Across the globe, societies are crying out for well-educated young people to tackle the big and complex challenges of our time. Yet, the new Dutch government announces €1 billion in cuts to higher education and science: the largest reduction in recent decades. These cuts add to existing financial deficits, resulting in increased overtime, deteriorating working conditions, reduced teaching capacity, rising disability claims and staff departures. As a result of these cuts, many study programs are simply being discontinued; furthermore, the "Internationalisation in balance" law threatens to drive the international staff out of the Netherlands.

This will directly affect future scientists, teachers, nurses and technicians. We cannot stand by while the Dutch cabinet pledges to address societal problems yet simultaneously cuts funds for the education and research essential to solving them. To overcome the housing shortage, the teacher shortage and other major challenges, we actually need strong colleges, universities, and research institutions.

We are therefore taking a stand against these cuts. Severe reductions in higher education funding affect us all, even those outside the Netherlands. In full solidarity with Dutch students, education staff, and society at large, we cannot stand by while their—and our—future is diminished. We urge the government of the Netherlands to reverse these devastating measures!