Source: http://www.europam.org/?module=country-profile&country=Netherlands
Timestamp: 2019-11-15 12:58:31
Document Index: 718379084

Matched Legal Cases: ['Art. 7', 'Art. 7', 'Art. 7', 'Art. 7', 'Art 6', 'Art 25', 'Art. 35', 'Art.35', 'Art.36', 'Art. 37', 'Art. 39', 'Art. 39', 'Art. 150', 'Art. 3', 'Art. 150', 'Art. 150', 'Art. 3', 'Art. 150', 'Art. 150', 'Art. 150', 'Art. 150', 'Art. 3', 'Art. 125', 'Art. 125', 'Art. 125', 'Art. 125', 'Art. 61', 'Art. 61', 'Art. 363', 'Art. 80', 'Art. 61']

Netherlands Public Accountability Index
43(66) Political Financing
13(50) Financial Disclosure
3(40) Conflict of Interest
GNI per capita (2011 PPP $) 46712.07
Population, total 17018408.00
Urban population (% of total) 91.03
Internet users (per 100 people) 90.41
Life expectancy at birth (years) 81.71
Mean years of schooling (years) 11.9
Political Financing43
Financial Disclosure13
Conflict of Interest3
The Election Act (1989, amended 2016) and the Subsidies Act for Political Parties (2011) were the main laws regulating party financing but the Financing of Political Parties Act 2013, amended 2016, brings about recent changes to the law.
There are few limits on the private income of political parties. There appears to be no ban on donations from foreign entities, corporations, trade unions or anonymous donors. There are also no limits on the amount that donors may donate to political parties.
There is public funding available for political parties and is allocated based on the share of votes received in the previous election and the number of members. Public funding may be used for campaign spending. There is subsidized access to the media for political parties and tax relief as a form of indirect public funding.
For regulations on spending, vote buying is banned. However there are no bans on state resources being used in favour or against a political party or candidate or limits on the spending of political parties or candidates.
Parties are required to provide annual accounts. The accounts must reveal the identity of donors and be made public. Accounts are overseen by the Commission for the Oversight of Political Party Financing. There are sanctions for those breaching the provisions of the law in the form of fines, the loss of public funding and imprisonment.
Public funding 38 62 62 62
Reporting, oversight and sanctions 67 83 83 83
Is there a ban on donations from foreign interests to political parties? No. Absent from legal framework
Is there a ban on anonymous donations to political parties? No. If a political party receives an anonymous monetary contribution exceeding 1,000 euros, the portion exceeding the amount of 1,000 euros shall be transferred to the account of Our Minister designated for such purpose. If a political party receives an anonymous contribution in kind exceeding 1,000 euros, the portion or the counter-value exceeding the amount of 1,000 euros shall be transferred to Our Minister, or the contribution shall be destroyed. (Article 23, Law on Financing of Political Parties, 2013, amended 2016)
Eligibility criteria for direct public funding to political parties: Representation in elected body Yes. Parties must win at least one seat in the first or second chamber in the last election (Art. 7, Law on Financing of Political Parties, 2013, amended 2016)
Eligibility criteria for direct public funding to political parties: Number of members Yes. Our Minister shall grant a subsidy, after an application to that effect, to a political party where, on the reference date, said party has more than 1,000 members who have right of assembly and vote in the political party and who each pay an annual contribution fee of not less than 12 euros. The membership is to be demonstrated by an explicit declaration of intent of the persons involved. (Article 7.‌1 Law on Financing of Political Parties, 2013, amended 2016)
Allocation calculations for direct public funding to political parties: Equal Yes. The subsidy shall not exceed the sum of the following amounts: a. a base sum of 173,240.82 euros, a sum of 50,247.81 euros per seat held by the political party and a sum per member of the political party equal to 1,896,891.33 euros divided by the total number of members of the political parties who receive a subsidy on the reference date; b. where, on the reference date, the political party has designated a political-scientific institute as a subsidiary institution, as provided for in article 2, a base sum of 121,675.08 euros and a sum of 12,506.55 euros per seat held by the political party; c. where, on the reference date, the political party has designated a political youth organization as a subsidiary institution, as provided for in article 3, a sum per seat held by the political party and a sum per member of the political youth organization, calculated in accordance with section two; d. where, on the reference date, the political party has designated an institution for foreign activities as a subsidiary institution, as provided for in article 4, a base sum and a sum per seat held by the political party, calculated in accordance with section three. 2. The sum per seat, as referred to in section one (c), is calculated by dividing 487,744.42 euros by the total number of seats held by the political parties which, on the reference date, have designated a political youth organization. The sum per member of the political youth organization is calculated by dividing 487,744.42 euros by the total number of members of all the designated political youth organizations. 3. The base sum, as referred to in section one (d), is calculated by dividing 623,833 euros by the total number of political parties which, on the reference date, have designated an institution for foreign activities. The sum per seat, as referred to in section one (d), is calculated by dividing 897,711 euros by the total number of seats held by political parties which, on the reference date, have designated an institution for foreign activities. 4. For the purposes of sections one to three, the reference date shall be taken as a starting point for the determination of the number of seats held by a political party, the number of members of a political party and the number of members of a political youth organization. 5. The amounts mentioned in sections one to three are to be reviewed on an annual basis on 1 January by ministerial decree, in accordance with the wage and price adjustments applied to the general state budget and rounded to the nearest whole number. (Article 8 Law on Financing of Political Parties, 2013, amended 2016)
