Government programme

In this Government programme (in Dutch), the provisions of the framework coalition agreement have been elaborated into a detailed government programme. In drawing up this programme, the government’s aim is to set out in the most goal-oriented and specific manner possible how to arrive at solutions; targeted measures that will make a tangible difference to people’s lives. This will require energetic pragmatism, drive and focus. With this government programme the Schoof government aims to get down to business – working with and for the Netherlands.

Financial situation

We are doing this at a time when the possibilities are not boundless anymore. The tight labour market may further weaken the country’s already slow economic growth. Demographic ageing is steadily driving up government expenditure. Financial resources are limited and choices have to be made. Healthy and predictable public finances are important to our prosperity, both now and in the future. That is why the framework coalition agreement included provisions on sound financial and economic policy. We will stick to those provisions. This means that, if necessary, cuts are not ruled out.

At the same time, this government wants to ensure that promises made to the electorate are upheld, so that people have more money to spend, for example through tax cuts for working people on middle incomes and reducing the health insurance excess by half. As regards the financial consequences of the government programme, the budget memorandum will be authoritative. The latter will also serve as the government’s introductory memorandum.

The government’s vision: energetic pragmatism

This government, like any government, exists for the people and not vice versa. It is the government’s duty to provide reassurance and security, and to chart a course. It is also our duty to leave room for personal initiative and for exploring opportunities. This government believes in cherishing and encouraging the strengths of society, not restricting them. It is precisely by being a reliable pillar of support that the government can restore public trust. By seeing people, seeing their problems and acknowledging them. And by taking action where the government has a role to play. Or by forcing breakthroughs where issues have been left unaddressed for too long. By making policy that is feasible in practice, together with implementing agencies, municipalities, provinces and water authorities.

The real heroes in government are not to be found in The Hague. And often they are not to be found sitting at a desk either. This government recognises the invaluable work of teachers who, through their own daily efforts, help to shape our children’s futures. Of the people in the health and care sector who work tirelessly to make a difference, and deserve all due admiration and respect for doing so.

The same goes for our police officers, ambulance staff, refuse collectors and bridge operators. By acknowledging them and realising that in the public sector we also serve these people, who themselves are part of the public sector, we contribute to a society that is capable of facing any challenge.

A society that stands for values such as freedom and equality, values that form the basis for dealing tolerantly and respectfully with one another. A society in which everyone is given the opportunity to develop, and to be themselves. But also a society where people step up where freedoms are under pressure. Where the government stands and acts together with people.

Because this government also stands for a society where the authorities are strict and uncompromising with those who restrict the freedoms of others, who trample on Dutch values like liberty and equality, and who make our society less safe. A tough approach will be taken to those who fail to comply with the law, those who turn their backs on our society and those who choose to be irresponsible and disrespectful to others.

The government believes that finding solutions to people’s problems should always be the guiding principle in any action it takes. We will do this by working closely with the people we serve. To this end will have to make choices. Some of those choices will be difficult and painful. We cannot solve everything overnight; but we can do so step by step. So we will be rolling up our sleeves and striving to work with energetic pragmatism: passionate and enthusiastic about our approach and our objectives, but also realistic and focused on our pursuit of results. That is what the voters expect of us. And so that is what we will do. For all Dutch people and everyone in the Kingdom.

Socioeconomic security and housing

Many of the public’s concerns can be traced back to the need for reassurance and security and the principle that work should pay. A steady job, food on the table and a roof over your head, for you and your children – these sound like, and indeed should be, the most normal things in the world.

Through targeted measures related to purchasing power and income security, the government will contribute to that goal. We will simplify a large number of schemes that involve complex calculations and entitlements being determined retrospectively, which sometimes leads to uncertainty, whereas the purpose of the social safety net is to help people. Lots of people are experiencing problems right now and are unable to wait, which is why we will resolve the most pressing issues and acute situations in the short term. We will also help people to participate in the labour market. Work is the basis of socioeconomic security. We need to ensure that everyone who is able to work can get a job or work more hours. Because we need everyone, be it in the health and care sector or in education. We want more people to be given permanent employment contracts, and will be introducing a bill to improve job security for flexible workers.

This government does not accept the tight labour market as being a given; the problem requires an active approach, partly by means of innovation and partly by means of targeted labour migration. The National Commission of Demographic Developments has also made valuable recommendations in this area to achieve moderate growth in the population of the Netherlands and targeted growth in the Caribbean part of the Netherlands.

Solving the enormous housing shortage is one of this government’s priorities. Together we want to build 100,000 homes per year. Preparations for a major housing summit at the end of this year are already in full swing. The summit will lead to agreements between central government, pension funds, housing associations, municipalities and provinces on achieving a permanent increase in housing. That is what is required, and so that is what we will do.

Coordination of spatial planning

The Netherlands is one of the most densely populated and efficiently planned countries in Europe. The various challenges facing the government – on housing, energy, accessibility, agriculture, water and soil, nature, the economy and defence – all have a major impact on the limited space available in our country. Not everything can fit everywhere. That is why the government, working together with subnational authorities and civil society partners, is developing a National Spatial Strategy. The strategy will include comprehensive, area-based choices for both the present and the future. In this connection the government will take specific account of the distinctive strengths of all of the Netherlands’ regions.

