A parliamentary letter in early July 2025 announced the National Action Plan Web Policy (abbreviated NAWB in Dutch). This roadmap outlines concrete measures to improve the recognisability, quality and manageability of government websites. The proliferation of websites often makes it unclear to citizens and entrepreneurs where to find reliable information. With this action plan, the government aims to tackle this problem.
Secure and accessible
A key component of the action plan is enhancing the security and accessibility of government websites. Currently, a proportion of websites meet legal requirements. The NAWB aims to increase this percentage by providing better support to government organisations. There will be central supervision to ensure compliance with the legally required standards for digital accessibility and information security. Additionally, work is underway to establish a facility where information on public products and services is offered coherently. This should help citizens find the information they need.
Benefits
Reducing the number of government websites has several advantages. For one, it helps prevent the fragmentation of government information. This enables citizens and entrepreneurs to access accurate, up-to-date information and easily locate relevant services. Moreover, it also helps reduce online misinformation. Second, it allows government organisations to maintain a comprehensive overview and comply with all applicable standards, legal requirements, and agreements. And finally, reducing the number of websites may result in cost savings.
Roadmap
Within the action plan, work is underway to develop an accessible, reliable, recognisable digital ‘roadmap’ on Overheid.nl. Here, citizens and entrepreneurs can find all the practical information from the government. The signpost explains how to request or arrange something with the government, or directs you to the appropriate body. Would you like to learn more about the National Action Plan Web Policy? Please read the full parliamentary letter (Dutch) with all actions on the central government website.
