Netherlands commits €120 million to build independent AI infrastructure

A strategy for sovereignty

The Dutch government recently unveiled a comprehensive strategy titled Choosing AI for Everyone. This plan outlines how the nation intends to make its own decisions regarding artificial intelligence while decreasing its reliance on a small number of foreign technology giants. State Secretary Willemijn Aerdts, who oversees the digital economy and sovereignty, presented the plan as a way to balance economic opportunity with public values.

The strategy is built on three primary pillars: responsible development, access to advanced technology, and steering the transition toward public benefits. The government wants to ensure that AI use respects ethics and transparency while remaining consistent with the EU AI Act. This legal framework sets requirements for safe use and bans specific applications that the government deems undesirable for society.

To ensure the public is involved in these decisions, the government will host consultations starting in 2027. Citizens will be able to share their views on the limits and opportunities of AI through a dedicated government website. This approach aims to prepare the workforce and the general public for the long-term effects of automation on society.

Investing in infrastructure

A significant portion of the government's plan involves a €120 million investment available starting in 2027. These funds are earmarked for European cooperation and the development of new technologies to strengthen the European AI value chain. The goal is to build a robust foundation that allows for domestic innovation without being beholden to external providers.

The Netherlands is also planning a broader approach to data centers and high-performance computing. By early 2027, the government will release a plan regarding the amount of computing power the country requires. This includes a specific plan for a Dutch AI factory located in Groningen, which will provide resources to researchers, public authorities, and private businesses.

Additionally, the government is exploring the creation of a dedicated Dutch AI safety institute. This body would be tasked with identifying and addressing emerging risks, such as disinformation and cyberattacks. By building these physical and organizational structures, the government hopes to create a secure environment for technological growth.

Targeting key economic sectors

Rather than applying AI broadly across all industries equally, the Netherlands is focusing on five specific sectors. These include healthcare, energy, food production, security, and high tech. The government believes these areas offer the best overlap between significant economic opportunities and pressing societal challenges.

The government specifically highlighted the role of ASML as a unique asset in the global AI stack. Because ASML is central to semiconductor manufacturing, it plays a vital role in producing the chips required for AI. By supporting these types of high-tech industries, the Netherlands aims to build enough domestic expertise to maintain access to critical technologies.

This focus on 'open strategic autonomy' means the country wants to be able to make its own choices about technology. By strengthening the domestic capacity in these five sectors, the government intends to protect its economic interests. This strategy ensures that the benefits of AI are concentrated where they can have the most significant impact on the nation's stability.

Empowering small businesses

To help the broader economy adapt, the government is creating a digital marketplace for validated AI applications. This platform will offer reusable components and tools that have already proven successful within government operations. By using joint procurement, the government aims to share development costs and make these tools more accessible to a wider range of users.

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are a primary target for these support measures. The government intends to remove various barriers that currently make it difficult for smaller companies to adopt new AI technologies. Providing these businesses with ready-made, tested tools helps them compete with larger corporations that have more resources.

To further support the growth of the domestic tech scene, two new bodies will be established to improve access to finance. These are the National Agency for Disruptive Innovation (NADI) and the National Investment Institution (NII). These organizations are designed to help Dutch AI companies raise the funding they need to scale their operations and innovate.

Security and digital resilience

Safety remains a central theme of the Dutch AI strategy, particularly regarding the misuse of technology by malicious actors. The government has warned that hackers could use AI to launch sophisticated attacks or spread disinformation at scale. To counter these threats, they are developing an action program to strengthen long-term digital resilience.

One specific project mentioned in the strategy is the Prometheus initiative. This project focuses on developing AI-powered cybersecurity solutions to defend against modern threats. By using AI to protect against other AI-driven attacks, the government hopes to create a more secure digital infrastructure for its citizens.

The overarching goal is to balance innovation with the protection of fundamental rights. While the government wants to foster growth, it is committed to setting limits on applications it considers harmful. By aligning with the EU AI Act and focusing on public values, the Netherlands seeks to create a model for responsible technological advancement.