News
Executive Board submits cost-cutting plans to participatory council
Today, the Executive Board has presented its cost-cutting plans to the participatory council. Earlier this year, it became clear that from 1 January 2028, WUR will face a reduction of 80 million euros in funding for education and research. As a result, budget cuts are necessary. The plans indicate that over the coming years, between 130 and 180 jobs will be lost. Employees in the affected departments have been informed today.
The Executive Board (EB) does not wish to wait until these budget reductions directly impact WUR’s core processes — education and research. Instead, the decision has been made to implement concrete cost-saving measures within the organisation. This approach ensures that WUR remains as financially stable as possible. By reducing overall costs now, the institution can sustain staffing levels for core educational and research activities for a longer period. In short, by cutting costs within the supporting services, the impact on education and research can be minimised.
35 million Euros
The plans announced today total 35 million euros in savings. These focus on indirect costs and supporting services; including central staff departments, Facilities, and Education & Student Affairs. The remaining 45 million euros will need to be cut over the next two years from areas where funding is concretely reduced. This will likely result in further downsizing in the affected parts of the organisation over time.
Causes of the Budget Cuts
The austerity measures are partly due to national budget cuts imposed by the government on the ministries of Education, Culture and Science (OCW) and Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality (LVVN). However, even without these government reductions, WUR would need to adjust its spending. The institution’s research division collaborates with various public and private partners, many of whom are also facing financial pressures. Additionally, student numbers in the Netherlands are declining, while salary costs have risen in recent years.
In practical terms, these plans mean that earlier cost-saving measures will become permanent. Funding for building maintenance and campus upkeep will be reduced further, and opening hours may be restricted. Staff departments will need to prioritise their support functions, and collaboration across teams must become even more efficient.
Advisory Process
The budget cuts are not yet final. The Employee Participation Council has been asked to provide its recommendations on the plans, with feedback expected in early July.