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Source: Government of the Netherlands

News item | 24-01-2024 | 20:30

According to State Secretary Eric van der Burg of Asylum and Migration, the majority of third-country nationals can safely return to the country of origin. “Unless they have grounds to fear violence or prosecution, in which case they can apply for asylum here. It is good that there is now clarity for this group of third-country nationals after a long period of uncertainty.”

Asylum application

Approximately 740 third-country nationals have already informed the Immigration and Nationalisation Service (IND) that they wish to continue their asylum application. This group will remain entitled to accommodation at the Central Agency for the Reception of Asylum Seekers (COA) also after 4 March. Municipalities have been requested to continue to accommodate third-country nationals with pending asylum applications until they can be transferred to the COA.

Third-country nationals who did not previously inform the IND that they wish to continue their asylum application, may submit a new asylum application to the IND if they are of the opinion that they cannot return to the country of origin because they are not safe there. They remain entitled to accommodation at the COA, but they are not permitted to work in the Netherlands for the first six months.

Departure

Third-country nationals who do not apply for asylum or whose asylum application has been rejected are required to leave the Netherlands within 28 days after 4 March. Municipalities will continue to accommodate third-country nationals during this period; the Central Government will reimburse the related costs. The remigration policy of the Repatriation and Departure Service (DT&V), which runs up to and including 4 March 2024 may assist third-country nationals in their departure.

Source: Government of the Netherlands

News item | 18-01-2024 | 13:15

In the words of Minister for Digitalisation Alexandra van Huffelen, “We wish to retain the values and prosperity of the Netherlands. According to figures from the IMF, in developed economies, up to sixty percent of jobs could be affected by AI. We are unwilling to leave the future socioeconomic security of the Netherlands exclusively in the hands of major tech companies. What is also needed is a government that has ambition and vision based on public values and our objectives: ensuring that everyone can participate in the digital era, everyone can be confident in the digital world and everyone has control over their digital life. By stating our principles now, we will maintain control in the future.”

Minister of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy Micky Adriaansens continued, “It is essential that the Netherlands does not remain stuck on the sidelines when it comes to artificial intelligence. In particular generative AI is increasingly developing into one of the most defining technologies of our time, both in everyday life, and for example for application in machines and in more efficient industrial systems. Asia and the US have taken the lead and Europe will have to catch up. Only if we also invest more in AI innovations will we be in a position to compete and to set the course for the appropriate and promising development of this technology, in both our society and our economy.

Minister for Education, Culture and Science Robbert Dijkgraaf explained, “To make full use of the opportunities offered by generative AI, we must aim for greater knowledge and more skills. The essence is to develop and to retain AI talent, to allow us to develop forms of generative AI that satisfy the standards and values of Europe. Therein lies the added value for Europe’s digital open strategic autonomy. We are also considering investments in large-scale scientific and technological infrastructure, such as supercomputers and computing power, both at national and EU level. This will enable us to remain competitive in the field of LLMs and other forms of generative AI.”

The emergence of Generative AI

AI is a system technology that will have a huge impact on every domain and every sector of our society and that will affect every field of government policy. Generative AI is a specific form of AI. For example, it can assist humans in generating text, computer code, image and audio, and has already emerged as a powerful extension to human analytical and creative capacity. Certainly since the launch of chatbot ChatGPT at the end of 2022 and the introduction of other generative AI tools such as Google Bard, Midjourney and DALL-E, the use of AI has become a part of the everyday life of many people in the Netherlands.

New Dutch government actions

The Dutch government has called upon the Social and Economic Council (SER) to map out the impact of AI on labour productivity and the quantity and quality of work. The government also intends to organise campaigns to explain to people how best to protect their data against the training of generative AI models. Furthermore, investigation is underway into the establishment of a secure and usable public national AI test facility; later this year, AINEd InnovatieLabs will be launching public-private partnerships; the use of responsible generative AI applications in specific government services is due to be started and a National AI validation team will be established to assess available AI applications for example for non-discrimination. Finally, the Dutch government will continue to seek legislative advice on the legal framework, from various watchdogs.

