'No deal' Brexit could cost Netherlands 2.3 bln euros

If Britain leaves the European Union with no deal in place it will cause the Netherlands around 2.3 billion euros in direct costs through 2023, the Court of Audit said on Monday.

The court, which performs official analyses for government decision-making purposes, noted that the Cabinet and much of Dutch industry have been preparing "intensively" for Brexit since 2016, but the country's customs may not be ready in time in a "worst-case scenario."

Britain is the Netherlands' third-largest trading partner after Germany and Belgium. 

(With inputs from agencies.)