Responding to MPs’ concerns, education minister Eppo Bruins promised that student sports fees won’t rise – for now. He had underestimated the effects his new policy would have.

Student athletes can breathe a sigh of relief: for now, they are spared the doubling or tripling of sports pass costs that universities and associations feared. Bruins promised the House of Representatives on Wednesday that he will not be enforcing his ‘policy directive’ for the time being.

From 200 to 700 euros

According to the directive, public funds should not be used to support private activities. A month ago, the ministry issued a more stringent interpretation of this directive to the education sector. Public education funding should not interfere with or distort the private market, meaning that students are expected to pay a ‘market-rate’ price for access to sports facilities.

University association UNL warned last week that this could drive the cost of a sports subscription up to 700 euros, compared to the current 200 euros. Students launched protests and submitted a petition calling on politicians to “keep sports affordable”.

Good for mental well-being

The House of Representatives debated the issue on Wednesday afternoon. While the official topic was young people’s mental health, there was broad consensus that sports play a vital role in that context.

Faced with pointed questions from MPs, including those from coalition parties, Bruins quickly backed down, pledging not to enforce his own policy directive for the time being. He was in complete agreement with the House that sports benefit academic performance, social contacts and students’ mental well-being.

Bruins admitted that he had not anticipated that his move would lead to widespread cost increases. His sole aim, he said, was to provide clarity on the policy directive.

What about cultural activities?

Sandra Beckerman from the SP criticised Bruins’ stance as being somewhat “out of step with reality”. She pressed for a quicker and permanent solution: simply make an exception for student sports. Despite the criticism, Bruins received backing from coalition partners for his plan to first study the implications for students and education.

The minister indicated he is willing to consider an official exception, provided that every student can benefit from a facility. “Can MBO students also use it? That, too, is part of this discussion.”

Educational institutions often indirectly subsidise a range of student activities, including drama, music, dance and cabaret, by offering venues like halls or theatres at little or no cost. It remained unclear on Wednesday whether Bruins’ pledge not to enforce the directive also applies to culture.