Asylum and migration

This government has clearly understood voters’ call for a stricter asylum and migration policy. The Netherlands cannot continue to absorb the large numbers of migrants coming to our country. This has already been discussed in the framework coalition agreement, and it is further outlined in the government programme. Reducing waiting lists, scaling back reception facilities, and active efforts to further reduce the influx by means of international agreements are all part of a broad package of measures.

But we are doing more: stepping up efforts at the borders, strict checks to prevent illegal migration and people smuggling, speeding up departures by promoting forced returns, and making refusal to cooperate in the return procedure a criminal offence, as well as establishing an accelerated procedure for asylum applications that are unlikely to be successful.

Reducing the influx begins at the European Union’s external borders and requires effective European cooperation in order to prevent illegal migration. The introduction of the EU Pact on Asylum and Migration should be completed by the summer of 2026. This pact will help simplify the national asylum procedure and should lead to stronger external EU borders.

The government wants to implement many of these measures as soon as possible. A temporary Asylum Crisis Act will help in this respect, as will activating the exception provision in the Aliens Act. In this way, a number of additional powers and measures that are necessary to limit the influx of asylum seekers and tackle the crisis in asylum reception can be put in place quickly.
In addition, the government will announce to the European Commission its intent to request an opt-out from European asylum and migration policy.

The government wants to limit labour migration to migration that has genuine added value for our country. We will take a tough approach to excesses and abuse of labour migrants.

The presence of international students remains a great good, but we want to enable universities to limit the excesses. More Dutch will be spoken at Dutch universities.

A future for the agricultural sector

Scope for entrepreneurship naturally also applies to our farmers, growers and fishers. These entrepreneurs want to run their businesses in a responsible, environmentally conscious, animal friendly and future oriented way. The government will work with them to achieve that. This includes financial support: with a multi-year investment in the agricultural sector for innovation and goal-centred action, a broad buy-out arrangement, realistic policy on nature, manure and fisheries. In addition, funds will be available each year for agricultural stewardship by farmers. As we want to base policy on the measurements of the condition of nature areas, nature monitoring will be strengthened and intensified, partly in the context of the Regulation on nature restoration and other developments in rural areas. In 2025, the government will publish a comprehensive national food strategy and will also advocate at EU level for a European food strategy.

An exit scheme for farmers will be in place no later than in 2026, but no one will be forced to close their business. We will fight for agricultural interests in Europe. In doing so, we will always consult with the sector and other stakeholders.

Economy and business climate

Our economic strength depends on the strength of our business climate. For that reason, this government wants to create scope for innovation and entrepreneurship and strengthen earning capacity. Scope for entrepreneurship also means making targeted tax cuts, including for small and medium-sized enterprises, and reducing the regulatory burden. We will invest actively in research and development, and this should enhance our competitiveness.

This government aims for the Netherlands to regain its place among the top-five most competitive countries in the world. That will be a long-term process, for which we will lay the foundation during this term of office. The government wants to enhance entrepreneurs’ trust by means of a Business Climate Pact. We will give businesses a voice and express our appreciation for entrepreneurship. To this end, the government is hosting a business climate summit this autumn.

Green growth, energy and climate

There is a downside to our current economic systems, however: the current increasing demand in terms of production and consumption will not be viable for much longer. We will therefore really have to address this in a new way and ask ourselves the fundamental question: what kind of economy do we want to be? Smart policy on climate change, energy and industry is one example of this; we need to make the economy more sustainable while at the same time enhancing the Netherlands’ earning capacity. The whole world is becoming more sustainable; the Netherlands is at the forefront of these efforts and this means there are global export opportunities for Dutch businesses.

In order to achieve green growth and increase our energy independence, we have to make the right choices, now. The government has therefore decided to build two extra nuclear power stations, in addition to the two already planned. We will stand by existing climate agreements, and draw up alternative policy only if we fail to reach the goals. That way, we can pass on a cleaner planet to our children and to future generations.

Accessible public services | education and health and care

The quality of our education should be beyond question. This is not the case at present. The quality of education has been on the decline for years, and basic skills such as reading, writing and arithmetic are coming under increasing pressure. More and more young people are leaving school with a language and/or numeracy deficit. A plan to restore the quality of education, which is needed in order to turn the tide, is currently being developed and will be submitted to the House of Representatives early next year.

Too many people avoid seeing a doctor or postpone healthcare, because they dread the bill they will receive. In a prosperous country like the Netherlands, people should not be avoiding healthcare for financial reasons. This government therefore will work to ensure more equal access to healthcare, by lowering the health insurance excess significantly as of 2027, to € 165 with a maximum of € 50 per instance. The procedure for the necessary legislation will be started swiftly. In 2025 and 2026 the health insurance excess will be frozen at the current amount of € 385. In addition, in 2025 the government will provide further details of how the € 600 million for better elderly care will be spent.

