To get people in the Netherlands moving more, structural and long-term physical activity policy is needed that is not linked to a cabinet term or a short action program. This is concluded by the RIVM in an interim evaluation of the Action Plan Netherlands Moves. A system change that can ultimately lead to more movement is a long-term process. The Action Plan has taken an important first step in this direction, and various positive developments are visible.
The Ministry of VWS Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport (Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport) aims to make it easier for people to move more every day. This requires changes in the living environment, such as enough safe bike paths and playgrounds. But also collaborations with parties in healthcare, education, or the workplace, from local to national level. VWS has created the Action Plan Netherlands Moves, which runs from 2023 to 2025. This policy is different from previous policies. A systemic approach is taken to address everything related to movement and not just one specific aspect like sports.
More Attention and Collaboration
The RIVM monitors the progress of the Action Plan. This first report shows what has been achieved in the first 1.5 years. It is unrealistic to expect measurable changes in the movement behavior of the population shortly after the start of the Action Plan. However, initial positive developments are visible. For example, policymakers from VWS and societal organizations are paying more attention to movement. Local parties from various fields are also collaborating more to stimulate movement through the living environment. The RIVM advises continued investment in cross-domain collaborations and the concrete implementation of movement policy.
Turning Plans into Actions
Moreover, in just one year, three times as many parties joined the Movement Alliance (external link), totaling over 400. From this, 21 partnerships have begun, mainly within education, healthcare, and work. Local initiatives for movement are also supported in various ways. An example is the Regional Approach Movement V(MB)O. In this, various vocational schools in the Rijnmond and Haaglanden regions are working to stimulate more movement on and around their campuses. Overall, it is important that parties turn plans for increased movement into concrete actions and that knowledge about what works and what does not is well exchanged. Therefore, the RIVM advises to continue the policy as described in the Action Plan even after 2025.
Conclusions Similar to Other Reports
The conclusions of this report are similar to other recent RIVM reports, such as the first report on the Healthy and Active Living Agreement (GALA) and the latest Public Health Future Exploration (VTV). There, the RIVM also stated that structural long-term policy is necessary to achieve changes.
The RIVM will continue to monitor the progress of the Action Plan Netherlands Moves. The publication of the final report is scheduled for December 2025.