The 2026 Dutch coalition agreement between D66, VVD and CDA supports key priorities for the Brainport Eindhoven region. It commits to the 3% GDP target for research and development, aiding high-tech industries. Universities gain stable funding and freedom to attract international talent, sustaining knowledge clusters.​
The agreement also tackles housing shortages with targets of 30% social housing and 25% affordable owner-occupier homes in new developments. This aligns with Brainport’s need for 62,000 new homes by 2030 to house tech workers. Regional efforts like the Housing Realisation Team match national acceleration plans.
Housing reforms
The coalition wants to limit objection procedures to just one appeal, with fixed ruling periods and fewer ways to halt construction. Objecting or appealing will become harder overall. Sustainability standards will align nationwide, forcing municipalities to drop stricter local rules.​
Educational institutions and employers must or may provide housing themselves. Universities can rent out accommodation, while companies take responsibility for staff living space. This could divert education budgets towards real estate development. Critics worry it may worsen homelessness, especially for migrant workers left on the streets after short-term contracts end.
Education
Higher education budget cuts have been scrapped, with €1.5 billion allocated instead. English-taught programmes face no new restrictions. This strengthens TU/e and regional talent pipelines for engineering and ICT.​
Mobility and infrastructure
The coalition prioritises reducing congestion and improving accessibility. National investments support grid expansion and public transport upgrades around Eindhoven. Industrial strategy aids smart mobility projects.
Eindhoven
As the heart of Brainport, Eindhoven benefits most from R&D investments and talent policies. The agreement reinforces TU/e’s role as a leading tech hub through stable university funding. No specific cuts threaten local innovation projects.​
Veldhoven
Home to ASML, Veldhoven gains indirectly through strengthened microelectronics and semiconductor priorities. National plans align with existing Project Beethoven investments in chip talent. Industrial policy focuses on key technologies like those at ASML.
Helmond
Helmond sees fewer direct mentions but benefits from regional infrastructure and talent agendas. Battery and smart mobility initiatives in the area align with the national industrial strategy. Broader energy transition measures support local green tech ambitions.
The minority coalition needs opposition support, so outcomes remain uncertain. Brainport leaders welcome the focus on innovation but question the housing trade-offs.
