The universities have indicated that they are happy to accept the olive branch offered by the parties forming the coalition. University umbrella organization UNL: “In this interim report, the negotiators have clearly opted for knowledge and innovation. They want to invest in R&D and enable research institutions to attract sufficient talent from abroad. These are important steps to keep the Netherlands prosperous, healthy, and safe.”
Student welfare
Student organizations are also pleased that “investments are finally being made in universities and colleges again,” says Sarah Evink, chair of the Interstedelijk Studenten Overleg (Intercity Student Consultation). However, she hopes that in the next phase of the formation process, more attention will be paid to the student perspective and that they will be able to have a say in the plans. “The basic grant and internship allowances should be the first topics of discussion.”
The National Student Union notes that D66 and CDA seem to have an eye for the interests of students in the area of housing, but student welfare was not a topic of discussion between the parties. “It is unclear to us how more than a million students will actually be helped,” says LSVb chair Maaike Krom. “Don’t put our generation on mute.”
Demonstration to go ahead
FNV, the largest trade union in the Netherlands, is still concerned about the cuts to education and research, which are not explicitly reversed in the parties’ agendas. “It seems that these cuts will remain in place for next year, and we will not let that happen.” Next week, the trade unions are organizing a national demonstration in Amsterdam.
HOP, Naomi Bergshoeff
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