South Holland Calls for Reversal of Space Industry Budget Cuts
The Hague, Friday, 14 November 2025.
Key figures in South Holland urge the Dutch government to reverse space sector cuts, stressing the significance of innovation for economic growth and addressing societal challenges like climate change.
A Call to Preserve Investment
In an open letter to the Dutch government and the Tweede Kamer, representatives from South Holland, including industry leaders, academia, and businesses, have voiced their concerns over the proposed cuts to the space industry budget. This letter highlights the critical role that investment in space technology plays in driving innovation, supporting economic growth, and addressing key societal challenges like climate change and national security [1].
Impact on Regional Economy
The province of South Holland, home to 80% of the Dutch space sector, fears significant economic repercussions if the cuts proceed. Notably, there are concerns about the potential relocation of parts of the European Space Agency’s (ESA) ESTEC facility from Noordwijk to other member states, which could negatively affect the regional economy and the development of the NL Space Campus [1].
Strategic Importance of Space Technology
Space technology is seen as a cornerstone for various sectors, including climate monitoring, water management, and security. The geo-return policy, which ensures that investments in ESA are returned to the Dutch space sector, underscores the importance of maintaining and even increasing funding to remain competitive with other European countries [1].
The Path Forward
South Holland officials argue that instead of reducing the budget, the Dutch government should enhance investments in the space sector. This would align with initiatives in other European nations and ensure the Netherlands remains a reliable partner in European space exploration [1].