Cabinet plans to cut one in five full-time jobs at the national government in the coming years – mainly in execution

The Dutch government plans to cut 25,000 full-time jobs in the civil service, aiming for a 20% reduction overall. This decision is part of a broader strategy to save €3.5 billion, with significant impacts on execution agencies. The cuts will affect various organizations, potentially reducing staff by up to 60% in some cases. The government intends to streamline operations by reducing advisory bodies and simplifying regulations, while also exploring ways to improve data sharing among agencies. However, the use of AI is cautioned against as a solution for these budget cuts, with the government acknowledging the need for difficult political choices.