Independent auditor’s report

To: the shareholders and Supervisory Board of Royal Heijmans N.V.

Statement regarding the financial statements for the year ended 2023 as included in the annual report

Our opinion

We have audited the financial statements for the year ending on 31 December 2023 of Royal Heijmans N.V., based in Rosmalen. The financial statements include the consolidated financial statements and the company financial statements.

In our opinion:

the consolidated financial statements included in this annual report give a true and fair view of the financial position of Royal Heijmans N.V. as at 31 December 2023, and of its result and its cash flows in 2023 in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the European Union (EU-IFRS) and with Part 9 of Book 2 of the Dutch Civil Code;
the company financial statements included in this annual report give a true and fair view of the financial position of Royal Heijmans N.V. as at 31 December 2023, and of its result for 2023 in accordance with Part 9 of Book 2 of the Dutch Civil Code.

The consolidated financial statements comprise:

The consolidated statement of financial position as at 31 December 2023;
the following statements for 2023: the consolidated statement of profit or loss, the consolidated statement of comprehensive income, the consolidated statement of changes in equity and the consolidated statement of cash flows;
the notes, comprising an overview of the significant accounting policies applied and other disclosures.

The company financial statements comprise:

the company statement of financial position at 31 December 2023;
the company statement of profit or loss for 2023;
the notes comprising an overview of the significant accounting policies applied and other disclosures.

Basis for our opinion

We performed our audit in accordance with Dutch law, including Dutch auditing standards. We describe our responsibilities according to those standards in more detail in the ‘Our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements’ section of this report.

We are independent of Royal Heijmans in accordance with the EU Regulation on specific requirements regarding the statutory audit of the financial statements of public-interest entities, the ‘Wet toezicht accountantsorganisaties’ (Wta, Audit firms supervision act), the ‘Verordening inzake de onafhankelijkheid van accountants bij assurance-opdrachten’ (ViO, Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants, a regulation related to independence) and other relevant independence regulations in the Netherlands. Furthermore, we complied with the ‘Verordening gedrags- en beroepsregels accountants’ (VGBA, Dutch Code of Ethics for the Auditing sector).

We believe the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

Information serving as a basis for our opinion

We determined our audit activities in the context of the audit of the financial statements taken as a whole and in the forming of our opinion on same. The following information intended to serve as a basis for our opinion and findings should be read in that context and not as separate opinions or conclusions.

Our understanding of Heijmans

Heijmans is a listed company that combines property development, building & technology and infra activities in the business areas property development, residential building, non-residential building and infrastructure. The group structure consists of various operational segments and we focused our audit on these. In our audit, we devoted specific attention to a number of subjects on the basis of the group’s activities and our own risk analysis.

We determined the materiality and identified and estimated the risk that the financial statements contain material misstatements as a result of fraud or errors, in order to determine the audit procedures that are responsive to those risks to obtain audit information that is sufficient and appropriate to form the basis of our opinion.

Materiality

Materiality	€ 21 million (2022: € 18 million).
Benchmark applied	1% of revenue for the financial year (2022: 1%).
Additional information	Based on our professional judgement, we consider an activity-based benchmark to be the most appropriate basis on which to determine materiality. Given current market conditions, we consider revenue to be a stable and appropriate basis, also because of the insight it provides into the company’s size and performance. The way we determined materiality has not changed compared with the previous financial year.

We have also taken into consideration misstatements and/or possible misstatements that in our opinion are material for the users of the financial statements for qualitative reasons.

We agreed with the Supervisory Board that misstatements in excess of € 1,050,000 that are identified during the audit would be reported to them, as well as smaller misstatements that in our view must be reported on qualitative grounds.

Scope of the group audit

Heijmans is at the head of a group of entities. The financial information of this group is included in the consolidated financial statements.

Because we are ultimately responsible for the opinion, we are also responsible for directing, supervising and performing the group audit. In this respect, we have determined the nature and extent of the audit procedures to be carried out for group entities. Decisive in this respect were the size and/or the risk profile of the group entities or operations.

