Universities optimistic, students disappointed

The association of Dutch universities has announced that the institutions are happy to accept the olive branch offered by the parties forming the new government. "In this interim report, the negotiators have clearly opted for knowledge and innovation. They want to invest in Research & Development and enable research institutions to attract sufficient talent from abroad. These are important steps towards keeping the Netherlands prosperous, healthy and safe."

Student organisations are also pleased that "investment in universities and universities of applied sciences is finally resuming," says Sarah Evink, chair of the National Student Association (ISO). However, she hopes that in the next phase of the formation process, parties will pay more attention to students' perspectives. They also hope that students will have a say in the plans. "The basic grant and internship allowances should be the first topics of discussion."

The National Student Union (LSVb) notes that D66 and CDA seem to have an eye on students' interests when discussing housing, but student welfare was not discussed. "It is unclear to us how over a million students will actually be helped," says LSVb chair Maaike Krom. "Don't put our generation on mute."

Demonstration goes ahead
FNV, the largest trade union in the Netherlands, remains concerned about the budget cuts affecting education and research, which are not explicitly reversed in the parties' agenda. "It seems that these budget cuts will remain in place for next year, and we will not let that happen." The trade unions are organising a national demonstration in Amsterdam on Tuesday, 9 December. Scientists from Utrecht will also be attending.