I don't know the numbers, but I live in NL and I can't recall the last time I encountered a traffic light that just runs on a timer; as far as I know just about all traffic lights have some awareness of traffic.

Lowering the number of traffic lights in and of itself is a good idea. Overpasses and (turbo)roundabouts, clever right of way, better road hierarchy; there are lots of alternatives that may provide better throughput and more safety for a given intersection.

The Netherlands as a country with 18M inhabitants is best compared to a big city with the surrounding metro area.