Care is the work of individuals. Patients have a close and stable care relationship with their specialist in a regional hospital or a nearby city hospital. Partly for that reason, the government wants regional hospitals to be kept open. One way to make this possible is to have large hospitals provide more support to smaller ones. In that way they can continue to provide good healthcare, and straightforward operations can also be performed in the smaller hospitals. Patients will not have to travel so far, and specialists will be more inclined to continue working at less central hospitals.

A reliable government | good governance

In order for members of the public to have faith in the government and the rule of law, it is vital for laws to be sound and practicable, and for the government itself to abide by those laws and show that it is reliable. We will identify and address any legislation that has excessively harsh effects on people. A fundamental reappraisal is needed: How should the government shape its relationship with the public? How will the government fulfil its immense responsibility?

This government will therefore present an agenda for the renewal of democracy, the rule of law, public administration and oversight. The aim is to bolster the importance of the Constitution and of fundamental rights, improve checks and balances in our democratic system, strengthen rule of law institutions and legal principles, and the functioning of government bodies as a whole.

At the same time, performing such a reappraisal and developing a long-term vision must not stop us from achieving concrete results right now when it comes to the great challenges of our time. The relationship between the government and the public – in which a part of society has long felt unseen and unrepresented – can only be improved if the government takes action. This applies in particular to the parents and young people affected by the failings in the childcare benefit system, and to the people in Groningen and northern Drenthe who have been affected by gas extraction in Groningen.

International and national security

The Netherlands has a strong international orientation and reputation. Current geopolitical developments and increasing unrest and instability in the world directly affect our country.

The war of aggression against Ukraine, the crisis situation in the Middle East or foreign interference from countries such as Russia: these are all matters that affect Dutch interests, with risks to our physical, digital and economic security. Policy on our international and national security is therefore becoming ever more closely intertwined. Precisely because instability abroad affects our national security, we need realistic, active and assertive foreign policy and defence policy, so as to enhance our resilience and promote stability in vulnerable countries. We can achieve this by being a reliable partner in the European Union and NATO, but also by entering into other strategic partnerships and strengthening the international legal order. International cooperation (for instance in the area of migration) makes a big difference within our national borders.

This government will continue to provide undiminished support to Ukraine, together with the Netherlands’ EU and NATO allies. As peace and security in Europe can no longer be taken for granted, the Netherlands and our allies must protect themselves better, by being even more alert, better armed and better prepared. Increasing our resilience requires a robust and effective Defence organisation, and that is not possible without investment. The budgetary minimum requirement of 2% of GDP will therefore be enshrined in law.

When contacts between countries, people and businesses increase, opportunities emerge for the Netherlands; the government wants to seize those opportunities. Our network of embassies plays an indispensable role in providing services to Dutch people and businesses abroad. Our international economic position deserves active support. The Netherlands earns much of its income abroad. This government will pursue a positive agenda in the area of foreign trade and thus improve earning capacity, which in turn will help enhance our national security and resilience, as well as Dutch people’s socioeconomic security.

Security is also about societal resilience: a society’s ability to resist efforts to disrupt and undermine it. That resilience requires us to safeguard our freedoms and choose unity over polarisation, and to stand up for our democracy under the rule of law.

Intelligence, enforcement, investigation and prosecution are all indispensable elements in that respect. The police and the justice system are the guardians of our freedom, now more than ever. The government will therefore make funds available on a structural basis for protecting national security, tackling organised crime and increasing police capacity.

European agenda

Europe contributes to our security and prosperity. Our national interests are the top priority in that respect. The Netherlands benefits from a strong European Union, for instance with regard to limiting migration.

European legislation must not go further than strictly necessary. As far as the government is concerned there will be no new, additional national requirements on top of EU policy requirements. Further to the framework coalition agreement, the government will assess which other existing requirements of this kind – besides those relating to agriculture – can be scrapped, while continuing to achieve the objectives and taking account of the consequences. The basic principle in this connection is to reduce taxes and the regulatory burden for businesses, in order to create scope for innovations that can contribute to a more sustainable future.

Final remarks

When this government programme is elaborated further in specific legislative proposals, a careful assessment will be made of compatibility with the Constitution, and European and international law and principles. Some solutions do not require new policy. But if they do, new policy will be made with due regard for feasibility and practicability.

We will do this together with the provinces, municipalities, water authorities and public service providers, which, as government bodies, have indicated that they want to step forward. But first and foremost we will do this together with society. The government wants to invest in seeking contact with the people who actually experience the consequences of policy. To that end, the government will engage in dialogue. And that means listening as well as talking.

In the debate on the government statement of policy on taking office, we, the government, extended our hand to the entire House of Representatives. And the government will do the same with the Senate. In the House of Representatives we expressed our hope that we would seek broadly supported solutions together. The extraparliamentary nature of this government also provides us with an excellent opportunity to mould the strength and quality of those solutions together with parliament. Because no matter how different our opinions may be, we will have to find solutions to the great challenges of our time. The government hopes that those solutions will be the subject of the debate, and that together we can make all the difference.