Each year, Budget Day in the Netherlands serves as a pivotal moment for evaluating the government’s priorities and policies across all sectors of society. In 2026, mobility once again takes center stage, not because of bold new policies but due to the perceived lack of ambition and investment in this critical area. The RAI Association, the Dutch mobility industry’s leading trade body, has voiced strong criticism of the government’s mobility plans, calling them inadequate and warning that they fall far short of what the economy, society, and sustainability goals require.
According to the RAI Association, the plans presented lack the urgency and vision needed to address pressing challenges such as sustainability, road safety, accessibility, and affordable mobility. Instead of bold commitments, the association sees hesitation, fragmented policies, and a worrying refusal to make long-term choices that could safeguard the Netherlands’ position as a mobility leader in Europe.
Why Mobility Matters
Mobility is more than just movement from one point to another. It is an economic driver, a social enabler, and a vital component of climate policy. From logistics and commuting to leisure and urban planning, reliable and sustainable transport systems support virtually every facet of modern life.
The Netherlands, with its dense population and central role in European trade, has an especially strong reliance on mobility systems. Roads, railways, ports, and public transport networks are crucial to ensuring that goods, services, and people can move efficiently. A failure to adequately invest in mobility risks bottlenecks that could stifle economic growth, undermine safety, and increase inequalities.
The RAI Association stresses that mobility deserves a place at the very top of the political agenda. Yet, the 2026 budget sends the opposite signal: that mobility is not seen as a long-term priority.
The Call for Sustainable and Affordable Mobility
One of the core demands of the RAI Association is a stronger emphasis on sustainability and affordability. The transition to a greener fleet—whether through electrification, hydrogen-powered vehicles, or hybrid technologies—must be accelerated, the association argues. Without government support in the form of subsidies, infrastructure investments, and regulatory clarity, the Dutch market risks falling behind its European peers.
At the same time, mobility must remain affordable for ordinary citizens. Rising energy costs, higher car ownership taxes, and insufficient support for lower-income households threaten to create a divide in access to mobility. This could have profound social consequences, from reduced job opportunities to increased rural isolation.
The association also advocates for a broader perspective on transport, one that looks beyond cars to include bicycles, public transport, and integrated mobility solutions. Only by considering the full spectrum of options can the Netherlands maintain accessibility for all citizens.
The Need for Circular Initiatives
Another overlooked area in the government’s plans, according to the RAI Association, is the stimulation of circular economy initiatives. The automotive industry is uniquely positioned to lead in recycling, reusing, and repurposing materials such as batteries, metals, and plastics. Supporting circular practices not only contributes to sustainability goals but also strengthens the resilience of the Dutch automotive manufacturing industry against global supply chain disruptions.
By neglecting to prioritize these initiatives, the government risks missing a crucial opportunity to align mobility with broader climate and economic resilience strategies.
Car Taxes: A System in Need of Overhaul
One of the most pressing issues raised by the RAI Association is the outdated car tax system. Current measures, the association argues, are piecemeal and short-term, looking ahead only a few years instead of creating a robust, fair, and predictable system for decades to come.
For example, the introduction of a final levy for employers who provide employees with combustion engine cars is criticized as lacking the necessary supporting policies. Instead of standalone measures, the association calls for a comprehensive reform that balances fairness with incentives for sustainability.
The RAI Association has even offered to collaborate with the next government to develop such a system. Yet, the lack of willingness to engage on this issue sends a troubling message about the government’s commitment to meaningful reform.
The Case for Mileage Tax
The RAI Association sees promise in the planned introduction of a kilometer charge for trucks in 2026, calling it a strong example of a “pay-as-you-go” model. This system ensures that those who use the roads most frequently contribute proportionally to their upkeep and environmental costs.
However, the association believes this approach should not stop with trucks. Passenger cars and light commercial vehicles should also be included in mileage-based taxation, thereby ensuring a fairer system that promotes efficient use of infrastructure while discouraging unnecessary emissions.
Road Safety: A Neglected Priority
Perhaps one of the most alarming findings is that road safety has not been given additional funding in the 2026 budget. After years of steady improvement, the decline in the number of road fatalities has come to a halt. Without further investment in infrastructure, education, and enforcement, the risk of reversing these gains is high.
For the RAI Association, this omission is unacceptable. Road safety should never be sacrificed in budgetary considerations. Every life lost on the road is one too many, and without renewed focus, the Netherlands could fall behind in its commitment to becoming one of the safest traffic environments in Europe.
The Role of the Dutch Manufacturing Industry
Beyond consumer mobility, the RAI Association emphasizes the importance of maintaining a strong automotive manufacturing base in the Netherlands. The Dutch automotive industry has a proud track record in truck production, vehicle automation, battery technology, and high-quality supply chain contributions.
A robust innovation program is essential to ensure that this industry continues to thrive, not only for the sake of jobs and exports but also to support the transition to sustainable and smart mobility solutions across Europe. Without strong government backing, there is a real risk that Dutch manufacturers could lose their competitive edge.
Conclusion: A Missed Opportunity
The verdict from the RAI Association is clear: the mobility plans presented on Budget Day are insufficient. They do not invest enough in sustainability, road safety, accessibility, or affordability. They fail to provide long-term clarity on car taxes, overlook the potential of circular economy initiatives, and underfund critical areas like road safety.
Mobility is not just another policy area—it is the backbone of the Dutch economy and society. Without bold action, the Netherlands risks falling behind in the European race toward sustainable, safe, and inclusive mobility.
The association’s message is both a warning and an invitation. By collaborating with industry stakeholders, the government has the chance to create a future-oriented mobility strategy that benefits all citizens while ensuring that the Netherlands remains a leader in innovation and sustainability.
For now, however, the mobility agenda remains a missed opportunity—one that the RAI Association insists must be corrected before it is too late.