The development last November of the open language model GTP-NL marked the start of activities aimed at promoting the development of (open) Dutch and European large language models, in line with public values. Against this background, GPT-NL will receive funding to the tune of 13.5 million euros from the first funding round for Facilities for Applied Research (Faciliteiten Telecast Onderzoek – FTO) from the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy. In addition, the National Growth Fund will be providing €204.5 million to the AINEd programme, for knowledge, innovation and the application of Dutch AI (systems).

Opportunities and possibilities

Generative AI will have a huge impact on the economy, society and on both central and local government. The technology offers opportunities for increased productivity and new tasks and responsibilities within organisations and in the economy as a whole. It can also make a real contribution to improving internal organisational procedures and service provision. In the field of scientific research, generative AI could contribute to the elaboration, improvement and acceleration of new research methods.

Risks and challenges

At the same time there are concerns about potential risks. For example that generative AI will have a negative impact on the way in which we are provided with information which could in turn influence our democracy and the rule of law. In addition, generative AI technology is accelerating the existing dynamism in digital markets thereby increasing the risk of abuse of market power. In both the short and longer term, generative AI could result in the disappearance of job opportunities and elsewhere there are concerns about the possibility of prejudice and selectivity which could be embedded in the systems as a consequence of the training data and model parameters employed in creating those systems. Finally, at present, the Netherlands is largely dependent on language models from non-European countries, which could negatively affect the country’s innovative position, and the long-term earning capacity of the Netherlands.

Principles behind the vision

Through its value-driven approach, the Netherlands has an opportunity to become a leader in Europe and via Europe in the world. The Dutch government has announced its ambition to establish a strong AI ecosystem in the Netherlands and the EU, that offers every opportunity for innovation based on responsible generative AI. We aim to bring this about by encouraging cooperation, for example via the Dutch AI Coalition. We are also creating the necessary conditions for the development and use of generative AI applications, while maintaining our digital open strategic autonomy. With that in mind, the Dutch government has identified four policy principles.

Generative AI in the Netherlands:

  1.  Must be developed and applied in a safe manner.
  2.  Must be developed and applied in a fair and equitable manner.
  3.  Must be at the service of human wellbeing and human autonomy.
  4.  Must contribute to sustainability and our continued prosperity.
 

From vision to action

To ensure that we are able to use and develop responsible generative AI in the Netherlands, while maintaining control over the impact of this technology, the Dutch government is presenting 6 action lines in this vision. By collaborating with all stakeholders, closely monitoring the rapid developments in the field of AI, developing appropriate legislation and regulations, expanding available knowledge and skills (among others in education), by (safely) experimenting with generative AI within government itself and by ensuring strict supervision of AI, with enforcement measures where necessary, the Netherlands can remain at the forefront of the inevitable changes in our society as a consequence of generative AI.

For more information, please contact:

Thomas van Oortmerssen, Spokesman for the Dutch Minister for Digitalisation 
Communication Department
Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations Turfmarkt 147 | 2511 DP | The Hague Postbus 20011 | 2500 EA The Hague 
M 06 31019781 / E thomas.oortmerssen@minbzk.nl

Source: Government of the Netherlands

News item | 17-01-2024 | 09:30

Aukje de Vries, State Secretary for Benefits and Customs: “The drug traffickers will stop at nothing and will use every means available. That’s why we need to do everything in our power to intercept drugs. In this, we’re increasingly collaborating with businesses and with other countries. The fact that this is helping Customs to intercept even more drugs is a good thing. It hits criminals where it hurts, undermining their perverse business model. This battle deserves our continued attention and investment.”

Collaboration with Belgium

The State Secretary announced the latest drug figures in Vlissingen, together with the Belgian Minister of Finance, Vincent van Peteghem. In Belgium, drug seizures amounted to a total of 116,000 kg last year. That is also more than the previous year, when 109,000 kg was seized. Dutch and Belgian Customs are collaborating intensively in their battle against drug trafficking. The Dutch Customs diving team is active in Antwerp and the two countries are jointly collaborating with Latin America. The two Customs services are also closely cooperating on automatic image recognition in scans.

Trafficking via ports

In the ports, Customs seized more than 140 consignments of cocaine last year. This is roughly the same as the year before. The average number of kilograms in each consignment has increased. Customs also found the largest ever consignment of cocaine. This was a consignment of 8,000 kg of cocaine, shipped from Ecuador to Rotterdam via Panama. The most frequent location where drugs were found was the cooling system of containers. Customs officers also regularly discovered drugs in the cargo or concealed in the structure of the container.

