The European Commission threatens legal action against the Netherlands for not posting train services on the main road network to open tenders.

According to EU rules, companies other than the state NS should be able to provide main line services, as well as night trains and cross -border connections.

Despite this, in 2023, the Dutch government granted the NS concession to operate these services over the next ten years, a decision supported by Parliament.

MPs from all over the political spectrum oppose the European Commission’s driving force for increased competition on Dutch railways and feared that it can lead to a reduction in service quality for travelers.

The new concession period will be run from 2025 to 2035.

Some other companies, such as Arriva and Qbuzz, are already operating regional services in the Netherlands and have protested in Brussels over the preferential treatment given to NS.

The Commission said it has contacted the Netherlands Several times regarding the question, but without success. Officials now warn that they can take the case to the European Court unless the government provides a satisfactory response within two months.

“Regulated competition in the rail market is crucial to giving passengers more attractive and innovative services at lower costs while maintaining the public service obligations,” the Commission said.