Summary
The Dutch government is considering measures to cap the Netherlands’ population at 20 million by 2050, responding to a demographic commission’s recommendation.
Currently at 18 million, the population’s growth raises concerns about pressures on housing, healthcare, and education.
Immigration minister Marjolein Faber and social affairs minister Eddy van Hijum emphasized stricter asylum limits and more targeted migration policies, with further research underway.
Economists warn that an aging population might necessitate increased foreign labor or domestic reforms, as 3 million extra workers by 2040 is deemed unfeasible.
it is also a genius strategy for a country that relies heavily on trade, having two of the largest ports of Europe, to close itself off from the rest of Europe.