GroenLinks-PvdA and NSC call for strong Dutch cloud infrastructure

Increasingly, government organizations are moving their ICT systems to the cloud. This offers advantages such as Internet accessibility and less need for in-house hardware management. At the same time, this development leads to a growing dependence on a few large foreign tech companies. According to the initiators, it is important for the Netherlands to limit this dependence and retain more control over its digital infrastructure.

The plan focuses on three main points. First, essential services, such as e-mail and chat applications, should be kept in-house. These services are crucial to the functioning of government and therefore should not be vulnerable to external influences. The goal is for at least 30 percent of cloud services to come from Dutch providers by 2029.

Second, it is proposed that the Rijksoverheid make better use of its position as the largest ICT buyer to strengthen the Dutch cloud sector. Targeted procurement can stimulate the growth of smaller, local players, while promoting cooperation at the national and European level to enable fair competition.

Third, the plan includes measures to ensure that government organizations truly pursue strategic autonomy in their digital choices. The proposal includes formalizing responsibilities among Chief Information Officers to counter dependence on large foreign tech companies.

With this approach, GreenLeft-PvdA and New Social Contract want to strengthen the digital sovereignty of the Netherlands and lay a firmer foundation for its own robust cloud infrastructure.