Underwater: The Netherlands Falls Prey to Economic Crisis

Article reported that the Netherlands, Germany's most important ally in pushing for greater budgetary discipline in Europe, had fallen into an economic crisis itself in 2013. The once exemplary economy was suffering from huge debts and a burst real estate bubble, which had stalled growth and endangered jobs.

DutchNews.nl, 03.04.13: One in six households in debt, or at risk of financial problems http://www.dutchnews.nl/news/archives/2013/04/one_in_six_households_in_debt.php

DutchNews.nl, 02.04.13: Cabinet resists pressure to relax next year's spending cuts http://www.dutchnews.nl/news/archives/2013/04/cabinet_resists_pressure_to_re.php

The Economist, No.8828, 23.03.13: The Netherlands. Focus on growth http://www.economist.com/news/europe/21574028-imf-delivers-unexpected-message-dutch-focus-growth

IMF: Country Information: Kingdom of the Netherlands-Netherlands and the IMF http://www.imf.org/external/country/NLD/index.htm

DutchNews.nl, 11.04.13: Unions and employers poised to sign economic reform agreement http://www.dutchnews.nl/news/archives/2013/04/union_and_employers_poised_to.php

DutchNews.nl, 11.04.13: Fewer homes sold in first quarter, but market bottom may be reached http://www.dutchnews.nl/news/archives/2013/04/fewer_homes_sold_in_first_quar.php

---