On October 26, 2026, Bloomberg reported that the Dutch government announced an administrative reform plan with the assistance of AI, aiming to cut the equivalent of 25,000 civil service positions over several years.
According to the government’s announcement, the budget savings target is 900 million euros per year by 2027,increasing to 3.5 billion euros, equivalent to approximately 3.9 billion USD, starting in 2035.
The government plans to unveil a specific plan regarding AI applications to enhance the operational productivity of central agencies by early 2027.
State Secretary for Government Efficiency Eric van den Burg emphasized that the Netherlands needs to change its operating methods, aiming for a simpler, smarter, and leaner administration.
By the end of 2025, the number of Dutch central government civil servants reached a record 160,000, a 41% increase compared to 2018, despite previous streamlining commitments.
The projected reduction of 25,000 positions is equivalent to about 15.6% of the total central civil servants at the end of 2025.
The Netherlands currently records a budget deficit of about 1.8%, which is relatively low within the European Union,but concerns remain regarding long-term fiscal prospects.
The article has not yet specified the exact number of positions to be reduced directly through AI, positions cut through restructuring, or the deployment roadmap for each agency.
📌 Conclusion: The Netherlands’ plan shows that AI is becoming a tool for public sector productivity reform, going beyond the automation of administrative tasks. The target to cut the equivalent of 25,000 positions and save 3.5 billion euros per year reflects the ambition to link digital transformation with budgetary efficiency. However, a distinction must be made between civil service streamlining goals and the direct employment impact of AI. The effectiveness of the reform also depends on process redesign, public service quality, and workforce transition capabilities.
