AI training programmes
AI offers clear opportunities to enhance public services, but this can only be achieved with civil servants who possess the necessary skills and knowledge.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Digitalisation actively reshapes our daily lives, transforming how we live, work and engage in society. It influences every part of our world, from the internet and smartphones to apps and online platforms that now play an essential role in everyday life. Technologies such as generative artificial intelligence (AI) will continue to amplify this impact.
Daily life
AI has been integrated into our daily routines for a long time, often unnoticed. Examples include intelligent search engines that quickly deliver accurate results, translation software, and algorithms that recommend products based on our preferences.
Significant potential
AI has applications across nearly all domains and sectors, making its societal and economic potential vast. Developments are already progressing rapidly. For instance, image recognition applications help doctors diagnose certain types of cancer. AI is increasingly used to enhance logistics planning, improve public space maintenance, and manage traffic more effectively. It also plays a significant role in the development of autonomous vehicles.
AI application principles
The principle is that Dutch society will optimally utilise AI, while prioritising and safeguarding public values and human rights, such as non-discrimination, privacy, and autonomy. Even in this era where intelligent computer systems can rapidly process vast amounts of data, crucial human rights must remain guaranteed. The Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations (BZK) promotes the responsible use of AI both within and outside government.
Objectives of the Netherlands’ Digitalisation Strategy (NDS)
The NDS places significant emphasis on AI. The Ministry of BZK aims to accelerate AI adoption across government as a unified entity:
- Take the lead in scaling AI within government and explore establishing an AI scaling facility.
- Select promising priority AI application areas, develop applications, and use them collaboratively across government organisations.
- Establish joint, auditable standards for ‘AI use by government’, including an algorithm framework and procurement guidance.
- Explore the creation of a government-wide AI competence centre.
- Collaborate on AI development.
- Deploy GPT-NL (or other open language models) for various priority use cases within government.
GPT-NL preparing for next phase
Over 2 years since the launch of the GPT-NL project, significant progress has been made under the leadership of the Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations (BZK).
8 pilots to strengthen municipal delivery capability
The pilots receive funding to make their solutions suitable for practical use. This way, well over 100 municipalities can reuse them by the end of 2026.
AI model GPT-NL to start trial with virtual assistant Gem
ICTU, 27 local councils, and TNO are the first to trial GPT-NL for the virtual assistant Gem. One of their objectives is to enhance public service delivery.
Artificial Intelligence: above all, a governance challenge
AI offers significant opportunities for the government. The acceleration team is developing shared agreements and scalable applications for responsible progress.
Government-wide Monitor on Generative AI
TNO published the 1st Government-wide Monitor on Generative AI. It aims to gain more insight into the use of GenAI across government, opportunities and challenges.
AI Act Service Desk to assist organisations with AI regulations
The European Union has launched the AI Act Service Desk to support organisations in applying the AI Act correctly, aiming for responsible AI use across Europe.
Government departments opt for secure SSC-ICT AI chatbot
In 2026, thousands of civil servants will gain access to a new AI chatbot: Vlam-chat. Several government ministries have expressed their intention to adopt it.
AI literacy: AP urges organisations to act now
The AP has published updated guidance titled Building AI Literacy, which provides more detailed information on the legal requirements for responsible AI use.
Impact Analysis AI for Provinces and Water Authorities
The new European AI Act affects all public authorities, as demonstrated by this impact analysis, commissioned by the Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations.
New tools to help implement AI Act
On 2 August, new rules for general-purpose AI models came into effect. The Algorithm Register provides practical tools (in Dutch) to help implement these rules.
Share your views on the rules for high-risk AI systems
For future guidelines on high-risk AI systems, the European Commission has launched a public consultation. Feedback can be submitted via the EC's website until 18 July.
