D66, VVD and CDA have presented their new coalition agreement, outlining major investments in housing, defence and climate while introducing controversial cuts to healthcare and social security. The plans also include stricter asylum rules and public health measures such as raising the minimum age for smoking and vaping to 21.
The elections were held months ago, but the real challenge for Dutch politics has just begun. Ninety-three days after the elections, D66, VVD, and CDA presented their coalition agreement. This agreement will be used for the next four years, titled “Getting to Work. Building a Better Netherlands”. The agreement presents ambitious investments in education, housing, defence and climate, on the other hand there are spending cuts in healthcare and social security. However, with the three parties governing as a minority, every major proposal will still require support from opposition parties in parliament.
The coalition plans to invest heavily in the future. The funding for defence will rise sharply to meet the NATO norm of 3.5 percent of GDP. The armed forces are set to expand the military of at least 122.000 personnel. 20 billion will be available to address the long-standing nitrogen crisis and support the future of agriculture. The money will be used to reduce nitrogen emissions, particularly around vulnerable Natura 2000 areas (such as the Veluwe and the Peel). This money will also be used to provide support for farmers.
Photo Credits: Paul Einerhand
Housing is a key priority. The coalition aims to develop at least 30 large-scale housing locations across the country. The building of houses will become easier by reducing legal obstacles, and permanent residence in recreational homes may be permitted.
The coalition wants to modernise international refugee law, with the aim of processing asylum applications outside Europe. Asylum procedures will be simplified, and the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) must work faster. Emergency accommodation in hotels and cruise ships should be phased out, while the current asylum distribution law will remain in place for now. This law makes sure that asylum seekers are hosted all around the Netherlands, instead of a small number of towns carrying most of the burden.
Law enforcement will receive extra resources. More police officers will be visible on the streets, along with additional cybercrime and vice detectives. Organised crime will be tackled using an approach inspired by Italy’s anti-mafia model. Measures against domestic and gender-based violence are also strengthened.
Schools will focus more on basic skills such as language and mathematics. Children will receive free fruit at primary and secondary schools, and the minimum age for buying cigarettes and vapes will rise to 21. The coalition also proposes a minimum age of 15 for social media use.
At the same time, the coalition acknowledges that these investments must be paid for. Savings will largely come from reforms to social security and healthcare. The maximum duration of unemployment benefits will be reduced from two years to one year starting in 2028. The compulsory deductible (eigen risico) means the amount people must pay themselves for healthcare each year before insurance covers the rest. By 2027, this amount will rise from €385 to €460, which has led to debate. Cuts are also planned in long-term care, with more than €1 billion in savings. Elderly care budgets will be reduced by €320 to €470 million.
The three coalition partners openly admit that governing together was not their first choice. Due to differing political positions, compromises were necessary. As a minority coalition, D66, VVD and CDA will need support from opposition parties to pass legislation, making negotiations inevitable in the coming years. While the agreement sets out a broad vision for the Netherlands, the political battle over its implementation is only just beginning.
