The first week of coalition talks between D66 and the CDA has centred on defence, security, nitrogen reduction and the long-term earning capacity of the Dutch economy, with a series of experts brought in by informateur Sybrand Buma to brief the two parties.

On Friday the talks turned to the future of the Dutch economy, energy policy and climate. Former ASML chief Peter Wennink, now advising on the investment climate, joined senior civil servants and climate advisers for a session on how the next cabinet should target long-term investment.

D66 leader Rob Jetten said ahead of the meeting he wants to know “how the Netherlands can best earn its money in 15 years’ time” and what choices must be made now, including in education.

On Thursday the discussions focused on defence and international security. Nato representative Geoffrey van Leeuwen told negotiators that the alliance faces shortages “on land, in the air and at sea”, and stressed the need for more European production of military equipment.

Officials from the foreign affairs and defence ministries, as well as the national counter-terrorism coordinator NCTV, also joined the talks.

Earlier in the week, nitrogen experts urged the parties to focus reductions primarily in agriculture, pointing out that most domestic nitrogen deposition originates from the sector.

Representatives from farming organisations, young farmers, provincial authorities and nature groups all called for greater clarity, more funding and faster decision-making.

Jetten and CDA leader Henri Bontenbal said the briefings had given them “a lot to think about”. Both acknowledged that differences between the parties remain, but described them as manageable and said the document they are drafting will outline only broad choices.

The week also saw efforts to smooth tensions after the departure of former informateur Hans Wijers after the NRC published comments made by him about VVD leader Dilan Yesilgöz in which he described her as a liar and a harpy.

Yesilgöz met Jetten and Bontenbal on Thursday to discuss the issue, with all three describing the conversation as constructive and saying the problem had been resolved.