What country was ranked the most entrepreneurial of the EU-15 countries in 2005? Ireland. In 2005, Ireland ranked 1st of the EU-15 countries in terms of the rate of entrepreneurship. The Dutch ranked jointed 9th. Which of the EU-15 countries was the most entrepreneurial in 2012? The Netherlands. Since 2005, the rate of entrepreneurship in the Netherlands has increased. They now rank 1stof the EU-15 countries. Ireland’s rate of entrepreneurship has decreased. By 2012, Ireland ranked 9th of the EU-15 countries. In 2012, 6.3% of Dutch adults had started a new business over a 31/2 year period between 2009 and 2012. The rate in Ireland was 2.3%. (The Dutch rate is more than 2 ½ times higher). Drawing on data from the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor, this briefing note compares entrepreneurship in Ireland to entrepreneurship in the Netherlands.