On this basis, we selected group entities for which an audit or review had to be carried out on the complete set of financial information or specific items.

Our group audit focused primarily on:

the operating segments Infra, Property development and Building & Technology (all full scope), with the audits performed by auditors in the Netherlands. Due to our centralised approach to and management of the audit, the team operates as an integrated whole.
the Van Wanrooij operating segment acquired in early September 2023. Using non-EY auditors, we performed audit work on the (September) opening statement of financial position (full scope), and then performed review work (review scope) for September and October. EY auditors subsequently performed review scope work for November and December.

In cases where we used the work of other EY and non-EY auditors, we provided instructions and were closely involved during the execution of the audit and reporting by these auditors.

By performing the procedures mentioned above at group entities, together with additional procedures carried out at group level, we were able to obtain sufficient and appropriate audit evidence about the group’s financial information to provide an opinion on the consolidated financial statements.

In the aggregate, these audit procedures represent 99% the group’s revenues and the entire balance sheet.

Engagement team and use of the work of specialists

We ensured that the engagement team at both group level and at entity level included the appropriate skills and competences for the audit of a listed client in the construction industry. We included specialists in the fields of IT audit, forensic accountancy, sustainability and income tax in the engagement team. In addition, we brought in our own specialists to assist with the audit of the valuation of land holdings and the processing of the acquisition of Van Wanrooij.

We evaluated and tested the work of the experts engaged by the management for the valuation of the pension liabilities and the accounting for the Van Wanrooij acquisition transaction to determine whether the work was adequate for the purposes of our audit. We also tested the expertise of the expert engaged by the management.

Our focus on climate risks and the energy transition

Climate change and the energy transition are high on the public agenda. Issues such as CO₂ reduction have an impact on financial reporting, as these issues entail risks for the business operation, the valuation of assets and provisions or the sustainability of the business model and access to financial markets of companies with a larger CO₂ footprint.

The Executive Board has summarised Heijmans’ the commitments and obligations in section 20.6.14 (section on targets). Section 20.6.12 also includes and analysis of climate risks and opportunities (including the environment and nitrogen emissions).

As part of our audit of the financial statements, we evaluated the extent to which climate-related risks are taken into account in estimates and significant assumptions. We also examined whether the commitments and factual obligations in this area have been taken into account. We have noted that for Heijmans, the effect is largely future-oriented (such as order book and medium to long-term prognoses).

As described in note 6.30 to the financial statements under ‘Climate-related matters’, these risks and their potential impact are related in particular to the valuation of joint ventures and associates and to a lesser extent to the valuation of old equipment in property, plant and equipment, with the recognised risk being greatest for the valuation of the participation in AsfaltNu. We also read the annual report and have evaluated whether there is any material inconsistency between the non-financial information and the financial statements.

Based on our audit activities, we do not consider the climate risks to be of material significance for the estimates or significant assumptions included in the financial statements as at 31 December 2023.

Our focus on fraud and non-compliance with legal and regulatory requirements

Our responsibility

Although we are not responsible for the prevention of fraud or non-compliance and we cannot be expected to detect non-compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements, it is our responsibility to obtain reasonable assurance that the financial statements, taken as a whole, are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

In the case of fraud, the risk that a material misstatement is not discovered is higher than with errors.

Fraud may involve collusion, falsification of documents, purposely neglecting to record transactions, falsely presenting events or a breach in internal controls.

Our audit approach with respect to risks of fraud

We identified and estimated the risks of material misstatements of the financial statements due to fraud. During our audit, we obtained an understanding of Heijmans and its environment, the components of the system of internal control, including the risk assessment process and the Executive Board’s process for responding to the risks of fraud and monitoring the system of internal control and how the Supervisory Board exercises oversight, as well as the outcome of same. Please see chapter 16 ‘Risk management’ of the annual report, in which the Executive Board has included its risk analysis, after weighing potential risks of fraud.

