3. Personnel costs

The increase in personnel costs is mainly due to the creation of a provision for the heavy labour scheme of €188 million (see note 29 Employee benefits) and the financial impact of the new collective labour agreement.

The average staffing levels were as follows, with the personnel costs of the 2024 employees in Germany included in the result from discontinued operations:

The workforce at the end of the financial year was as follows:

Remuneration of directors

• *Calculated on the fixed salary.
• **In November, following the national elections, Wouter Koolmees fulfilled the role of scout in preparation for the formation of a new government. During this brief interruption, Eelco van Asch performed his duties and Wouter Koolmees did not receive any remuneration from NS.

From 1 July 2020, to 31 December 2021, the fixed income was temporarily reduced by 10% at the voluntary request of the Executive Board. This reduction will continue in the years 2022 to 2025. The collective labour agreement increases were applied in accordance with the remuneration policy.

The directors share two company cars. Ms. Magielse, Mr. Groenewegen, and Ms. Kaashoek do not have a lease car and have been paid the full mobility budget, which also applies to the other members of the Executive Board. The other directors have a lease car. Mr. Koolmees has been paid the remainder of the mobility budget that was not used for the company car, gross.

For further information on the remuneration policy of the Executive Board, please refer to the section 'Remuneration of the Executive Board' in the management report.

Remuneration of managers in key positions (excluding the Executive Board)

As a result of the sale of Abellio Germany in 2024 and the anchoring of key positions within the Executive Board, no remuneration will be reported for managers in key positions from 2025 onwards.

For 2024, this concerns managers with statutory authority and managers with a specific portfolio. As at March 2024, Ms. Magielse has been appointed to the Executive Board as Director of Finance & Risk and is therefore no longer included in the above table. As at June 2024, the position of Director of HR&O will be filled by the Executive Board. The remuneration of the manager of Transport Holding Germany is included in the remuneration related to the sale of Abellio Germany to BeNEX until 16 October 2024. This remuneration is accounted for as a result from discontinued operations.

Remuneration of supervisory directors

The remuneration of the supervisory directors for 2025, payable by the company, amounts to a total of €310,872 (2024: €265,625). The breakdown of the amounts for 2025 is as follows:

The annual remuneration for the various positions (excluding expense allowances) is as follows:

Until 1 April 2024, the remuneration consisted of a fixed fee and a fee for participation in one or more committees. From 1 April 2024, there will be no separate fee for participation in committees and the fixed fee has been adjusted accordingly. When filling the position of chair of a committee, the Supervisory Board fee will lapse so that there is no double payment.

From 1 July 2020, to 31 December 2021, the remuneration of the Supervisory Board has been temporarily reduced by 10% at its own request. This reduction has been continued until 1 April 2024, and will then be enshrined in policy. The collective labour agreement increases have been applied in accordance with the remuneration policy.

No loans, advances, or guarantees have been provided by the company to members of the Executive Board or Supervisory Board.

All shares in NV Nederlandse Spoorwegen are held by the Dutch State. No rights have been granted to members of the Executive Board, Supervisory Board or staff to acquire or obtain shares in the company.