Economic development forecasts for the Netherlands for 2025 point to moderate growth, driven by domestic demand and investment.
According to the forecasts of the Central Planning Bureau of the Netherlands (CPB), after an expected modest economic growth of 0.6% in 2024, the country’s GDP could increase by 1.6% in 2025.
According to the Central Bank of the Netherlands (DNB), inflation in the country in 2025 is projected at around 3% per year, which is higher than the eurozone average.
In 2025, the Dutch government plans revenues of €425.1 billion and expenditures of €457 billion, which will lead to a budget deficit of about 2.5% of GDP, which is in line with European Union standards.
The Netherlands’ exports, which are a key driver of the economy, are expected to reach €70.5 billion in 2025.
According to forecasts, the growth of housing prices in the Netherlands will slow down from 13% in 2024 to 8-10% in 2025 and 6-8% in 2026.
Economic growth in the Netherlands may be at risk if trade conflicts escalate, especially between the United States and the European Union. The possible imposition of high import duties and retaliatory measures could negatively affect the country’s exports and investments.
In general, the outlook for the Dutch economy in 2025 remains positive, but the country should be prepared for possible external challenges and adapt its policies to the changing global economic situation.
Source: http://relocation.com.ua/forecast-economic-development-neder/
The Netherlands, which has traditionally attracted migrants from all over the world, continues to show a steady increase in the number of foreigners on its territory. This growth is driven by both the country’s economic potential and a well-developed social security system. Let’s look at the main groups of migrants, their role in the economy, and demographic trends related to migration.
As of the beginning of 2025, the population of the Netherlands is about 18 million people. According to official data, about 25% of the country’s population is of migrant origin (including the first and second generation of migrants). In recent years, direct population growth due to migration has consistently exceeded 100 thousand people annually.
Several groups can be distinguished in the structure of migrants.
Migrants from the European Union
The largest share of migrants is made up of citizens of EU countries, in particular Poland, Romania and Bulgaria. Polish migrants, whose number exceeds 200,000, occupy leading positions, especially in agriculture, construction, and logistics.
Middle East and Africa
Migrants from Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan and North Africa make up a significant group. Many of them came to the Netherlands as refugees. The number of Syrians in the country is estimated at almost 100 thousand people. The main focus is on their integration through vocational training and language learning programs.
Migrants from Turkey and Morocco
Traditional migration communities in the Netherlands include Turks and Moroccans, many of whom moved in the 1960s and 1970s. Today, they number around 400 thousand people (each group) and play an important role in small businesses and services.
South Asia
In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of migrants from India and Pakistan, who work mainly in the IT sector and other highly skilled industries. The number of Indians has exceeded 50,000, and this group demonstrates significant potential for the country’s economic growth.
Latin America and the Caribbean
Former colonies of the Netherlands, such as Suriname, Curacao and Aruba, have had a strong historical influence on migration flows. Citizens of these territories have easier access to the country, making them a significant group.
Ukrainians
Since the outbreak of the war in Ukraine in 2022, the number of Ukrainian migrants has increased dramatically. As of the end of 2024, there are, according to various estimates, 70 to 100 thousand Ukrainian citizens in the Netherlands. They are actively engaged in agriculture, healthcare, and logistics.
Over the past ten years, the population of the Netherlands has grown by almost 1.2 million people. The main factor behind this growth is migration. While in the early 2010s, population growth was driven by both natural increase and migration, in recent years the contribution of migrants has become dominant. Significant changes in the structure of the population are also observed by age categories. Migrants from youth groups (18-35 years old) significantly reduce the problem of aging of the nation, which is acute for many European countries. Migrants play an important role in such industries as:
By 2030, experts predict a further increase in the number of migrants, due to both the ongoing inflow of labor migrants and global challenges such as climate change and international conflicts. The Netherlands remains one of the most open countries in Europe, able to integrate foreigners effectively.
Source: http://relocation.com.ua/analiz-mihratsii-ta-hrup-mihrantiv-u-ni/
Relocation has analyzed the latest data on migration in Italy and identified a number of trends and features. As of the beginning of 2025, 5.2 million migrants officially reside in Italy, which is about 9% of the country’s total population of 58.5 million people. In our study, we rely on official data from the country. It should be borne in mind that, according to various estimates, about 4 million more migrants may reside in Italy illegally. Italy remains an important destination for migrants due to its geographical location, economic opportunities, and EU membership.
Migrants play a significant role in the country’s economy, taking jobs in sectors where there is a shortage of local labor.
Detailed analysis of the main groups of migrants
Employment of migrants by sector
Agriculture:
More than 30% of workers are migrants, mostly from North Africa and Eastern Europe.
The seasonal nature of the work makes this sector particularly dependent on migrants.
Construction:
About 20% of workers are migrants, especially from Albania, Ukraine and North Africa.
Services and domestic staff:
Migrants hold up to 60% of jobs, including cleaning, childcare, and elderly care.
Restaurant and hotel business:
A significant part of the staff (up to 40%) is made up of migrants from Asia and Eastern Europe.
Industry and manufacturing:
Asian migrants (especially Chinese) play a key role in the textile industry.
