For entrepreneurs, the agreement contains a mix of concrete relief, new opportunities, and stricter conditions. With two entrepreneurial parties, this was to be expected; these are the key points that make a difference on the shop floor and in the boardroom.
Reducing regulatory pressure, increasing pace
One of the most tangible promises to entrepreneurs is the structural reduction of regulatory pressure. The cabinet aims to eliminate or simplify at least 500 regulations annually, as laid out in a recurring Simplification Act. Each ministry will have clear reduction targets, coordinated by Economic Affairs.
This translates into a number of significant changes:
- European regulations will be implemented as much as possible without national additions.
- Supervisors must interpret rules less strictly where possible.
- Permit issuance will be expedited through digitization and fixed decision timelines.
- For simple applications, even automatic permit issuance will be considered if the government decides too late.
For entrepreneurs who get stuck in procedures, this can mean the difference between years of waiting and actually moving forward.
Fiscal stability as a foundation for investments
The cabinet explicitly chooses stability in fiscal policy. Many schemes that are strategically important for entrepreneurs will remain untouched. Think of the innovation box, WBSO, business succession scheme, participation exemption, and the expat scheme. The corporate tax rate will also remain unchanged to keep the investment climate competitive.
However, the cabinet introduces a so-called freedom contribution, filled in through an increase in the disability fund premium for companies. Discussions with entrepreneurs' organizations will follow regarding the precise implementation.
Notably, there is an explicit promise to keep the tax burden for DGA's balanced. This indicates a clear course: no new surprises, but predictability as a prerequisite for long-term investments.
Investing must become easier again
To strengthen the investment climate, the cabinet will establish a National Investment Institution within two years. This institution should enable financing for projects and companies that have difficulty accessing the market, without displacing private investors.
The institution:
- provides market-conform loans and equity;
- bundles existing guarantees and sureties;
- works closely with the European Investment Bank;
- specifically targets scale-ups and innovative SMEs.
In parallel, the Netherlands is pushing for a further capital market union in Europe, so that companies can more easily attract cross-border capital. The underlying thought is clear: growth requires capital, and that capital must be made available more quickly.
Innovation and AI as growth engines
Anyone reading the agreement can quickly see where the cabinet is placing its bets. AI, digitization, energy and climate technology, security, and life sciences form the core of the new industrial policy.
For entrepreneurs, this means among other things:
- expansion of the WBSO for AI and technological development;
- more room for experimentation through 'regulatory sandboxes';
- a National Agency for Disruptive Innovation, where the government more often acts as a launching customer;
- investments in AI infrastructure, computing power, and talent.
In doing so, the government positions itself not only as a regulator but also as a driver of new markets.
Labor market: more clarity, less gray area
The labor market remains a sensitive issue. The cabinet wants to tackle false self-employment, while simultaneously allowing room for genuine self-employed individuals. The current draft law Vbar will therefore be split: there will be a legal presumption of employment and a new Self-Employed Law to replace the remaining part.
Additionally, the cabinet is focusing on more attractive employee participation, simpler share (options), and targeted recruitment of international talent. The message to entrepreneurs is clear: more clarity in advance, but also less leeway for legally shaky constructions.
Housing construction and nitrogen: finally some movement
Two issues that have been a brake on entrepreneurship for years – housing construction and nitrogen – will receive a clear acceleration in this agreement.
For the housing market, this means among other things:
- higher thresholds for objection procedures;
- one appeal route and fixed ruling timelines;
- relaxation of rules for splitting, adding floors, and transformation;
- improvement of the investment climate for rental housing.
For builders, developers, and investors, this can lead to faster decision-making and less uncertainty.
In nitrogen policy, the cabinet opts for goal-oriented management instead of paralysis. Entrepreneurs will receive clarity about emission space per sector and – where possible – per company. The current critical deposition value will be replaced by a legally sustainable alternative, with the explicit goal of making permit issuance possible again.
Climate policy as a prerequisite for growth
Climate and economy are explicitly linked in the agreement. The approach to grid congestion receives top priority, including a Crisis Act to expedite procedures. At the same time, instruments like the SDE++ remain available, and investments will be made in hydrogen, green gas, and CCS.
Notably, the national CO2 tax for industry will be abolished to reduce electricity costs and level the international playing field. The message is clear: sustainability is no longer a voluntary ambition but will be actively facilitated.
The coalition agreement and entrepreneurs
The coalition agreement offers entrepreneurs relief on many fronts: fewer rules, more predictability, and a government that actively wants to support investment and innovation. At the same time, the cabinet sharpens the conditions regarding climate, nitrogen, and the labor market.
For entrepreneurs who want to adapt, invest, and scale up, the agreement mainly outlines opportunities. For those who wait or cling to old certainties, the leeway will shrink. In the coming years, it will be about making progress, and this government promises to give a boost. Will that succeed? In this minority setup, you can never be sure. First, let's get to work.