We evaluated the design and the relevant aspects of the system of internal controls and in particular the risk analysis, as well as, for example, the code of conduct, the whistle-blowers’ scheme and the register of compliance reports. We evaluated the design and implementation of internal control measures aimed at mitigating fraud risks.

As part of our process for identifying risks, we worked closely with our forensic specialists to consider fraud risk factors related to fraudulent financial reporting, improper appropriation of assets and bribery and corruption.

We evaluated whether these factors were indicative of the presence of any risk of material misstatement due to fraud.

We incorporated elements of unpredictability in our audit. We also considered the outcome of our other audit procedures and evaluated whether any findings were indicative of fraud or non-compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.

We take into consideration the risk that management can override internal control measures, as this risk is present in all companies. Due to this risk, among other things, we reviewed estimates for tendencies that may form a risk for a material misstatement, primarily focusing on significant areas requiring judgment and significant items of estimation, as explained in note 6.30 of the financial statements. We also used data analysis to identify and assess journal entries with a heightened risk and examined the business rationale (or lack thereof) for exceptional transactions, including those with related parties.

The following risks of fraud we identified require significant attention in our audit:

Valuation of large and complex works in progress (including project-related accruals and revenue recognition), whether or not as a result of management overriding internal control measures
Fraud risk	As in all our audits, we consider the risk that management may breach internal control measures. In identifying and estimating fraud risks, we also assume that fraud risks exist in revenue recognition. In our audit approach for Heijmans, we specifically take into account that these elements are primarily reflected in the valuation and revenue recognition of work in progress in the operational segments Infra, Property Development, Building & Technology and Van Wanrooij.
Our audit approach	We describe our audit procedures to address the assumed fraud risk related to revenue recognition in the audit approach to the key issue ‘Valuation and recognition of work in progress’.

Valuation of strategic land positions and land in-use with a specific focus on inner-city positions, whether or not as a result of management overriding internal control measures
Fraud risk	In identifying and estimating fraud risks, we assume that there is a risk of overvaluation of strategic land positions and land in-use, whether or not as a result of management overriding internal control measures. In these procedures, we pay specific attention to inner-city positions.
Our audit approach	We describe our audit procedures to address this risk in the audit approach to the key issue ‘Valuation of strategic land positions and land in-use’.

Failure to comply with legal tender procedures (bribery) for the purpose of contract acquisition
Fraud risk	Due to the nature of the business activities (construction company) and the characteristics of the related transactions, we identify an increased risk of non-compliance with legal and regulatory requirements regarding the contracting of projects due to the risk of bribes and kickbacks to potential clients, including obtaining permits from (local) government authorities. Compliance with legal and regulatory requirements is important for Heijmans’ reputation and success. Failure to comply with legal tendering procedures and/or corruption may result in damage to the company, for example through fines and/or exclusion from tender procedures. Such bribery could take place or be concealed in various ways, e.g. through ancillary positions, subcontractors, (consultancy) services or sponsorship without sufficient identifiable quid pro quo.
Our audit approach	We performed audit procedures specifically focused on this fraud risk. including: A review of the design and existence of internal control measures in the procurement and tendering process. A review (together with internal forensic specialists) of the internal management measures to ensure compliance. An analysis of a selection (based on risk factors such as size, margin, type of tender and client) of tenders won in the financial year. As part of this analysis, we assess, for example, whether there is an arm’s length reason for the award, the arm’s length nature of (tender) costs, the performance and background of consultants or subcontractors used, or different forecast margins compared to regular margins. A detailed audit of specific cost types following risk identification, including travel and accommodation costs, entertainment costs and sponsorship. An analysis of the ancillary positions of members of the Executive Board, Supervisory Board and local management boards, and transactions with these parties. Data analysis to identify high-risk journal entries based on specific search terms related to fraud risk in order to identify and investigate unusual transactions.

We considered available information and made enquiries of members of the Executive Board, other members of management (including legal counsel, Compliance Officer, Chief Risk Officer and segment directors) and the Supervisory Board.

