Expats Erased? Critics Say Amsterdam’s New Plan Ignores 38% of Residents Born Abroad
Amsterdam’s new centre-left coalition agreement, branded as a plan for “our Amsterdam,” is facing criticism for offering few concrete measures for startups and highly skilled internationals, despite promises to strengthen the city’s position in Europe’s tech economy.
The 70-page programme, presented in Zuidoost by Progressive Nederland Amsterdam and D66, focuses heavily on affordable housing, recruiting more teachers, and making public transport free for under-17s.
Melanie van der Horst, the coalition’s head of economic affairs, said the executive still wants Amsterdam to play a major role in Europe as a tech region. She argued the city should buy more from the European market to reduce dependence on American big tech and create conditions for start-ups and scale-ups to flourish.
But experts and opposition politicians say those ambitions are not backed up by specific policies. Johan Schaap of the Dutch Startup Association (DSA, Dutch Startup Association) noted that the word “startup” does not appear in the agreement, warning that Amsterdam’s earlier ambition to become Europe’s tech hub has been watered down.
The DSA also says Amsterdam is losing global talent to places such as Singapore, Italy, and parts of the Middle East. The group recently raised the alarm after Amsterdam fell from fifth to seventh in a European tech hubs ranking, now behind Munich and Cambridge.
Economist Barbara Baarsma has warned that the number of skilled immigrants is falling, even though research links them to productivity and future economic growth. Volt leader Juliet Broersen added that “expats” and internationals are not mentioned, despite 13% of residents being born in other EU countries and 25% outside the EU, calling it disappointing for a city that claims to be for everyone.
Broersen said a truly inclusive Amsterdam would ensure housing, participation, and municipal services also work for residents who do not yet speak Dutch. Others echoed the call for practical support, including CDA leader Rogier Havelaar, who wants Dutch lessons in every neighbourhood where internationals and locals meet, a one-stop shop for legal and practical questions, and better access to international schools, healthcare, and housing.
Brigitte Vonck, founder of Serve the City, said the agreement does not strongly convey a sense of community and shared participation. She argued that bridge-building initiatives—such as the pilot Nexxxt Step event—are crucial to helping internationals and expats feel at home as part of Amsterdam’s social fabric, not just as temporary visitors.