Dutch cabinet sets out AI vision and weighs a national AI safety institute

The Dutch government approved its vision on artificial intelligence, "Kiezen voor AI voor iedereen", on 6 November, the government announced. State Secretary Willemijn Aerdts, responsible for digital economy and sovereignty, coordinates the plan, which rests on three pillars: responsible development and use of AI, access to advanced AI technology and security, and steering the AI transition in line with public values.

The cabinet will focus on healthcare, energy, food production, security and high-tech industry. It says the Netherlands cannot lead in every part of AI and wants to avoid becoming too dependent on a small number of foreign companies for crucial technology. A plan for the AI infrastructure and computing power the country needs will follow in early 2027.

The only funding figure in the vision is €120 million for Dutch participation in an EU-wide AI project, money that was already set aside in September, DutchNews reports. The cabinet is also exploring a Dutch AI safety institute modelled on the UK's AI Security Institute, with an advisory report due in December. IO+ reports that the government also plans a marketplace for validated AI applications. Volt leader Laurens Dassen called the vision "a toothless tiger" because it comes without a budget.