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EACEA National Policies Platform:Eurydice
Political and economic situation

Netherlands

1.Political, social and economic background and trends

1.4Political and economic situation

Last update: 27 November 2023

 

Political situation

The term of office of a cabinet coincides with the term of office of the House of Representatives, namely four years. However, it is not self-evident that all cabinets will complete this term. In the event of an interim crisis, the House of Representatives is dissolved and new elections are held. A new cabinet will be formed on the basis of the newly elected House of Representatives. 

The Rutte IV cabinet has been in office since January 10, 2022. On July 7, 2023, Prime Minister Rutte offered the King the resignation of all ministers and state secretaries. The Rutte IV cabinet now has a demissionary status. This outgoing status means that a cabinet only deals with current affairs and new, controversial issues are not discussed. After the elections take place a new cabinet will be formed.  The election of a new House of Representatives will take place on November 22, 2023. After this, the cabinet formation process will start.The formation process in the Netherlands is often difficult, because a majority in the House of Representatives often involves multiple parties. This requires parties that differ in their views to work together. This often leads to lengthy and extensive negotiations.

When it becomes clear that a certain coalition is possible, a new phase of cabinet formation will start. The intended coalition factions must agree to the main points of the policy to be pursued by a new cabinet. These main points are laid down in a coalition agreement

Investments in education

In 2015, in total 42,3 milliard euro was allocated to education, including the research that universities of applied sciences and academic universities implement as part of their legitimate task and in the form of contract research for thirds. This is over 19 milliard euro in 2000. Within the government, the central government in particular spends more on education and research.

 

 

 

2000

2005

2010

2015

 

In mln euro

 

 

 

 

 

Investments in education

 

 

23.196

32.159

39.567

42.324

Government

 

 

19.638

26.864

32.802

34.503

Investments to educational institutions

 

 

18.031

24.876

30.395

32.218

Subsidy and tax arrangements

 

 

1.972

2.302

2.850

2562

Income

 

 

365

314

443

277

Housekeeping

 

 

1.947

2.936

3.468

3.315

Investments to educational institutions

 

 

1.749

2.250

2.563

3.076

Other investments in education

 

 

1.224

1.598

1.742

1.740

Received contributions

 

 

1.026

912

837

603

Companies

 

 

1.418

2.109

2.866

3.184

Investments to educational institutions

 

 

1.692

2.399

3.447

3.417

Other investments in education

 

 

6

12

27

78

Grants received

 

 

280

302

608

311

Buitenland

 

 

193

250

431

424

Investments to education institutions

 

 

78

134

277

390

Subsidy grant

 

 

115

115

154

34

Spending in education

 

In BBP%

5,2

5,8

6,2

5,8

 

The national government has divided almost €29 billion across all educational sectors. Educational institutions receive one budget from the government for all their costs. This amount of money is called lumpsum. In addition, educational institutions receive additional money to improve the quality of education.

  • Most of the money has been allocated to primary education (€9.9 billion) and secondary education (€7.6 billion);
  • then vocational education and adult education, and universities follow (both €4.4 million).
  • Higher professional education (universities of applied sciences) received €2.6 million.

The expenses per pupil

The budget of the Ministry of Education, Science and Culture mentions how much money there is available for each pupil. For example in 2015 there was €6.500 available per pupil in primary education. On average there was €7.863 available per pupil secondary education.

 

Government spending on educational institutions in % BBP (GDP)

    2000 2005 2010 2015
   % GDP        
  Education spending    5.2  5.8   6.2  5.8

 

Population: highest level of education achieved by age

 

 

 

2005

2010

2015

Age

Highest level of education achieved

 

X 1000

 

 

 

 

15 years and older

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

13.119

13.457

13.874

 

Primary education

1.541

1.414

1.508

 

VMBO-G/T, AVO lower secondary education

1.212

1.246

975

 

VMBO-B/K, MBO level 1

2.225

2.117

2.025

 

MBO level 2 and 3

1.799

1.820

2.379

 

MBO level 4

2.009

2.124

1.802

 

HAVO,VWO

1.242

1.184

1.209

 HBO, WO Bachelor

1.889

2.246

2.439

 

HBO-, Wo-Master, Doctor

1.077

1.204

1.375

 

Unknown

124

104

 162

More and more young people are opting for senior general secondary education (HAVO) and pre-university education (VWO). An increasing number of young people with a pre-vocational education certificate (VMBO) are staying in school in order to get a HAVO qualification.

In recent years more and more young adults (aged 18-25) have enrolled in higher education. As a result, the level of education of the population as a whole has improved.