-152- Exhibit 12.1 RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES Years ended December 31, -------------------------------------------------- 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- (In million EUR, except ratios) Dutch Accounting Principles Earnings: Income before taxes 2,887 2,181 1,634 1,287 913 Add: fixed charges 796 759 738 744 621 ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- 3,683 2,940 2,372 2,031 1,534 Fixed charges: Interest 796 759 738 744 621 Ratio: 4.6 3.9 3.2 2.7 2.5 US GAAP Earnings: Income before taxes 3,254 1,950 1,928 1,826 810 Add: fixed charges 796 759 738 743 619 ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- 4,050 2,709 2,666 2,569 1,429 Fixed charges: Interest 796 759 738 743 619 Ratio: 5.1 3.6 3.6 3.5 2.3