The Netherlands should begin a serious discussion about introducing the ‘neuro’, a single currency for the northern European countries, Patrick van Schie, director of the VVD’s policy think-tank, says in Saturday’s AD.

Van Schie told the paper he has difficulty with the ‘propaganda’ about the euro, such as the statement that the euro has brought the Netherlands prosperity. This is a fact which has never been proved, Van Schie is quoted as saying.
Instead, the Netherlands could think about an alternative currency zone which would not include weaker euro countries such as Italy and Greece. France may also be ineligible to join a northern currency bloc, he said.
Van Schie’s comments follow PVV leader Geert Wilders’ decision to commission an investigation into eventual cost of a return to the guilder.
VVD prime minister Mark Rutte told reporters after the weekly cabinet meeting the PVV’s action will probably show that a return to the guilder would be bad for Europe and help persuade Wilders to toe the cabinet line.
Finance minister Jan Kees de Jager also said a return to the guilder ‘is not an option’. The euro has delivered many benefits, such as low inflation and modest unemployment, the minister said.