Dutch lower house backs changes to public-sector competition law

The Dutch House of Representatives approved proposed changes to the Wet markt en overheid on 13 October 2026, according to the government. The law governs economic activity by public authorities alongside businesses. The government says the proposed changes would make the law permanent, but they still need Senate approval. [1]

According to the government, the proposal would require public authorities to explain more fully why they carry out an economic activity in the public interest. They would also be allowed to make the source code of open-source software they developed available free of charge. The government says the current law requires authorities to charge interested parties at least the full cost for such products, giving a parking app as an example. [1]

Economy minister Heleen Herbert, who proposed the changes, said the lower-house vote would bring greater predictability. The government says the amended law would take effect on 1 July 2027 if the Senate approves it. [1]