Netherlands' digitalization strategy will cost nearly €1 billion
The Dutch Digitalization Strategy (NDS) is estimated to cost around 950 million euros, according to a preliminary government assessment, though officials caution that the figure contains substantial uncertainties and lacks confirmed funding.
Outgoing State Secretary for Digitalization Eddie van Marum (BBB) outlined the first cost estimate in a status report to the Tweede Kamer on Tuesday. The document notes that the estimate includes only the largest financial projects across the NDS’s six priorities and four interventions, while other costs, such as resolving legacy IT systems, are not included.
“Until a more detailed investment agenda is finalized, the NDS will continue to be executed using existing resources,” Van Marum wrote.
The detailed investment agenda, which will clarify funding and implementation plans, is now expected in the second quarter of 2026. Earlier requests by the Tweede Kamer, including a motion from Barbara Kathmann (GroenLinks-PvdA), sought an agenda before the elections, but Van Marum now anticipates publication after the first quarter.
The preliminary agenda was prepared in consultation with other ministries, local governments, and the network of public service providers (NPD). Van Marum emphasized in his accompanying letter to the Tweede Kamer that the figures represent a temporary assessment and are not yet secured financially.
Political decisions regarding the implementation of NDS projects will heavily influence the ultimate cost. “The amounts mentioned not only carry a significant degree of uncertainty, but are also not yet covered,” Van Marum noted.
The NDS, presented in July, is a collaborative effort by the national government, local authorities, and public service providers to strengthen the country’s digital infrastructure. The program focuses on six priority areas, each led by dedicated task forces empowered to allocate resources and set direction. For example, the ‘Citizen and Business First’ task force is working with around forty municipalities to establish unified government service portals.