The fraud risks we identified, enquiries and other available information did not lead to specific indications for fraud or suspected fraud that might potentially have a material impact on the view of the financial statements.

Our audit approach with respect to the risk of failure to comply with legal and regulatory requirements

We performed appropriate audit activities focusing on compliance with legal and regulatory requirements that have a direct impact on recognised amounts and notes to the financial statements.

We also assessed factors related to the risks of non-compliance with legal and regulatory requirements that could reasonably be expected to have a material impact on the financial statements, based on our experience in the sector, through discussions with the Executive Board, reading minutes, the inspection of reports by the Compliance officer and the Chief Risk Officer and by performing data-driven procedures focused on transaction flows, financial statement items and disclosures. We refer to the note on the legal and regulatory compliance risks in section 16 Risk management of the management report.

We also inspected lawyers’ letters and correspondence with regulatory authorities and remained alert to any indication of (potential) non-compliance throughout the audit. Finally, we obtained written confirmation that all known instances of non-compliance with legal and regulatory requirements had been shared with us.

Our audit approach with respect to the going concern assumption

As explained in the accounting policies for financial reporting in the financial statements, the financial statements have been drawn up the basis of a going concern assumption. When preparing the financial statement, the Executive Board performed a specific assessment of the company’s potential to continue as a going concern and continue its operations for the foreseeable future.

We discussed and evaluated that specific assessment with the Executive Board exercising professional judgment and scepticism.

We considered whether the Executive Board’s going concern assessment, based on our knowledge and understanding obtained through our audit of the financial statements or otherwise, covers all events or conditions that may cast significant doubt on the company’s ability to continue as a going concern. If we conclude that a material uncertainty exists, we are required to draw attention to the relevant related disclosures in the financial statements in our audit report. If the disclosures are inadequate, we are required to modify our opinion.

Based on the procedures we performed, we did not identify any serious uncertainties regarding the company’s ability to continue as a going concern. Our conclusions are based on the audit evidence obtained up to the date of our auditor’s report. However, future events or conditions may result in Heijmans being unable to continue as a going concern.

Our key audit matters

Key audit matters are those matters that, in our professional judgment, were of the most significance in our audit of the financial statements. We communicated the key audit matters to the Supervisory Board. The key audit matters are not a comprehensive reflection of all the matters we discussed.

We no longer consider the key audit matter ‘Provision related to Wintrack legal proceedings’ from the previous financial year as a key audit matter in this audit, in view of the outcome of the Board of Arbitration’s final ruling and the release of the provision.

The key audit matter ‘Work on acquisition statement of financial position of Van Wanrooij with specific attention to the fair value measurement of strategic land positions and land in operation’ is new compared to last year.

Acquisition balance sheet of Van Wanrooij with specific focus on the fair value measurement of strategic land holdings and land in-use (see note 6.2)
Risk	On 5 September 2023, Heijmans completed the acquisition of Van Wanrooij. The company determined a (provisional) allocation of the acquisition price to the individual assets and liabilities on the acquisition date. This allocation will continue to impact the composition of both the balance sheet and the income statement in future years, including the balance sheet item goodwill. The fair value measurement of the acquired land holdings and land in-use is the most significant item with impact on the acquisition accounting. This significant and subjective estimate was prepared - using an external expert engaged by the Executive Board - and substantiated by the Executive Board. Due to the above, we identified this as a key audit issue. The risk is that the fair value measurement of strategic land holdings and land in-use in the acquisition balance sheet is incorrect.
Our audit approach	We performed audit procedures on the Van Wanrooij acquisition balance sheet, including the reasonableness of the assumptions and estimates used, including: A review of the purchase price allocation by the external expert engaged by the Executive Board. We discussed the positions taken on various matters with the Executive Board and the external expert and also inspected underlying documentation. In doing so, we also established the competence, capabilities and objectivity of the external expert. Using another (non-EY) auditor to check input data used by the external expert, including the audit of the acquisition balance sheet. We sent instructions and were involved in the performance of the audit and reporting by these auditors during the audit. Engaging our own specialists to support our understanding of the external expert’s work and their audit, including selectively and independently testing the assumptions used in the fair valuation of the strategic land holdings and land in-use (including the discount rate used). To this end, we made a risk-based selection, paying particular attention to the elements that most influence the determination of the fair value, such as the interpretation and elaboration of the development plans, the lead times and the expected development of land and housing prices, as well as construction costs. Furthermore, we performed procedures related to other elements that have a material impact on the processing of the transaction, such as, for example, the purchase price and the identification of (other) assets. We also tested whether the disclosures are adequate and provide sufficient insight into the uncertainty and choice of valuation assumptions.
Key observations	In our opinion, the accounting policies used to account for the acquisition are acceptable and adequately disclosed. The assumptions and estimates used by the Executive Board are within the acceptable range.

