Leiden University wins tender from Ministry of Economic Affairs to evaluate legislation

Published on 11 July 2025

Researchers from Leiden University, together with SEO Amsterdam Economics, have been chosen to evaluate the Dutch Telecommunications Sector (Undesirable Control) Act and the Investments, Mergers and Acquisitions (Security Screening) Act.

SEO Amsterdam Economics and the departments of Company Law and Financial Law at Leiden University, in collaboration with the Europa Institute, will conduct an evaluation of the Telecommunications Sector (Undesirable Control) Act (WOZT) and the Investments, Mergers and Acquisitions (Security Screening) Act (Wet Vifo) for the Ministry of Economic Affairs.

The research will provide answers to the following questions: 

1. In relation to effectiveness: to what extent does the application of the WOZT or the Wet Vifo  contribute to controlling risks to national security, insofar as they relate to the interface between the economy and security, namely: 

   • a. Ensuring continuity of essential processes (Wet Vifo and WOZT); 

   • b. Maintaining integrity and exclusivity of knowledge and information (Vifo Act) or the integrity and exclusivity of services and confidential communication (espionage) (WOZT); and 

   • c. Preventing undesirable strategic dependencies (Vifo Act); and 

   • d. Preventing the government from getting into a position where dependence on a party with relevant influence in the sector puts pressure on the government (WOZT). 

2. In relation to the impact in practice: what effects does the application of the Vifo Act have on other relevant areas, such as the investment climate and the regulatory burden for companies?