Allocation calculations for direct public funding to political parties: Proportional to seats received Yes. The subsidy shall not exceed the sum of the following amounts: a. a base sum of 173,240.82 euros, a sum of 50,247.81 euros per seat held by the political party and a sum per member of the political party equal to 1,896,891.33 euros divided by the total number of members of the political parties who receive a subsidy on the reference date; b. where, on the reference date, the political party has designated a political-scientific institute as a subsidiary institution, as provided for in article 2, a base sum of 121,675.08 euros and a sum of 12,506.55 euros per seat held by the political party; c. where, on the reference date, the political party has designated a political youth organization as a subsidiary institution, as provided for in article 3, a sum per seat held by the political party and a sum per member of the political youth organization, calculated in accordance with section two; d. where, on the reference date, the political party has designated an institution for foreign activities as a subsidiary institution, as provided for in article 4, a base sum and a sum per seat held by the political party, calculated in accordance with section three. 2. The sum per seat, as referred to in section one (c), is calculated by dividing 487,744.42 euros by the total number of seats held by the political parties which, on the reference date, have designated a political youth organization. The sum per member of the political youth organization is calculated by dividing 487,744.42 euros by the total number of members of all the designated political youth organizations. 3. The base sum, as referred to in section one (d), is calculated by dividing 623,833 euros by the total number of political parties which, on the reference date, have designated an institution for foreign activities. The sum per seat, as referred to in section one (d), is calculated by dividing 897,711 euros by the total number of seats held by political parties which, on the reference date, have designated an institution for foreign activities. 4. For the purposes of sections one to three, the reference date shall be taken as a starting point for the determination of the number of seats held by a political party, the number of members of a political party and the number of members of a political youth organization. 5. The amounts mentioned in sections one to three are to be reviewed on an annual basis on 1 January by ministerial decree, in accordance with the wage and price adjustments applied to the general state budget and rounded to the nearest whole number. (Article 8 Law on Financing of Political Parties, 2013, amended 2016)
Allocation calculations for direct public funding to political parties: Other Yes. The subsidy shall not exceed the sum of the following amounts: a. a base sum of 173,240.82 euros, a sum of 50,247.81 euros per seat held by the political party and a sum per member of the political party equal to 1,896,891.33 euros divided by the total number of members of the political parties who receive a subsidy on the reference date; b. where, on the reference date, the political party has designated a political-scientific institute as a subsidiary institution, as provided for in article 2, a base sum of 121,675.08 euros and a sum of 12,506.55 euros per seat held by the political party; c. where, on the reference date, the political party has designated a political youth organization as a subsidiary institution, as provided for in article 3, a sum per seat held by the political party and a sum per member of the political youth organization, calculated in accordance with section two; d. where, on the reference date, the political party has designated an institution for foreign activities as a subsidiary institution, as provided for in article 4, a base sum and a sum per seat held by the political party, calculated in accordance with section three. 2. The sum per seat, as referred to in section one (c), is calculated by dividing 487,744.42 euros by the total number of seats held by the political parties which, on the reference date, have designated a political youth organization. The sum per member of the political youth organization is calculated by dividing 487,744.42 euros by the total number of members of all the designated political youth organizations. 3. The base sum, as referred to in section one (d), is calculated by dividing 623,833 euros by the total number of political parties which, on the reference date, have designated an institution for foreign activities. The sum per seat, as referred to in section one (d), is calculated by dividing 897,711 euros by the total number of seats held by political parties which, on the reference date, have designated an institution for foreign activities. 4. For the purposes of sections one to three, the reference date shall be taken as a starting point for the determination of the number of seats held by a political party, the number of members of a political party and the number of members of a political youth organization. 5. The amounts mentioned in sections one to three are to be reviewed on an annual basis on 1 January by ministerial decree, in accordance with the wage and price adjustments applied to the general state budget and rounded to the nearest whole number. (Article 8 Law on Financing of Political Parties, 2013, amended 2016)