Valuation and recognition of work in progress (see notes 6.3, 6.17, 6.24 and 6.30)
Risk	The valuation and revenue recognition of work in progress is influenced to a large extent by subjective elements, such as the estimate of costs yet to be incurred, expected increases and decreases in revenue, technical progress, (potential) claims and penalties, as well as project-related liabilities and provisions. This is partly driven by the nature of the activities, which may involve large and complex projects, and developments during project realisation. Revenues from work in progress are realised based on progress (‘percentage of completion’), which is generally determined on the basis of the realised costs compared to the total expected costs (‘cost-to-complete’). Losses on projects are recognised in full immediately whenever expected. Determining the aforementioned subjective elements requires significant management estimates, which creates complexity and inherent uncertainty. In addition, high inflation in procurement (material and labour) increases the uncertainty of estimated results, the potential impact of which may vary by segment and project. Due to the above, we identified this as a key audit issue in advance. The risk is that the valuation and recognition of revenue in large and complex works in progress is inaccurate. We also refer to the aforementioned fraud risk.
Our audit approach	We performed audit procedures on the reasonableness of the assumptions and estimates used, taking into account the previously mentioned fraud risk of management overriding internal control measures, including: A review of the processes related to project acceptance, project control and the reasonableness of estimates made on project deliverables. We considered the outcomes of previous estimation processes in the determination of our detailed procedures. We made a risk-based selection of work in progress based on qualitative and quantitative (risk) criteria. Discussion of the positions taken with various officers, including management and project officers, and a review of the minutes of key meetings and internal reports Data analysis to identify and review high-risk journal entries, including specific (manual) journal entries in the revenue area of the general ledger, as well as journal entries that could indicate cost transfers. Analyses of the progress of projects, the associated invoicing and revenue recognition and the recognised risk reserves. Specific data-focused work related to cost-to-complete. We also checked whether the disclosures are adequate and provide sufficient insight into the uncertainty and choice of valuation assumptions.
Significant observations	In our opinion, the principles used for the measurement of work in progress are acceptable and adequately disclosed. The assumptions and estimates used by management are within the acceptable range.

