The European Commission is threatening legal action against the Netherlands for failing to put train services on the main railway network out to open tender.

Under EU rules, companies other than the state-owned NS should have the opportunity to provide mainline services, as well as night trains and cross-border connections.

Despite this, in 2023, the Dutch government granted NS the concession to operate these services for the next ten years, a decision backed by parliament.

MPs from across the political spectrum oppose the European Commission’s push for increased competition on Dutch railways, fearing it could lead to a decline in service quality for travelers.

The new concession period is set to run from 2025 to 2035.

Some other companies, such as Arriva and Qbuzz, already operate 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 multiple times regarding the issue, but without success. Officials now warn that they may take the case to the European Court of Justice unless the government provides a satisfactory response within two months.

“Regulated competition in the rail market is essential to provide passengers with more attractive and innovative services at lower costs while maintaining public service obligations,” the commission said.