Dutch cabinet approves referral of Best–Oirschot merger bill

The Dutch cabinet approved submitting the merger bill to the Council of State for advice, the government announced on 25 September 2026. The decision, taken on the proposal of Interior and Kingdom Relations Minister Heerma, is not final approval of the merger. [1]

Under the proposal, the two existing municipalities would be abolished and replaced by a new municipality called Best-Oirschot. The cabinet is aiming for the change to take effect on 1 January 2028, but that remains a target rather than a confirmed start date. [1]

The initiative grew out of concerns about the councils’ capacity to govern and deliver their work. According to the announcement, Oirschot decided in 2023 that extensive cooperation with Best was necessary to strengthen its capacity. Research subsequently indicated that Best’s municipal administration would also face pressure over time. The municipalities began exploring a merger in late 2024. [1]

The government says both municipal authorities came to regard a merger as the most durable long-term solution. It expects a combined council to be better equipped to address local challenges and strengthen its position within the Brainport region. Those are anticipated benefits, not demonstrated outcomes. [1]