Ministers have confirmed that some €2.5 billion is to be invested in strengthening the investment climate in the Eindhoven region.

News of the investment leaked out earlier but economic affairs minister Micky Adriaansens has now said that €1.7 billion of the money will come from central government and the rest from the region itself.

The focus of the investment will be on “developing talent, infrastructure and housing” Adriaansens said.

Confirmation of the investment follows concerns from chip machinery maker ASML and other tech firms in the region about the business climate, including the decision to reduce the scope of the 30% ruling paid to some highly-skilled workers.

ASML, Adriaansens said, “is one of the most important companies in the country. ASML is our Messi and such a star player gets everyone on board.” Many other companies will also benefit from the investment, the minister said, adding that it is a “very good step in terms of the investment climate.”