Education and research, culture and media and emancipation are the foundations of a resilient and prosperous society. In the current time of tensions in the world, a stronger foundation is needed. That is why the cabinet wants to invest in knowledge, (basic) skills, creativity and critical thinking. This is stated in the policy letter Education, Culture and Science 2026-2030, in which minister Letschert and state secretary Tielen make proposals to the House of Representatives and the Senate on the implementation of the coalition agreement. The council of ministers has adopted these plans.
Education as the basis for resilience, well-being and prosperity
Education means progress. For the individual pupil and for society as a whole. At school, you get to know yourself and develop your talents. Good education provides the basis for participation in society. In our country of knowledge, the government therefore wants higher quality education across the board. Better performance in reading, writing and arithmetic are priorities for this government. In doing so, quality differences between schools must be reduced by raising more schools to a higher level.
Schools will start working on a new educational programme (curriculum) and from 2027 schools will receive structural funding for basic skills. This will allow schools to continue their commitment to basic skills. Looking to the future, State Secretary Tielen wants to strengthen engineering education and introduce as many young people as possible to engineering in education, for example by investigating whether the Strong Engineering Education programme can be structurally funded.
Good school teams
Good education starts with strong teams of teachers, school leaders and support staff, who undergo continuous training and development. That is why State Secretary Tielen wants to invest 346 million euros structurally in the professionalisation of teaching staff at team level. Clear cooperation agreements with partners around the school are crucial for good education. In order to leave no talent unused, the government will invest an additional 121 million euros structurally in the School & Environment programme from 2027. This provides extra learning and development time for pupils who need extra support. This will reach 70,000 more pupils on top of the 175,000 pupils already participating in the programme.
Good further education
In mbo, hbo and wo, people are trained to use their talents in all those sectors that keep our country strong and independent. The government is working on a talent strategy and making targeted choices to strengthen education. Minister Letschert, for instance, wants to further strengthen innovative cooperation between the MBO and SMEs. To this end, the cabinet is deploying EUR 28 million, as a structural follow-up to the Regional Investment Fund.
The government wants students to have the right framework conditions to develop themselves, their talents and skills. This way, they can properly find their place in society. One of those preconditions is to combat students' financial stress, among other things by increasing the out-of-pocket student grant by EUR 50 a month.
Research and innovation as a foundation for progress
Knowledge and innovation are the foundation of our prosperity and well-being. For the future and autonomy, of both the Netherlands and Europe, it is necessary to strengthen that basis. The government therefore plans to invest a total of an additional €428 million structurally in research and science. This involves reversing previous cuts and strengthening measures that have been proven to work. Minister Letschert, for instance, proposes structural investment in practice-based research, more cooperation between universities, our access to European research and innovation programmes and top scientific instruments at home. This includes an investment of 185 million in the successor to the national supercomputer Snellius. There is also an extra €25 million to prepare for the arrival of the Einstein Telescope, in close cooperation with the province of Limburg and (scientific) partners from Belgium and Germany.
Culture as a pillar in a strong democracy
Culture offers beauty, connection with others, reflection and defines our identity. Precisely because there is room for different views, the cultural sector is a crucial pillar for democracy. Through cultural practice, millions of Dutch people are active as amateur artists. From singing in choirs to creative courses and organising carnivals, culture is essential for social cohesion. The cultural and creative sector is also economically significant. It accounts for 3.3% of national income and is important for our business climate.
The cultural system is in need of maintenance. The cabinet wants more security for cultural makers, more space for young talent and attention to spreading cultural facilities across the country. The cabinet is coming up with proposals to adapt legislation accordingly.
Investing in strong and free media
For a strong and resilient country, accessible, reliable and free media are essential. The government therefore wants to partly reverse previous cuts in national public broadcasting. The proposal is to earmark €45 million a year structurally for this. Minister Letschert also wants to earmark an extra 3 million euros per year for local broadcasting. For the freedom and safety of journalists, 1 million euros per year will be made available.
Equality between women and lhbtiq+ persons
Together with several other ministries, the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science is working to give women an equal position in society. When it comes to safety, health and economic independence, that position is still not equal. Countering violence against women has cabinet-wide attention. We continue to work on acceptance, safety, freedom and emancipation of lhbtiq + persons, whose position is increasingly under pressure. Thus, we implement the proposals in the Rainbow Agreement with appropriate speed.
Policy brief
The policy letter 2026-2030 provides an overview of how the ministers of OCW intend to give substance to the coalition agreement. Much of that policy will be fleshed out in the coming period, and sent to the House of Representatives as concrete proposals. On Budget Day, the financial picture should also be ready. With this overall picture, it will become clear exactly where the cabinet intends to invest the extra money available for the fields of OCW.
Minister Letschert: “Education, research, culture and media are the foundation for connectedness, prosperity and progress. If there are tensions in the world, we must be able to build on them. That is why we want to partly reverse cuts and invest extra in knowledge, skills, creativity and critical thinking. With top scientific instruments, less financial stress for students and protecting journalists. So that everyone can contribute to a bright future of the Netherlands.”
State Secretary Tielen: “Primary and secondary schools must give all pupils a solid foundation on which they can build for the rest of their lives. We therefore invest in literacy and numeracy and in technical skills for all pupils. And in solid school teams that see every pupil. With good education. So every child can discover and develop their talent. A day not learned is a day not lived.”
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