Netherlands and Flanders strengthen Dutch language policies with AI and regional focus
Dutch and Flemish policymakers met to enhance education and language policies, focusing on AI, regional languages like Limburgish, and digitalization. These efforts aim to improve language proficiency, economic opportunities, and cultural cohesion for citizens in both regions.
| Key Data Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Meeting Date | March 23, 2026 |
| Location | Flemish Parliament, Brussels |
| Dutch MPs Attended | 6 (Senators and MP) |
| Flemish MPs Attended | 7 |
| State Secretary | Judith Tielen (Education, Culture and Science) |
| Key Topics | AI in language, regional languages, digitalization, basic skills |
| Regional Language Example | Limburgish (aiming for level 3 status, like Papiamento) |
| AI Initiative | GPT-NL language model (Dutch alternative to digital language models) |
| Next Steps | Joint action plan to be presented in June 2026 |
| Flemish Delegation Leader | Griet Vanryckegem (N-VA) |
| Dutch Delegation Leader | Daan Roovers (GroenLinks-PvdA) |
The Dutch Language Union, an intergovernmental organization, plays a key role in promoting the Dutch language across the Netherlands, Flanders, and the Caribbean. It coordinates policies on education, digitalization, and cultural initiatives to strengthen linguistic cohesion and economic opportunities. The Interparliamentary Committee (IPC) facilitates collaboration between Dutch and Flemish policymakers on these shared goals.
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Education Policy in the Netherlands and Flanders
On Monday, March 23, 2026, the Interparliamentary Committee (IPC) of the Dutch Language Union convened to discuss education policy in the Netherlands and Flanders. Six Dutch MPs and seven Flemish MPs attended the meeting at the Flemish Parliament in Brussels.
In brief
In the morning, State Secretary Judith Tielen of Education, Culture and Science reviewed the session of the Committee of Ministers of the Dutch Language Union. She also answered questions from MPs on innovation projects, language proficiency in education, regional languages, AI, and the economic strength of language. Gunther van Neste, Secretary-General of the Dutch Language Union, discussed the challenges facing international Dutch studies. The afternoon session focused on language, culture, and education policy in the Netherlands and Flanders. Also in attendance were Dutch Ambassador to Belgium, Brechje Schwachöfer, and the diplomatic representative of Flanders in the Netherlands, Nic Van der Marliere.
From regional languages to digitalization
Senator Theo Bovens (CDA) asked the State Secretary about efforts to promote regional languages, cooperation with lower-level governments, and how Limburgish could be elevated to level 3, similar to Papiamento. Tielen emphasized the growing attention for regional languages, with consultations between the central government and other authorities and initiatives such as the annual Regional Language Conference in Ghent.
In response to questions from Senator Hetty Janssen-van Helvoort (GroenLinks-PvdA) about how the new Dutch government views the ambitions of the Dutch Language Union and the extent to which its activities effectively and measurably contribute to strengthening education and achieving the first five objectives, Tielen stated that the plans align well with the coalition agreement. The focus is on language as a foundation for education, democracy and trade, basic skills, digitalization and AI applications, and attention to the Caribbean part of the Kingdom.
Finally, Senator Daan Roovers (GroenLinks-PvdA) inquired about the further development of the GPT-NL language model (a Dutch alternative to digital language models), the steps the Dutch government plans to take in the coming years, and the involvement of the Dutch Language Union. Tielen indicated that the Dutch Language Union is closely involved in developing a joint action plan. The follow-up plan will be presented during the results presentation on June 1 at the Committee of Ministers, according to the State Secretary.
Dutch language in motion
In the afternoon, the focus shifted to language, culture, and education policy in the Netherlands and Flanders. Van Neste explained the work and objectives of the Dutch Language Union. Sjef Barbiers, Director of the Institute for the Dutch Language, emphasized that the Dutch Language Union is a treasure trove of the Dutch language, with digital dictionaries and scientific grammar information.
Catia Cucchiarini, Head of Policy at the Dutch Language Union, discussed the impact of AI on language infrastructure. She explained that a working group of experts from Suriname, Flanders, and the Netherlands is developing a plan to strengthen Dutch within the AI ecosystem, which will be presented to the Committee of Ministers in June.
Paul Hermans (Literatuur Vlaanderen) and Annemieke Hoorntje showcased the richness of Dutch-language word culture and how culture serves as a binding force. Finally, the education programs of both countries took center stage, such as "Every Child a Language Hero" in Flanders and the "Master Plan for Basic Skills" in the Netherlands.
Daniel Muijs, Professor at the University of Belfast, Paul van den Broek, Professor at Leiden University, and Steven Vanhooren, Policy Team Leader at the Dutch Language Union, shared their insights on language in education.
Dutch delegation
Representing the Dutch Parliament were Senators Daan Roovers (GroenLinks-PvdA, delegation leader), Hetty Janssen-vanHelvoort (GroenLinks-PvdA), Andrea vanLangen-Visbeek (BBB), Theo Bovens (CDA) and Antoon Kanis (D66), and MP Ilana Rooderkerk (D66). The Flemish Parliament was represented by seven members, led by delegation leader and IPC Chair Griet Vanryckegem (N-VA).