At the General Assembly during the Association of Netherlands Municipalities (VNG) Governance Day (Bestuurdersdag), municipalities voted unanimously in favour of jointly addressing digitalisation. Moreover, this aligns with the 1 government vision outlined in the Netherlands’ Digitalisation Strategy (NDS).
As early as June 2025, local councils had already agreed to jointly address at least 80% of their digital transformation efforts structuring these initiatives around key priority areas. As a result, topping the agenda now are AI, cloud computing, and cybersecurity, alongside cross-cutting themes such as digital sovereignty, procurement, and digital skills. This targeted approach aligns seamlessly with the national ambitions outlined in the 6 priorities of the NDS.
From plan to action
With the General Meeting’s mandate, municipal experts are now turning policy into practical action. Their focus is on:
- What needs to be addressed at a national level?
- Where should local councils take the lead?
Decisions on structure, funding, and delivery will be made in close collaboration with municipal networks. These include the Association of Information Managers at Municipalities (IMG), the Association of Public Service Directors (VDP), and the Association of Municipal Secretaries (VGS). The VNG is overseeing and supporting this process. With this, it also aims to ensure the wide range of challenges faced by councils across the country are reflected.
Standing together for a digitally secure Netherlands
Local authorities, provinces, water authorities, and central government are working as equal partners to deliver the NDS. Through shared vision and joint governance, they are strengthening the nation’s digital infrastructure to provide secure, reliable services for citizens and businesses.
More information
Read the full article on VNG’s website (Dutch). Learn more about the NDS here.
