Interest groups push new Cabinet to tackle infrastructure shortfalls

Years of underinvestment and neglected maintenance are putting the quality of Dutch infrastructure at risk, the Mobility Alliance warns. The group, which includes the ANWB, RAI Association, Schiphol, NS, and other transport providers, has long highlighted these concerns.

New research by consultancy Sweco indicates that budget deficits are structural, the alliance reports. The organizations stress that urgent public investment is required, warning that without it, maintenance costs will rise and public trust will erode.

According to the alliance, the consequences are not hypothetical; they are already being felt. “Closures, delays, traffic jams, and cancellations make participation in society more difficult. The financial damage runs into the billions. But the social cost is even greater: reduced accessibility to services, obstacles for military transport, and eroding trust in our infrastructure,” the organizations said.

With Cabinet formation talks underway in The Hague, multiple interest groups are seizing the moment to stress key issues and potential solutions.

Earlier this week, stakeholders from the Port of Rotterdam wrote to informateur Sybrand Buma, calling on the new government to ensure the port remains “future-proof, competitive, and sustainable.” They highlighted problems with the overburdened power grid and delayed permits caused by nitrogen regulations.