Cheap workouts at the ACLO sports centre or low-cost courses at the USVA cultural centre? The government wants to put an end to that starting in 2026.
For decades, the UG has subsidised discounted rates for students and staff, which it pays for using funds it receives from the government. But the current government wants to change that: it no longer wants public (taxpayer) money to be used for ‘private activities’.
Market competition
According to the ministry, private activities include services not directly related to education and research, such as sports and cultural facilities. It also applies to hospitality services and contract education, such as adult education under the concept of ‘lifelong learning’.
These expenses, the government argues, distort market competition and constitute a form of state aid that is not allowed. For example, students currently pay 59.95 euros for an ACLO annual basic membership. For 70 euros more they have access to all facilities.
That’s quite cheap compared to regular gyms. The cheapest Basic Fit gym membership costs 24.99 euros per month, granting access to all locations in the Netherlands, including group classes.
Unclear guidelines
What education minister Eppo Bruins expects from universities is still unclear to the University of Groningen, as board president Jouke de Vries has repeatedly stated in the university council. Although Bruins has issued a new directive, the university says it is open to multiple interpretations.
In the worst-case scenario, the new rules could mean the end of affordable sports at ACLO and discounts at the USVA cultural centre for students and staff. It could also potentially mean the end of funding for the University Museum, and even price increases in campus cafeterias.
New building
It’s also unclear what the new policy means for ACLO’s planned new building. The University of Groningen was set to cover 52 percent of the 51.7 million euro construction costs. Those building plans have already been uncertain since last year’s announced budget cuts.
‘It’s definitely a serious threat and it could mean we’d no longer be able to invest in sports or culture’, says UG spokesperson Anja Hulshof. ‘That’s obviously the opposite of what we want.’
The board of directors anxiously awaits the ministry of education’s committee meeting on Wednesday. ‘That’s when we’ll hear how much money we’ll still be allowed to spend on things like sports and cultural events’