Dutch universities and researchers positive about funding for education and research under new government

Universities in the Netherlands are confident about funding for education and research under the incoming government.

In an interview with News Tank on 19/02/2026, Ruben Puylaert, spokesperson for Universities of the Netherlands (UNL), said: "The coalition agreement looks good for education and research".

Following the elections held in October 2025, the leading parties D66 (Democrats 66, social-liberal), VVD (People's Party for Freedom and Democracy, centre-right conservative-liberal) and CDA (Christian Democratic Appeal, conservative) formed a coalition government, with Rob Jetten (D66) being the prime minister. The coalition presented its agreement on 30/01/2026 and the government will take office on 23/02/2026.

The previous government, led by Prime Minister Dick Schoof (independent) from July 2024, was a coalition of right and far-right parties. Under this government, the education, higher education and research sectors saw major budget cuts.

Puylaert explained: "The coalition said that the budget cuts from previous governments will be reversed and that there will be structural…