Valuation of strategic land holdings and land in-use (see note 6.16)
Risk	The valuation of strategic land holdings and land in-use is strongly affected by developments in the Dutch housing market and other external and/or internal subjective elements. Land holdings are generally only developed after a long(er) period, largely due to (policy) changes on the spatial zoning front at provincial or municipal level. The potential impact of the nitrogen emissions problem and the Dutch government’s housing agenda on the realisation increase the uncertainty regarding the net realisable value. This value is based on the expected future cash flows, which depend among other things on the likelihood of realisation, the expected timing of the realisation and the estimated sales prices and building costs. This valuation is substantiated using qualitative descriptions and key figures. The company conducts an impairment test once a year. This test is significant for our audit, given the nature of the activities, the complexity of the estimation process, the assumptions used in these estimates and the level of subjectivity in same. In view of the above, we identified this as a key audit matter. The risk taken into consideration for the purposes of our audit of the financial statements is that the valuation of strategic land holdings and land-in-use is too high. We also refer to the aforementioned fraud risk.
Our audit approach	We performed audit procedures with respect to the reasonableness of the assumptions and estimates used, including: We made a risk-based selection of the strategic land holdings and land-in-use, with a specific focus on inner-city positions due to the generally lagging sales rates at the start of construction. We included the outcome of previous estimation processes in the determination of our detailed procedures. We focused primarily on the elements that have the greatest impact on the determination of the net realisable value, such as the design and execution of development plans and expected developments in land and house prices, as well as the impact of the nitrogen issue. We also devoted attention to the calculation models used in the valuation and the input for same. We used own specialists for the valuation of the most high-risk positions. As part of this process, we assessed whether Heijmans’ valuations fell within the bandwidth of our own independent valuation. We assessed whether disclosures are sufficient and provide sufficient insight into the uncertainties and the choice of said assumptions for the valuation.
Significant observations	In our opinion, the accounting policies used for the valuation of strategic land holdings and land in-use are acceptable and adequately disclosed. The assumptions and estimates used by management are within the acceptable range.

Report on the other information included in the annual report

The annual report contains other information in addition to the financial statements and our auditor’s report thereon.

Based on the following procedures performed, we conclude that the other information:

Is consistent with the financial statements and does not contain material misstatements;
Contains all the information as required by Part 9 of Book 2 of the Dutch Civil Code for the management report and the other information as required by sections 2:135b and 2:145 sub section 2 of the Dutch Civil Code for the remuneration report.

We have read the other information. Based on our knowledge and understanding obtained through our audit of the financial statements or otherwise, we have considered whether the other information contains material misstatements. By performing these procedures, we complied with the requirements of Part 9 of Book 2 and Section 2:135b sub-Section 7 of the Dutch Civil Code] and the Dutch Standard 720. These procedures are not as thorough as our audit work on the financial statements.

The Executive Board is responsible for the preparation of the other information, including the management report and other information in accordance with Part 9 of Book 2 of the Dutch Civil Code. The Executive Board and the Supervisory Board are responsible for ensuring that the remuneration report is drawn up and published in accordance with Sections 2:135b and 2:145 sub section 2 of the Dutch Civil Code.

Report on other legal and regulatory requirements and ESEF

Engagement

We were engaged by the Supervisory Board as the auditor of Heijmans N.V. on 30 April 2014 as of the audit for the year 2014 and have operated as external auditors ever since that date.

No prohibited non-audit services

We have not provided prohibited non-audit services as referred to in Article 5(1) of the EU Regulation on specific requirements regarding the mandatory audit of the financial statements of public-interest entities. In addition to the mandatory audit of the financial statements, we provided the following services:

Various opinions on revenue statements for 2021 through 2023 (Standard 800)
Opinion on the statement of Heijmans N.V. related to several key ratio figures for 2021 through 2023 (Standard 805)
Assurance procedures related to non-financial information (sustainability report) (Standard 3810N)
Agreed procedures related to the Compliance Certificate for the banking consortium (Standard 4400N)
Other audit opinions, assurance reports or reports of factual findings in the context of tenders or bids.

European single electronic reporting format (ESEF)

Heijmans prepared its annual report in ESEF. The requirements for this are laid down in the Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/815 with regulatory technical standards for the specification of a single electronic reporting format (hereinafter: the RTS for ESEF).

In our opinion, the annual report, prepared in the XHTML format, including the partially marked-up consolidated financial statements, as included in the reporting package by Heijmans, complies in all material respects with the RTS for ESEF.

The Executive Board is responsible for preparing the annual report, including the financial statements, in accordance with the RTS for ESEF, whereby the Executive Board combines the various components into a single reporting set.

Our responsibility is to obtain reasonable assurance for our opinion whether the annual report in this reporting package complies with the RTS for ESEF.

