The Rectors of the Dutch universities, the Mayors of the Dutch university cities and the universities of applied sciences (UAS) are circulating a petition / Manifesto in protest at the Dutch government’s plans to cut several hundred millions of euros for higher education and research.

"The higher education and research budget cuts are completely at odds with the Netherlands' ambition to be among the top five of knowledge economies, which requires intensification of education, creative research opportunities and the fostering of talent."

According to LSVb, the Dutch National Union of Students, the cuts may lead up to 2.000 fewer academic positions by 2015.

VSNU, the Association of Universities in the Netherlands, encourages professors to sign the Manifesto online.