The Netherlands' performance towards the Digital Decade targets and objectives.
The Netherlands is a leader in digitalisation, supported by excellent connectivity, a strong research base and strengths in high-tech sectors (i.e. semiconductors and quantum technologies). However, SME still lag in the strategic adoption of advanced digital technologies, while shortages of ICT specialists are slowing digital transformation. The tech start-up sector is also showing signs of slowing down. The Netherlands performs well in the availability and uptake of digital public services, but service delivery remains fragmented across government bodies. The Netherlands Digitalisation Strategy provides an opportunity to improve coordination and create more unified, interoperable public services. At the same time, the country is placing greater emphasis on strengthening digital sovereignty.
The Dutch national roadmap comprises 59 measures with a total budget of EUR 5.25 billion, of which EUR 5.22 million is financed from public budgets (equivalent to 0.46% of GDP). Of these measures, 29% are set to expire by the end of 2026, corresponding to EUR 170 million of public funding or 3% of the total public budget allocation.
What do Dutch citizens think of digital?
According to the special 2026 Digital Decade Eurobarometer, 86% of Netherlanders consider digital policy as a high EU priority.
Protecting online privacy and security is considered the top priority for the next decade by 97% of respondents, followed by improving access to digital tools for everyone (92%) and using digital technologies to make everyday life easier (82%). Additionally, 95% support stronger online protection for children and young people.
87% agree that AI development should be carefully regulated to ensure safety, even if this may constrain developers. When it comes to generative AI tools, the main concerns cited are accuracy and incorrect information (57%), privacy and data protection (53%), and ethical issues or potential misuse (43%).
Observed Key Performance Indicators as Percentage of the EU 2030 targets
The graphs represent the observed Key Performance Indicators in the Netherlands as a percentage of the EU 2030 targets.
DIGITAL INFRASTRUCTURE
DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION OF BUSINESSES
DIGITAL SKILLS
DIGITAL PUBLIC SERVICES
Semiconductors and quantum computing performances are not computed at the national level. In 2025, the Netherlands had an estimated 368 edge nodes and 37 unicorns.
A competitive, sovereign and resilient EU based on technological leadership
Leading position in key high-technology areas, such as semiconductors and quantum.
Recommendations: Strengthen the semiconductor and deep tech ecosystem and consolidate the country’s leadership in quantum by securing funding beyond Quantum Delta NL.
Cybersecurity awareness is high. However, challenges remain in role allocation, information sharing and consistent implementation of security standards.
Recommendation: Strengthen national cyber resilience by improving coordination and reducing fragmentation across responsible authorities.
Low strategic integration of advanced digital technologies, particularly by SMEs.
Recommendation: Increase SME adoption of advanced digital technologies through better coordination and effectiveness of existing support systems.
Protecting and empowering EU people and society
Among the leaders in basic digital skills, with a plan to introduce ‘Digital Literacy’ as a distinct area of learning in primary and secondary education.
Digital public services are widely available and used. However, the underlying public service delivery, including e-health services, remains fragmented.
Recommendation: Strengthen digital public services through a clear implementation roadmap under the Netherlands Digitalisation Strategy and expand access to digital health services.
The ICT labour market faces a significant supply-demand imbalance due to structural constraints and uneven access to talent across companies and regions.
Recommendation: Enhance student participation in STEM through early, targeted career guidance and intensify efforts to attract and retain ICT specialists, particularly in sectors with high digital potential.
Funding
EUR 1.1 billion
Share of the Netherlands’s total Recovery and Resilience plan contributing to advancing the country’s digital transformation
EUR 6.12 billion
Estimated total economic impact of investments from the Netherlands’ Recovery and Resilience plan
EUR 2.03 billion
Stemming from direct effects of the Netherlands’s RRP
EUR 4.09 billion
Share of the Netherlands’s total Cohesion funds contributing to the country’s digital transformation
EUR 0.2 billion
Share of the Netherlands’ total Cohesion funds contributing to the country’s digital transformation
For more information, please download:
- Netherlands 2026 Country report – Executive Summary
- Netherlands 2026 Country report
- Netherlands in the 2026 Digital Decade Eurobarometer
More on the Digital Decade Report 2026
Member States must submit to the Commission national roadmaps, detailing the actions they plan to...
Summaries of the country-specific chapters of the Digital Decade 2026 report.