See more of Dutch Brief in your Google search results
After months of pressure to clarify the Netherlands’ position on artificial intelligence, the cabinet has finally released its long-awaited vision. The document tackles a tough question: how can a mid-sized European country benefit from a technology led by American and Chinese giants without losing control of its own future?
What the cabinet wants
In a 28-page vision letter sent to parliament on 6 November, Willemijn Aerdts, the D66 state secretary for digital economy and sovereignty, explained the government’s approach. “AI will largely determine our future,” she wrote, describing a Netherlands where technology “makes everyone better,” nurses have more time for patients, and entrepreneurs can grow.
The main message is to take action and choose where to focus. “We don’t have to be able to do everything ourselves, but we do want to decide for ourselves which direction we take,” Aerdts said. The cabinet recognises that the Netherlands cannot lead in every area of AI, so it wants to focus on sectors where economic opportunities meet major social challenges, like healthcare, energy, and high-tech industry.
The vision is built on three main ideas: developing and using AI responsibly, accessing top AI technology while protecting against security risks, and ensuring the AI transition aligns with Dutch public values so people stay in control of how technology affects their lives.
Reducing dependence, and who the “reliable partners” are
Sovereignty is a key theme. The cabinet wants to prevent the Netherlands from becoming too dependent on a few foreign companies for important technology, or, as the vision says, on any single country, company, or player. It argues that the European Union needs “sufficient strategic AI capabilities” of its own, and that as much as possible should be done within the EU or with other trusted countries.
Outside Europe, the letter lists Canada, Japan, Singapore, and South Korea as “middle powers” and reliable partners the Netherlands wants to work with. It also says that working with the two superpowers is unavoidable, so the Netherlands and the EU will keep aiming for “stable and predictable relations” with the United States and China. The document points out that the Netherlands has joined Pax Silica, a US-led partnership on chips, computing power, and AI infrastructure. Aerdts, whose role includes “sovereignty,” also highlights the importance of building up Dutch industry that makes the components AI depends on, reflecting the country’s place in the global chip supply chain.
SPONSORED
You’re overpaying your accountant. And they still don’t call you back.
Neno gives you a dedicated bookkeeper, automated admin, real-time financial insights and a free business bank account. Everything your business needs, in one place.
No chasing. No surprises. No unnecessary costs.
Little money, few specifics
The main criticism is about funding. The only specific amount in the vision is 120 million euros for Dutch participation in an EU-wide AI project, which was already set aside in September. The letter says more “targeted and structural investment” is needed in infrastructure, talent, and research, but does not mention any other amounts.
This led to a strong reaction from Volt, the pro-European opposition party that has pushed for more action on AI policy. “This is a toothless tiger,” party leader Laurens Dassen told broadcaster NOS. “AI should be a top priority. It isn’t if there is no budget.” The cabinet has previously rejected some of Volt’s more ambitious ideas, like a special tax on companies that replace workers with AI and a “golden share” giving the state influence over AI developers. Instead, it prefers to support the sector rather than impose rules it sees as too restrictive.
What comes next
There are still more plans to come. Proposals for computing power and data centres, which use a lot of electricity and water, both limited resources in the Netherlands, are expected in the first quarter of 2027. The cabinet is also considering setting up a Dutch AI safety institute similar to the one in the United Kingdom, with an advisory report due in December. Aerdts and the education minister also plan to make a “media pact” with media organisations to address, among other things, how AI systems use journalistic content, though no details have been shared yet.
The vision is a statement of intent rather than binding policy, and its practical effect will depend on decisions and funding still to come.