The Dutch government has announced plans to cut 25,000 full-time jobs by 2035, reducing its workforce by about 16 percent. Alongside these cuts, it intends to use artificial intelligence more widely to help staff get more work done.
The government aims to reduce costs by 900 million euros by 2027. By 2035, its cost-cutting target rises to 3.5 billion euros. Not every part of the government will face cuts: police and defense are excluded.
During the first three months of 2027, the cabinet plans to set goals for using AI to improve productivity. It will also develop plans for saving money through the technology.
In a letter to parliament, State Secretary Eric van der Burg described the broader effort as a move toward a smaller, simpler and smarter government. AI projects already exist in several areas of government, and he wants to expand the technology's use.
