Dutch pension funds support National Investment Institution

Dutch pension funds have expressed support for the development of a National Investment Institution (NII), which aims to combine public and private investment power to accelerate projects in sectors such as digitalization, AI, energy, climate technology, and biotechnology.

Ger Jaarsma, chairman of the Pensioenfederatie, emphasized that investment amounts must be driven by viable projects rather than political mandates. He noted that while funds are willing to contribute, their primary responsibility remains securing adequate pensions. Jaarsma suggested that the government could facilitate participation by reducing risks through mechanisms like ‘first loss’ coverage and providing stable, long-term policy frameworks.

In a related development regarding regional growth, the Dutch government intends to involve pension funds more closely in large-scale area developments to increase the supply of mid-market rental housing. Henk Jagersma of pension fund SPW described these measures as steps in the right direction, expressing hope that they will help mitigate rising costs in the sector.