In Rotterdam, Customs have begun to scan more containers. Scans have increased by 40% compared to 2022. In the ports, Customs are constantly innovating to stay a step ahead of criminals, partly through the deployment of underwater robots, smart cameras and drones. With the help of a drone, Customs recently succeeded in intercepting drug smugglers on an underwater scooter.

Trafficking via air cargo

The number of kilograms of cocaine seized in air cargo has also seen a significant increase. In 2023, Customs seized almost 2,250 kg of cocaine at airfields, compared to almost 1,300 kg in 2022. There is also more intensive collaboration at airports between Customs and the business community. This includes the sharing of information about drug consignments.

Cooperation with Latin America

In contrast, countries in Latin America have seen a fall in the seizure of drugs heading to the Netherlands. In Brazil, there has been a remarkable decrease in the number of seizures of drugs destined for the Netherlands. In recent years, Dutch Customs have intensified cooperation with Customs in Brazil. Last year saw the launch of a pilot involving the sharing of scanned images. There has also been increasing cooperation with other countries, including with Customs in Ecuador, Panama and Costa Rica. Liaison officers have also been posted in various Latin American countries and Customs treaties have been agreed, including with Ecuador. This will make it possible for the different Customs services to share even more valuable intelligence.

Source: Government of the Netherlands

News item | 22-12-2023 | 14:45

This is one of the measures taken by the government so as to increase knowledge and raise awareness of the history of slave-trading and, in doing so, aid the healing process and gain a better understanding of its consequences.

Minister Weerwind: “The apologies that have previously been made in respect of the history of slave-trading were not the end, but only one aspect. It is up to the government and society as a whole to follow through on these apologies. Making it easier for descendants of enslaved persons to change their surname, free of charge, is an initiative that is a good follow-up of the excuses made and the subsequent steps that are being taken.”

In the colonial past, enslaved persons were often not given the opportunity to choose their own name, and were given names instead. This name would often include a reference of the (former) slave owner or the plantation where they worked.

Adults who have such a surname will soon be able to change their surname, free of charge. The current costs for changing your surname amounts to € 835. Furthermore, the person requesting such a change is also currently required to submit a psychological statement evidencing that he/she is experiencing problems due to his/her surname. This will become a thing of the past. In these cases, the name change will be free of charge. A statement evidencing that the person involved is a descendant of an enslaved person will suffice.

The internet consultation for this proposal has been completed and the proposal will now be sent to the Council of State. The Council of State always advises the government on proposed legislation and regulations, as part of regular procedure.

Source: Government of the Netherlands

News item | 22-12-2023 | 14:34

The proposal implements a European Commission directive that incorporates inflation over the past 10 years into the criteria used to classify companies. This classification determines the degree of accountability companies have to provide for their finances.

Companies are classified based on their balance sheet total and net turnover. The categories of companies are micro, small, medium and large. The threshold amounts of this classification will be increased by 25%, so that some companies will fall into a lower category. In this lower category, they have to include less information in their annual reporting and in some cases, they no longer have to have it audited by an auditor. The estimated savings for the business community from this increase is approximately EUR 45 million. The proposal is that companies may also apply the increased threshold amounts for the 2023 financial year. This was the express wish of the business community and audit firms.

European Directive

The proposal implements the directive published by the European Commission on 19 October 2023 to increase the threshold amounts for micro, small, medium and large legal entities. Minister Weerwind for Legal Protection implements the increase by a general order in council. The government has agreed to submit this draft decision to the Council of State for advice. The final decision is expected to be published in the first quarter of 2024.

Source: Government of the Netherlands

News item | 22-12-2023 | 09:33

€102 million for humanitarian aid and pressing needs

For the first four months of 2024 the government has reserved €102 million to help Ukraine get through the winter and prepare for spring. During his visit to Ukraine on 15 December, Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation Geoffrey van Leeuwen detailed how the money will be allocated.