We performed our audit in accordance with Dutch law, including Dutch Standard 3950N ‘Assurance-opdrachten inzake het voldoen aan de criteria voor het opstellen van een digitaal verantwoordingsdocument’ (assurance engagements relating to compliance with criteria for digital reporting). Our audit consisted, among other things, of:

obtaining an understanding of the Heijmans financial reporting process, including the preparation of the reporting set;
identifying and assessing the risks that the annual report does not meet the materially significant aspects of the RTS for ESEF and, in response to these risks, determining and performing further assurance activities as a basis for our judgment, including:
- obtaining the reporting set and performing validations to determine whether the reporting set containing the Inline XBRL instance document and the XBRL extension taxonomy files, has been prepared in accordance with the technical specifications as included in the RTS for ESEF;
- examining the information related to the consolidated financial statements in the reporting set to determine whether all required tags had been applied and whether these were in accordance with the RTS for ESEF.

Description of responsibilities for the financial statements

Responsibilities of the Executive Board and the Supervisory Board for the financial statements

The Executive Board is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of the financial statements in accordance with EU-IFRS and Part 9 of Book 2 of the Dutch Civil Code. Furthermore, the Executive Board is responsible for such internal control as the Executive Board determines is necessary to enable the preparation of the financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud.

As part of the preparation of the financial statements, the Executive Board is responsible for assessing the company’s ability to continue as a going concern. Based on the aforementioned financial reporting framework, the Executive Board should prepare the financial statements on the basis of the going concern assumption, unless the Executive Board either intends to liquidate the company or to cease operations, or has no realistic alternative but to do so. The Executive Board must disclose events and circumstances that may cast significant doubt on the company’s ability to continue as a going concern in the financial statements.

The Supervisory Board is responsible for overseeing the company’s financial reporting process.

Our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements

It is our responsibility to plan and perform the audit engagement in a manner that allows us to obtain sufficient and appropriate audit evidence for our opinion.

Our audit has been performed with a high, but not absolute, level of assurance, which means we may not detect all material errors and fraud during our audit.

Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements. The materiality affects the nature, timing and extent of our audit procedures and the evaluation of the effect of identified misstatements on our opinion.

We have exercised professional judgment and have maintained professional scepticism throughout the audit, in accordance with Dutch Standards on Auditing, ethical requirements and independence requirements. The ‘Information serving as a basis for our opinion’ section above includes an informative summary of our responsibilities and the work performed as the basis for our opinion.

Our audit included:

performing audit procedures responsive to the risks identified, and obtaining audit evidence that is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion;
obtaining an understanding of internal controls relevant to the audit in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the company’s internal controls;
evaluating the appropriateness of accounting policies used for financial reporting and evaluating the reasonableness of accounting estimates made by the Executive Board and the related disclosures;
evaluating the presentation, structure and content of the financial statements, including the notes to same;
evaluating whether the financial statements are a fair presentation of the underlying transactions and events.

Communications

We communicate with the Supervisory Board regarding, among other matters, the planned scope and timing of the audit and significant audit findings, including any significant findings in internal control that we identify during our audit, including any significant shortcomings in internal controls. In this respect, we also submit an additional report to the Audit and Risk committee of the Supervisory Board in accordance with Article 11 of the EU Regulation on specific requirements for the mandatory audit of the financial statements of public-interest organisations. The information included in this additional report is consistent with our audit opinion in this auditor’s report.

We provide the Supervisory Board with confirmation that we have complied with relevant ethical requirements regarding independence. We also communicate with the Supervisory Board regarding all relationships and other matters that may reasonably be thought to affect our independence and, where applicable, related measures to safeguard our independence.

We determine the key audit matters in audit of the financial statements on the basis of all the matters we discussed with the Supervisory Board. We describe these key audit matters in our auditor’s report unless legal or regulatory requirements preclude public disclosure or when, in extremely rare circumstances, not communicating the matter is in the public interest.

Rotterdam, 8 March 2024

Ernst & Young Accountants LLP

P.W.J. Laan RA