6.19 Cash and cash equivalents

x € 1,000

Cash is utilised to reduce the Group's financing to the extent contractually and practically permitted, for example, by making the balances concerned part of notional cash pool arrangements.

6.19a Restricted cash and cash equivalents

Of the total cash and cash equivalents, €30 million (2021: €30 million) is held by joint ventures. These cash and cash equivalents are exclusively available in consultation with the joint venture partners concerned.

The funds in blocked accounts, €6 million (2021: €2 million) mainly relate to the obligatory G accounts (guarantee accounts) under the Dutch Wages and Salaries Tax and Social Security Contributions (Liability of Subcontractors) Act.