The ongoing war is taking an increasingly heavy toll on Ukraine’s society and economy, and the country is as much in need of help as ever. This latest support package focuses on the most pressing needs:

• €15 million for humanitarian assistance through the UN’s Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA);
• €15 million for clearing mines from agricultural land and areas liberated from Russian control;
• €62 million to help the Ukrainian government provide basic services, repair critical infrastructure and roll out reforms under the Special Program for Ukraine and Moldova Recovery (SPUR), a facility of the World Bank’s International Development Association;
• €10 million for the delivery of materials for the electricity grid.

Development minister Geoffrey van Leeuwen visits Ukraine

Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation Geoffrey van Leeuwen was in Kyiv on 15 December for a visit to a power station and to discuss reconstruction and emphasise the Netherlands’ continuing support for Ukraine.

Mr Van Leeuwen said, ‘Arrived in Kyiv, where I emphasised the crucial importance for Ukraine to stand firm against Russian aggression, especially now that winter has arrived. The Netherlands is assisting with humanitarian aid and support for the recovery of critical infrastructure.

Ensuring the continuity of key sectors, including energy infrastructure, is part of our efforts to aid Ukrainians as they face the winter ahead.’

More than €2 billion in support in 2024

Other Dutch funding in 2024 will consist of €2 billion in military support, a contribution of €295 million to the European Peace Facility (EPF), €89 million to help combat impunity and €3 million for non-military cyber support.

More information about the Dutch aid for Ukraine.

Source: Government of the Netherlands

News item | 18-12-2023 | 08:00

Use of personal data for intimidation purposes punishable

Sharing personal data of someone for the purposes of intimidating that person – also referred to as doxing – is punishable as of 1 January. Doxing is a fairly common phenomenon. Personal data, such as addresses, phone numbers, and personal information concerning family members, are shared in app groups, so that this information can be used to terrify someone. Doxing has a major impact on people who are harassed in this manner. They fear for their own safety or that of their loved ones. They are no longer able to express their views without any concern for the consequences or no longer manager to perform their duties. This affects our fundamental freedoms and the functioning of our democratic state.

Victims of doxing are often care providers, police officers, journalists and politicians. However, sometimes scientists, opinion formers or municipal officials are also targeted by people who share or forward their personal details with the purpose of intimidation. Doxing is not a phenomenon that is limited to certain professions; people are subjected to doxing for a variety of reasons. Someone can, for example, post a photo and telephone number of an ex-partner on a dubious online forum, with the purpose of terrifying that person.

Stricter and more effective approach to animal abuse and animal neglect

As of 1 January 2024, animal abuse and animal neglect will be dealt with more strictly and effectively. For example, it will be easier to close down businesses when the animal welfare is threatened. It will also become possible to impose an independent order banning the keeping of animals. Furthermore, the maximum term of imprisonment imposed for animal abuse and animal neglect has been raised to five years. These amendments of the law will allow a faster and more effective approach in combating animal abuse and animal neglect.

In serious cases, it will be possible for a ban on keeping animals to be imposed on the suspect. This is an extremely effective way of preventing new cases of animal suffering. The ban on keeping animals can be imposed in more types of cases and for a longer period of time: in severe cases even for life. Violation of the ban on keeping animals is punishable separately. As a result, each violation of the ban on keeping animals can be enforced and instantly punished.
 

Combined surname

When the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages was introduced in the Netherlands in 1811, newborns were automatically given the father’s surname.  In 1998, it became possible to opt for the mother’s surname. The new law, which will take effect on 1 January 2024, allows parents to give their children a double surname.
Parents can opt for a double surname if their first child is born on or after 1 January 2024. The surname chosen shall then apply for all their subsequent children.

The law also provides for a transitional arrangement. Parents can also still opt for a double surname if their eldest child was born on or after 1 January 2016. The parents who wish to do so will be able to opt for the double surname within one year as of 1 January 2024. The choice for a double surname is not mandatory. If parents do not make a choice, their child will automatically be given the birth mother’s name if the parents are unmarried or registered partners. If the parents are married or registered partners and no other choice is made, the child will be given the surname of the father or duo mother.

