The Taskforce-Digital-Sovereign-Europe regularly publishes articles on Europe’s digital sovereignty. The following article was recently published in the Dutch journal iBestuur (https://ibestuur.nl/artikel/pleidooi-voor-minister-van-digitalisering-in-nieuw-kabinet/)
With new elections and the formation of a new cabinet on the horizon, the political spotlight is once again turning to digitalisation. The Taskforce Digital Sovereign Europe spoke with Roel Bekker, former Secretary-General and honorary professor at Leiden University, about the need for a Minister for Digitalisation — ideally without portfolio, but with a direct seat at the cabinet table and sufficient mandate to make a real impact. Below is a summary of their conversation.
Digitalisation is no longer merely a technical issue. It now permeates every domain of government and society — from finance and security to education and the economy, according to the Taskforce. Yet policy in this field remains fragmented. Despite some progress, the pace of digital developments is outstripping the government’s ability to respond. As a result, there is a growing gap between what citizens and businesses expect and what the government is actually able to deliver.
A Minister for Digitalisation
Establishing a ministerial post would give digitalisation the organisational and political weight it merits. Such a minister — without portfolio but seated in the Council of Ministers — could be positioned under the Ministry of General Affairs. Support could be drawn from existing departments, as is the case in EU matters. The current mandate of the State Secretary is too limited. The previous cabinet focused heavily on improving automated administrative systems, but lacked a broader vision for digitalisation in society.
Digitalisation is a strategic policy domain that will determine our future autonomy, security, and prosperity.
Digital Power
Digitalisation should no longer be treated as a support function, but as a strategic policy field. The government already holds significant digital power — for instance through collective procurement, standardisation, and regulation of data use — but this power remains largely underused.
Aligning Strategies
The Taskforce believes that a Minister for Digitalisation could build on existing knowledge and institutions such as the CPB (Netherlands Bureau for Economic Policy Analysis), CBS (Statistics Netherlands), the WRR (Scientific Council for Government Policy), and the directorates of various ministries — provided there is a strong vision, clear coordination, and a legal framework. A statutory basis for digital policy is needed, comparable to the Government Accounts Act — and with real teeth. In addition, annual alignment with existing strategies such as the Ministry of Economic Affairs’ Digital Economy Strategy should ensure consistency.
Digital Independence
The Taskforce also warns against growing dependency on non-European tech firms. The Netherlands must invest in European digital autonomy, even if it requires time and funding. Political leaders are urged to make bold choices, even when these are difficult to explain in the short term.
A national cloud strategy, strengthening digital capabilities within the civil service (e.g. through the RADIO programme), and reducing reliance on external consultants are seen as essential steps.
Finally, the Taskforce stresses that although digitalisation may seem abstract, it affects every aspect of daily life. That makes clear communication all the more important. A Minister for Digitalisation can provide direction, focus, and tangible results — provided the role is politically endorsed, professionally staffed, and firmly anchored at the heart of government.
The Taskforce Digital Sovereign Europe — comprising Paul Timmers, Willem Korteweg, Joost van Iersel, Joost van Boeschoten and Peter Hagedoorn — develops strategic visions on the impact of digitalisation on governance, digital resilience, and the state of digital affairs across European nations. Their aim is to translate these visions and concerns into concrete policy proposals for both the Netherlands and Europe.
The Taskforce previously advocated for addressing digital sovereignty at the European level: Europe urgently needs a digital council
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