in Dutch investment in the U.S. The partnership is increasingly shaped by strategically important sectors such as hightech, semiconductors, artificial intelligence, defense, life sciences, energy, and critical minerals, where competitiveness, resilience, and security are closely linked. Against a backdrop of growing global uncertainty, it remains AmCham’s mission to advocate for a strong and attractive investment and business climate. While we call for ongoing and constructive transatlantic engagement, this equally and urgently requires the EU and the Netherlands to strengthen their own domestic foundations.
In AmCham’s view, three principles remain essential and have become more urgent in the past year:
(1) Continued Transatlantic Dialogue and Open Trade
(2) Competitiveness and Level Playing Field Within the EU
(3) Investment in the Netherlands’ Future Resilience
Download the detailed recommendations below.
INVESTMENT CLIMATE STUDY 2026: Open for Business - With Clarity on Where to Focus, Deliver Where It Matters Most
An annual study commissioned by AmCham and executed by Bain & Company
The Investment Climate Study is commissioned by AmCham and executed by Bain & Company and underpins the Priority Points. The Investment Climate Study gives insight in current Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) trends and the FDI position of the Netherlands. This year’s edition further focuses on pragmatic actions required across industries for the Netherlands to continue to secure private investment and strengthen its relevance within Europe and the transatlantic economy.
Key Insights:
- The Netherlands has built exceptional economic influence, deeply embedded in Europe and the transatlantic economy.
- Yet, a mismatch is emerging between the Netherlands’ strong self-image and its actual leverage in a world shaped by scale, speed, and power blocs.
- As a small, open economy deeply dependent on global capital, trade, and security alliances, the Netherlands must shift from comfort to realism and renewed leadership in Europe.
Key Recommendations to the Dutch Government:
- Radically prioritize the few investment enablers that matter most.
- Give “open for business” signals that key sectors mark as critical.
- In Europe, use strong Dutch influence selectively where it can shape outcomes.
Download the detailed recommendations below.
DOWNLOADS
English version - '2026 Priority Points & Investment Climate Study'
Dutch version - '2026 Prioriteitspunten & Studie Investeringsklimaat'
Detailed Results Investment Climate Study 2026 (slide deck)
Download a one page summary of the Priority Points: In English / In Dutch