On June 3, 2025, the Dutch government collapsed after Geert Wilders, leader of the Party for Freedom (PVV), pulled his support from the ruling coalition. This political upheaval cast a long shadow over the country’s higher education system. On the very same day, the Universities of the Netherlands (UNL), the peak body representing Dutch universities, issued a plea for the government to reverse its austerity measures, warning of their damaging effects on universities.
UNL’s statement made it clear that years of budget cuts have already resulted in layoffs, canceled courses, and halted research projects — all of which have taken a toll on the quality of education and scientific progress. With economic and geopolitical uncertainties looming large, the organization emphasized the urgent need to invest in education, research, and innovation, while continuing to provide ample opportunities for international talent. Dutch universities, they stressed, remain key players in tackling major challenges across the country and Europe, but only if their foundations are strong.
Caspar van den Berg, president of UNL, voiced a blunt message: “The Netherlands needs political leaders, from all sides of the spectrum, to see education, research, and innovation not as a cost to cut but as the strategic engines of prosperity, freedom, and security.” He lamented that the outgoing government viewed education merely as an expense, a short-sighted perspective that must be abandoned if the nation is to move forward.
Yet, the fight is far from over. Ruben Puylaert, UNL’s spokesperson, noted that while the current budget cuts for 2025 have already been approved by Parliament, the spring budget—containing further cuts—is still awaiting debate and vote. The recent government collapse adds uncertainty about how this process will unfold.
The student voice is equally loud and determined. The National Student Union (LSVb) expressed relief at Wilders’ exit and hopes the fall of the government will lead to a reversal of cuts. Abdelkader Karbache, LSVb’s chair, emphasized, “The student movement is stronger than ever. This year’s protests should serve as a warning to the next government. We’ve already blocked many cuts, but the budget was only approved after months of delay and uncertainty. If necessary, we’re ready to take to the streets again.”
This determination echoes far beyond the Netherlands. Take Anna, a graduate student in Berlin, who recently witnessed her university cancel several beloved courses due to budget constraints. “It’s heartbreaking to see the programs you’re passionate about being slashed,” she shared. “Students are scrambling for alternatives—some turning to online classes, others organizing informal study groups—but nothing truly replaces formal, well-supported education.”
Protests are escalating in the Netherlands, too. A national education strike is planned for June 10 in The Hague, with thousands expected to gather at Malieveld Park. The Netherlands’ largest trade union, FNV, is rallying university staff to join the cause. Sam Verduijn, head of FNV’s education and research division, criticized the outgoing government’s severe budget cuts, which have led to job losses and an unbearable workload for educators. “We hope the next cabinet recognizes the value of education and invests in the country’s future. Until then, we’ll keep fighting, even with this government in caretaker mode.”
On university campuses, the momentum is palpable. Kristy Claassen, a philosophy PhD candidate at the University of Twente and an active protest participant, remains hopeful. “This government collapse is a stark reminder of how quickly political tides can shift—for better or worse. Now, more than ever, education must be central to political priorities. Our activist networks here are stronger and more united than ever. That foundation will carry us through the months ahead, no matter what happens next.”
Meanwhile, university leaders are standing firm on academic freedom. At the end of May, Dutch university rectors jointly called for respect for institutional autonomy and freedom from political, ideological, or commercial interference. This independence, they stressed, is not a privilege but a necessity for trustworthy, cutting-edge research and teaching.
Higher education strategist Peter van der Hijden praised the rectors’ call for a national dialogue on academic freedom, noting it fits well with the Dutch tradition of open debate. He urged universities to continue demonstrating their value to society through impactful discoveries and inclusive learning programs, inviting citizens to become active members of the academic community.
As the dust settles from this political storm, Dutch higher education stands at a crossroads. No matter the shape of the next government, it is clear that investing in knowledge and talent development is essential to securing the nation’s future. As one Dutch professor put it: “Education is not an expense; it’s the country’s greatest asset and the foundation for prosperity for decades to come.”