Coalition Holds Firm on €2 Billion Education Cuts Despite Widespread Opposition
Coalition defends education cuts to prioritise national security, facing fierce protests and warnings of Senate resistance.
The Dutch coalition government, consisting of PVV, VVD, NSC, and BBB, is standing by its plans to cut €2 billion from the education budget, despite mounting criticism from opposition parties, students, educators, and industry leaders. The proposed cuts aim to redirect funds toward defence, security, and boosting purchasing power, but they have sparked significant backlash and protests.
Massive Protests and Opposition Warnings
On Monday, approximately 20,000 students, lecturers, and education staff marched from Malieveld to the education ministry in The Hague to voice their concerns. Critics argue that the cuts will undermine the Netherlands’ knowledge economy, lead to job losses, and worsen the country's global educational standing.
Opposition leaders, including Rob Jetten of D66 and Joost Eerdmans of JA21, have warned that the coalition is heading for a “brick wall” in the Senate, where opposition parties hold enough votes to block the budget. They have urged the government to reconsider at least €1.3 billion of the cuts and find alternative savings. Eerdmans stressed the importance of education for innovation and workforce development, calling the cuts "incredibly destructive."
Government's Rationale: "Choose Security"
Coalition MPs argue the cuts are necessary to fund other critical priorities, such as defence and social programs, in light of the war on Europe’s borders. VVD MP Clare Martens acknowledged that the education cuts are unpopular but emphasized that the coalition is honouring its agreements to prioritise national security.
Education Minister Eppo Bruins defended the decision, stating that savings are required to accommodate increased spending in other areas. Bruins acknowledged the frustration from the education sector but maintained that reversing the cuts is not an option.
Impacts and Future Challenges
The cuts include reducing higher education funding by €1 billion, eliminating support for young researchers, and limiting English-taught programs to control the influx of international students. Education leaders warn that these measures could severely harm the sector, equivalent to closing two large universities.
The coalition is under pressure to navigate the budget through the Senate, where opposition alliances have recently overturned other government proposals, including a VAT increase on cultural and media products. However, coalition MPs have stated that the responsibility lies with the minister to secure Senate support.
As debates continue, the education budget remains a contentious issue, with significant implications for the country’s educational system, workforce development, and global competitiveness.