The future's bright, the future's (Dutch) orange for class actions

Why is the Netherlands the hotspot for class actions in Europe?

With over 50 class actions lodged in the last two years - with another 30 or more expected this year - and several major law firms launching offices in the jurisdiction, what is the draw for those looking to pursue collective actions?

According to Law.com last week, there are several reasons for the growth of group actions, such as; its a claimant-friendly jurisdiction in Europe due to the low costs associated with initiating legal action, low adverse cost risks and the speed of the courts.

With so many class actions launched already, and more coming down the pipeline, it is definitely a jurisdiction to watch closely.

“Approximately 50 class-action suits—most of them focused on the climate, privacy, securities, anti-trust and corporate misconduct—have currently been lodged, according to a public central register. “I would expect at least 30 new claims this year,” said Isabella Wijnberg, counsel in Houthoff’s Amsterdam office. “There’s [been] an exponential growth.”