The Netherlands’ central belt known as the Randstad will be particularly hard hit if the EU and Britain fail to reach agreement on a Brexit treaty, according to a new analysis by the Dutch Environmental Assessment Agency PBL.

The Netherlands, the PBL states, will be affected most severely among the UK’s EU trading partners and the details of the exit treaty will be crucial in determining how great the impact on the Randstad will be.

‘The Randstad regions, in particular, have much to gain from the nature of the treaty, with respect to agriculture, the food industry, chemical industry, trade and transport,’ the government agency said.

‘In the United Kingdom, London is particularly dependent on a good Brexit treaty, while in Europe there are opposing interests divided across a multitude of countries and regions.

‘The shared average interest, therefore, is smaller in the European Union and the United Kingdom. Reaching a good deal before the end of this year, thus, is more important for the Netherlands, and in particular the Dutch Randstad regions, than for the European Union and the United Kingdom.’

Earlier this week, credit insurer Euler Hermes said a no-deal Brexit will deliver a sledgehammer blow to the Netherlands, coming on top of the coronavirus crisis. The total impact is likely to cost the eurozone €33bn, and the Netherlands will be hit to the tune of €4.8bn, second only to Germany, Euler Hermes said.