Closing a home in the event of severe violence

Explosions that take place near homes, a property that is being shot at, the use of serious violence near a building in a residential area and the discovery of weapons in a home causing people in this area to feel unsafe. As of 1 January 2024, the law authorises mayors to close a home should these types of situations present themselves, so as to maintain public order in the area in question. Mayors were already authorised to close a home in the event of a serious disruption of the public order resulting from conduct engaged in that home. However, this has appeared to be insufficient in some cases. That is why mayors have resorted to giving emergency orders so as to restore the peace in a residential area. By increasing the authority of closing a property, mayors – including the authorities on Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba – can now close a home if the public order is severely disrupted near the property or there is a substantial fear that such a disruption will take place. Furthermore, a rental agreement can be extra-judicially dissolved and a property can be disowned if a building is closed by the mayor for the purpose of maintaining public order.

Compensation for loss

As of 1 January, the entitlement to compensation for loss is legally documented in the Dutch General Administrative Law Act. Compensation for loss is compensation for a disproportionate disadvantage that has arisen due to the justified work carried out by the government. When a government authority carries out its work justifiably, citizens and businesses will, in principle, be liable to pay the damages arising from this work. However, this rule does not apply if the damages suffered by some citizens or businesses is considered disproportionate. Based on the principle of equality, this damage is payable by the government, by means of a compensation for loss.

Adjustment statutory interest

As of 1 January, the statutory interest will be increased from 6% to 7%. Statutory interest can be added to any unpaid receivables. Citizens with receivables receive the statutory interest by way of compensation. Citizens with debts pay the statutory interest by way of compensation when they fail to pay. The statutory interest also forms part of the maximum credit compensation that may be calculated for the lending of money, bank overdrafts and instalment buying. As a result of the increased statutory interest, this maximum credit compensation goes up to 15%. The statutory interest is calculated every 6 months on the basis of the ECB interest. The statutory interest has been increased by 1 percentage point due to the increased ECB interest.

Change compensation administrator debt restructuring

As of 1 January, there will be an increase in the part of the compensation received by administrators for statutory debt restructuring processes that is irrespective of the duration of a procedure. This is due to the fact that the statutory debt restructuring scheme has been reduced from 3 years to 1.5 years as of 1 July 2023. Moreover, since this reduction took effect, it is possible for the duration of the procedure to commence the moment repayments are made in an extrajudicial procedure. This means that administrators are required to perform the same activities within a shorter period of time, whilst also being given additional activities. By increasing the duration-independent part of the compensation, the compensation for the work performed by administrators remains appropriate. This avoids the work becoming unattractive, which would result in less administrators, and ultimately less debtors being helped.

Reduction of the registry charge

As of 1 January 2024, the registry charge is reduced by 13.5 percent. The registry charge is payable by anyone who wishes proceedings to be brought before the court or who wishes to defend themselves in court. The reduction of the registry charge is applicable to all cases, except civil proceedings involving at least 100,000 euro and proceedings brought before the Netherlands Commercial Court. The reduction was realised as a result of the final cancellation of the 2023 indexation and the reduction of the 2024 indexation. This therefore involves a reduction of the registry charge as it would have been, had the indexations been introduced without adjustments. A total amount of 27 million euro has been made available for this reduction.

Source: Government of the Netherlands

News item | 20-12-2023 | 15:23

Minister Van Leeuwen: ‘The situation in Gaza is desperate and the level of need is enormous. It is very important to hear from the Egyptian authorities and the aid organisations working here about the biggest bottlenecks. My three priorities are ensuring full access for humanitarian aid, considerably increasing the amount of aid – including vital fuel – for the people of Gaza, and enhancing the security of aid workers in Gaza. All of my government’s efforts are aimed at those goals.’

At the Rafah border crossing the ministers spoke with representatives of the Egyptian Red Crescent. The vast majority of international emergency aid is currently being stored in Rafah. However, due in part to the Netherlands’ ongoing diplomatic efforts, aid is now also being allowed into to Gaza via the border crossing at Kerem Shalom. According to the UN, Kerem Shalom is the only crossing equipped to rapidly process aid trucks, thanks in part to special scanners donated years ago by the Netherlands.

The new aid contribution comes on top of €25 million in additional aid the Dutch government has already pledged to Gaza, bringing the total of extra funding to €50 million. This figure itself is in addition to the Netherlands’ existing 2023 budget of €51 million for development cooperation and humanitarian aid for the Palestinian people.

After leaving Egypt Minister Van Leeuwen will be visiting Israel and the Palestinian Territories. There, too, the humanitarian situation in Gaza will be high on the minister’s agenda.

