The Netherlands’ International AI Strategy: AI for values, prosperity and resilience
The Netherlands’ International AI Strategy AI for values, prosperity and resilience
The Netherlands' International AI Strategy sets out a government-wide framework and action lines to address three core challenges: boosting competitiveness and earning potential, strengthening strategic AI sovereignty and dependencies in the value chain, and ensuring the responsible and safe use of AI in line with human rights and democratic values. It outlines targeted international actions spanning bilateral diplomacy, European cooperation, standardisation, trade, and security to position the Netherlands and Europe effectively within a shifting global order.
Summary and content fields are drawn from the document text and are pending editorial review.
Who issued it
Who it governs
Policymakers, diplomats, researchers, and international partners seeking to understand the Netherlands' international policy approach and strategic priorities regarding artificial intelligence.
What the document contains
This strategy addresses international engagement, economic competitiveness, technological sovereignty, supply chain dependencies, standardisation, and normative frameworks for safe and responsible AI development in both civilian and military domains.
Domestic implementation details, local funding allocations, and binding technical regulations for individual domestic developers are explicitly excluded or not detailed within this international strategy.
- The strategy coordinates the international approach of the Netherlands around three pillars: competitiveness, AI sovereignty, and responsible use.
- Europe faces dependencies on non-European providers across the AI value chain, creating economic and national security risks.
- The Netherlands leverages its strengths in high-tech manufacturing, semiconductors, agriculture, and cyber diplomacy to shape international AI standards.
- Action lines focus on joint European investments, secure international market access, reducing high-risk dependencies, and promoting responsible norms in military and civilian domains.
· Summary · Introduction · Defining the problem · Starting position for the Netherlands and Europe · Goals · International commitment - 1. Enhancing Dutch and European competitiveness in AI - 2. Strengthening Dutch and European sovereignty in AI - 3. Responsible and safe use of AI · Knowledge development and monitoring
How it scores
Each score is backed by a quote verified against the document text. Editorial review has not yet confirmed them.
Accountability
3/5Clear responsibility for AI outcomes
At EU level and in collaboration with like-minded partners and companies, the Netherlands will promote the development and application of technical standards which safeguard the security, transparency and accountability of AI systems
Action line 3.2 — Promoting standards for safe and responsible AI
screening score · 2026-10-23
Fairness
3/5Non-discrimination and equitable treatment
Through EU, NATO, UN and Council of Europe frameworks, coalitions and bilateral dialogue, including with countries in the Global South, the Netherlands will raise awareness of AI-related risks such as discrimination, disinformation, cyber threats
Action line 3.3 — Protecting human rights, democratic values and resilience in AI applications
screening score · 2026-10-23
Human Oversight
2/5Humans remain in control of consequential decisions
There are also systemic risks, such as the high energy consumption of and space required by data centres and the erosion of human autonomy.
Defining the problem
screening score · 2026-10-23
Privacy
1/5Protection of personal data and private life
Responsible and safe use of AI is essential in order to protect human rights, democracy and the rule of law and international stability.
3. Responsible and safe use of AI
screening score · 2026-10-23
Transparency
3/5Openness about how AI systems work and are used
The Netherlands will share practical examples such as the algorithm register for transparency, support civil society organisations and promote joint analyses, knowledge sharing and best practices to embed norms in policy, oversight and practice.
Action line 3.3 — Protecting human rights, democratic values and resilience in AI applications
screening score · 2026-10-23
Enforcement
4/5Consequences and compliance mechanisms with real force
This includes carrying out export controls on dual-use AI applications, preventing the undesirable loss of high-value AI knowledge and carefully assessing foreign investments in sensitive AI capabilities.
Action line 2.4 — Mitigating risks associated with AI capabilities
screening score · 2026-10-23
Impact Assessment
3/5Required assessment of an AI system's risks/impacts before or during use
Together with like-minded countries, the Netherlands will explore additional forms of international governance focusing on responsible use and oversight of powerful AI infrastructure, such as Compute Governance, in order to mitigate the risk of abuse and escalation.
Action line 2.4 — Mitigating risks associated with AI capabilities
screening score · 2026-10-23