I started flying and got my license in the Netherlands. Pretty much the same story as already stated by many others above. Around 1994, 600Euro's per year, no launch charges (except for aero tow), no hourly charges, 40 work hours mandatory per year.
Morning sessions were training sessions with 1 hour max, Afternoon sessions were XC with revolving allocation of the XC fleet.
On a good day I managed to get 5 launches in. The first 4 early in the morning training sled rides. The 5th often after noon when the lift started.
I did around 100 take-off per year. (my currency was much better then it is now)

There was only 1 commercial operator in the Netherlands. All clubs were supported by the military in the far past. They got winches and fuel and other military surplus. (like start line vehicle) Some clubs are still mixed public /military clubs.
Reason for the military support: The Dutch airforce recruited many of the kids with good elementary flying skills.
Many clubs are still located at military (or ex-military) bases. The subsidies are pretty much gone I think, but there is still the advantage of closed airfield, guarded parking maybe even a donated jerrycan of diesel for the winch.

I now fly in California at lets say "an increased spending level"
But then, for a flatlander flying over Lake Tahoe remains a special experience.

Hans Van Weersch