Source: Government of the Netherlands

News item | 20-12-2023 | 07:00

As the Netherlands works towards its net-zero ambitions, we need more and more sustainable electricity. Offshore wind will become the largest source of sustainable energy for Europe. Significant steps have already been taken in this regard over the past 10 years. The 2013 Energy Agreement stipulated that the Netherlands would have 4.5 GW of offshore wind farms in operation by end 2023. This has been amply achieved with a capacity of 4.7 GW. We succeeded on time, within budget and with almost no subsidies. This is an important milestone for the Dutch and European wind industry.

Since 2018, five wind farm sites off the Dutch coast have been granted subsidy-free permits. The realisation phase, once the permits for the offshore wind farms have been awarded, has shortened considerably in recent years, falling from 7-10 years to 3-4 years. One of the pillars supporting this efficiency drive is the Dutch ‘one-stop-shop’ principle for offshore wind farm tenders. This means that an offshore wind farm project developer can rely on the central government for all information and permits.

2024: largest tender round in the Netherlands to date

The next offshore wind farm tenders will open at the end of February 2024. These concern the IJmuiden Ver Wind Farm Sites Alpha and Beta. IJmuiden Ver is the largest wind farm zone in the Netherlands. The Alpha and Beta sites combined account for 4 GW. The wind farms will be located more than 60 km from the Dutch coast, near IJmuiden. They are expected to be put into use in 2029 and 2030.

Next week, the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy will publish the final Ministerial Orders (regulations) for the tenders and the final Wind Farm Site Decisions. The ministry is also publishing an amended ‘offshore wind energy implementation regulation’ to ensure that safety can be taken into account even more during the permit procedure. The tenders will use a so-called comparative test with an additional financial offer. This method was also used in the Hollandse Kust (west) tender. Ecology and integration of the electricity generated into the national grid are important aspects of the tenders; the Government wants to stimulate solution-oriented and innovative bids.

By end 2031, the Netherlands wants to achieve approximately 21 GW of installed offshore wind energy capacity.

Minister for Climate and Energy, Rob Jetten, said: “The North Sea will become the supplier of green electricity for Europe and an indispensable part of the sustainable energy system of the future. In recent years, the Netherlands has made great strides with nature-oriented and technical innovations. Costs have fallen and we have started working increasingly more efficiently. We can be proud of that. I am also pleased that we can now take an important step forward with the largest Dutch tender round to date.”

For an impression of 10 years of the ‘Offshore Wind Energy Roadmap’, see this film on windopzee.nl (Dutch).

Source: Government of the Netherlands

News item | 14-12-2023 | 08:00

Minister of Justice and Security Dilan Yesilgöz-Zegerius:  “Online criminals abuse your good faith by posing as a well-known organisation. These criminals know that many people are less likely to recognise a fake message if they actually expect a similar message at such a time. Especially in the busy month of December. That’s why I say: ‘don’t let yourself be duped online!”

Too trusting

The majority of Dutch people (85%) occasionally receive a fake message via e-mail, SMS or WhatsApp. Half of these even once or several times a month. Although almost nine in 10 people (86%) say they check the sender if they doubt the trustworthiness of an online message, almost half (43%) pay less attention to it when a message from that alleged organisation is expected at that moment. And this is not without consequences, as those who pay less attention to checking a message are almost three times more likely to click on a fake link.

Infected, hacked or lost money

People often click on a fake link because the fake message seems credible or applicable to them at the time. Three in ten people sometimes click on such a link because they are expecting a package at that moment. The most common consequences of clicking on a fake link: an infected device (with a virus, malware or spyware) and financial loss. “Even if you are expecting a message from a company or government agency, it is important to stay alert and check the sender before clicking on a link in such a message,” says Frederiek Burlage, Police Cybercrime Specialist.

Don’t let yourself be duped online

The multi-year campaign by the Ministry of Justice and Security and the Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations urges people to carefully check the sender of online messages and when in doubt, click or swipe away. At laatjenietinterneppen.nl, people can find more information on how to recognise this kind of online deception and what to do about it.

About the survey

The survey was conducted in November 2023 by Verian (formerly Kantar Public) on behalf of the central government. The representative sample consists of 1,033 Dutch people aged 18 years and over.