Planned university reforms left in limbo as government collapses

Robbert Dijkgraaf departs as Dutch science minister with several research and education initiatives incomplete

Dutch universities may have to wait until 12 September at the earliest to learn whether proposed reforms to research and education policies are likely to go ahead.

The confusion follows the collapse of Mark Rutte’s four-party coalition government on 7 July. The fall was caused by the failure of the partners to reach agreement on a common policy on immigration and particularly on family reunification.