The system of assistance to migrants in Italy
Migrant reception centers:
In the south of the country, especially in Sicily and Lampedusa, there are centers for temporary accommodation of migrants. Social assistance is provided – financial support for refugees and asylum seekers, as well as integration programs: language courses, professional retraining. Children of migrants are entitled to free education in public schools. Free access to primary health care for all migrants, regardless of their status.
Migrants play an important role in the Italian economy, occupying key positions in agriculture, construction and services. However, the successful integration of these groups requires a comprehensive approach that includes social support, educational initiatives and legal protection. Efforts to improve conditions for migrants will help Italy not only maintain stability in the labor market, but also improve the overall economic climate.
Source: http://relocation.com.ua/analiz-migratsii-v-italii-ot-relocation/
IKEA Serbia has submitted a request to the Belgrade Secretariat for Environmental Protection to decide on the need for an environmental impact assessment for the expansion and reconstruction project of the IKEA-istok department store in Belgrade, Biznis.rs reported today.
The project involves the reconstruction and expansion of more than 6,000 square meters of the department store on Astrid Lindgren Street, and the deadline for public review and submission of conclusions on the request is January 31.
The reconstruction and expansion is planned to be carried out in one stage, while maintaining existing infrastructure connections and without increasing the capacity.
The request states that the existing wastewater treatment technology and the existing wastewater separator from the transport areas will be preserved.
“Since the existing purpose of the facility is maintained, which is not a source of pollution, and given the latest environmental standards that the investor IKEA applies to all its projects, no pollution and inconvenience is expected in the Ikea department store complex in Belgrade,” the request for a decision on the need to conduct an environmental impact assessment reads.
It was also noted that pollution can be considered stationary traffic, which, according to their assessment, does not have a significant spatial dispersion or duration.
IKEA said that during the expansion, the geomechanical and hydrogeological characteristics of the soil will be taken into account based on detailed observations and analyzes.
“The implementation of the planned project will not lead to pollution that is significant for the area where it will be located. The possibility of an accident is minimized through the implementation of appropriate preventive and rapid response measures,” the request says.
The company believes that the project will not have a negative impact on the environment, so there is no need to prepare an Environmental Impact Assessment.
Source: http://relocation.com.ua/ikea-rozshyriuie-svoiu-prysutnist-u-serbii/
Spanish authorities are planning to introduce a 100% tax on real estate purchases for non-EU residents. This measure is part of a plan presented by Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez aimed at overcoming the housing crisis and ensuring the availability of housing for local residents, the Financial Times reports.
The head of government said that EU non-residents annually buy 27 thousand residential properties in Spain, mainly “for the purpose of speculation”.
Spain is one of the European countries where public discontent is growing due to difficulties in finding affordable housing for purchase or rent amid a sharp rise in real estate prices and a significant lag between new construction and demand.
Over the past 10 years, housing prices in Europe have jumped by 48%, which is about twice the growth in household income over the same period, Sanchez said.
Spanish real estate is in high demand among people who buy vacation homes or want to move to a country with a warmer climate.
Such purchases are already subject to a number of taxes, the amount of which depends on the region and whether the transaction is on the primary or secondary market. In total, these taxes range from 7% to 12%.
Other measures proposed by the government include the transfer of more than 3,300 houses and approximately 200 hectares of land to a new state-owned company for the construction of social housing, stricter regulation of seasonal rentals, the restoration of empty buildings, and the provision of incentives to homeowners who rent out their homes at affordable prices.
Spain has a multi-level taxation system that includes state, regional and municipal taxes. Let us consider the main taxes in force in the country at the end of 2024 – beginning of 2025.
Let’s start with taxes for individuals:
Income tax (IRPF ) – a progressive scale of rates is applied, consisting of federal and regional parts. The federal (central) part of the rates includes:
Regional authorities set additional rates, which may vary depending on the autonomous community.
Thecapital gains tax is variable, and gains from the sale of real estate and other assets are taxed at the following rates:
Real estate tax (IBI): An annual tax whose rate varies from 0.4% to 1.1% of the cadastral value of the property, depending on the municipality.
Wealth tax: Applies to individuals with net assets above a certain threshold, with progressive rates ranging from 0.2% to 3.5%, depending on the region.
Taxes for legal entities:
Corporate income tax (Impuesto sobre Sociedades): The standard rate is 25%. For small businesses with a turnover of less than €1 million, there is a reduced rate of 23%. New companies can apply the 15% rate for the first two years of profitable activity.
Value added tax (IVA):
Other taxes and duties:
Inheritance and gift tax: Progressive rates from 7.65% to 34% apply, but rates and exemptions may vary significantly from community to community.
Property Transfer Tax (ITP): Charged on the purchase of second-hand real estate, the rate is usually around 6-10% of the value of the property, depending on the region.
Social contributions: Employers and employees are required to make social security contributions. The general rate for the employer is about 29.9% of the employee’s salary, and for the employee – about 6.35%.
The Spanish tax system is characterized by progressive and diverse taxes, which requires careful planning when doing business or living in the country. It is recommended to consult with professional tax advisors to ensure compliance with current legal requirements and optimize the tax burden.
http://relocation.com.ua/osoblyvosti-systemy-opodatkuvannia-v-ispanii/