Earmarking provisions for direct public funding to political parties: Campaign spending Yes. 2. The subsidy is granted for expenses directly related to the following activities: a. political training and educational activities; b. dissemination of information; c. maintaining contacts with sister parties in countries other than The Netherlands and supporting training and educational activities for the benefit of the supervisory staff of said parties; d. political-scientific activities; e. activities aimed at the promotion of the political participation of young people; f. member canvassing; g. involving non-members in activities of the political party; h. canvassing, selection and guidance of holders of political office; i. activities within the framework of election campaigns. (Art. 7.2. Law on Financing of Political Parties, 2013, amended 2016)
Earmarking provisions for direct public funding to political parties: Ongoing party activities Yes. 2. The subsidy is granted for expenses directly related to the following activities: a. political training and educational activities; b. dissemination of information; c. maintaining contacts with sister parties in countries other than The Netherlands and supporting training and educational activities for the benefit of the supervisory staff of said parties; d. political-scientific activities; e. activities aimed at the promotion of the political participation of young people; f. member canvassing; g. involving non-members in activities of the political party; h. canvassing, selection and guidance of holders of political office; i. activities within the framework of election campaigns. (Art. 7.2. Law on Financing of Political Parties, 2013, amended 2016)
Earmarking provisions for direct public funding to political parties: Intra-party institution Yes. 2. The subsidy is granted for expenses directly related to the following activities: a. political training and educational activities; b. dissemination of information; c. maintaining contacts with sister parties in countries other than The Netherlands and supporting training and educational activities for the benefit of the supervisory staff of said parties; d. political-scientific activities; e. activities aimed at the promotion of the political participation of young people; f. member canvassing; g. involving non-members in activities of the political party; h. canvassing, selection and guidance of holders of political office; i. activities within the framework of election campaigns. (Art. 7.2. Law on Financing of Political Parties, 2013, amended 2016)
Allocation criteria for free or subsidized access to media for political parties: Equal Yes. 1. The Commissioner shall designate each year a number of hours on the general program channels of the national public service media to political parties at the last election of the members of the Lower or Upper House of Parliament one or more seats have acquired. 2. The Commissioner shall designate a number of hours on the general program channels of the national public service media to: a. Political parties participating in all constituencies in the election of the members of the House of Representatives; and b. political parties taking part in the Netherlands in the election of the Members of the European Parliament. (Article 6.‌1 Media Act, 2008, amended 2016 )
Provisions for any other form of indirect public funding: Tax relief Yes. 6.32. Deductible donations are: a. regular donations; b. other gifts. 6.33. In this section and the provisions based thereon, the following definitions apply: a. gifts: bevoordelingen out of generosity and mandatory contributions where there is no direct consideration in return; b. settings: public benefit organizations; c. associations: not subject to corporation or its exempt associations with full legal and at least 25 members, established in a Member State of the European Union, Aruba, Curaçao, Sint Maarten, a power designated by ministerial order or on the BES islands. (Art 6.32 and 6.33, Law on Income Tax, 2001, amended 2016)
Is there a ban on vote buying? Yes. 1. A person who, by means of a gift or promise, bribes a voter to give him a proxy authorisation to vote on his behalf shall be liable to a term of imprisonment not exceeding six months or a third-category fine. 2. A person who, by means of a gift or promise, bribes a voter or otherwise compels him to issue a declaration as referred to in section H 4, subsection 1, in support of a list, shall be liable to a term of imprisonment not exceeding six months or a third-category fine. 3. A voter who allows himself to be bribed by means of a gift or promise to grant a proxy authorisation or issue a declaration of support shall be liable to the same penalty. (Section Z4(1), Elections Law, No.​ 28, 1989, amended 2016)
Do political parties have to report regularly on their finances? Yes. 1. Prior to 1 July of each calendar year, a political party shall send the following to Our Minister: a. a financial report covering the preceding calendar year, comprising the data included in the records pursuant to article 20; b. a summary of contributions of 4,500 euros or more per donor and received by the party in that calendar year, with the data registered pursuant to article 21, section one; c. a summary of debts of 25,000 euros or more, with the data registered pursuant to article 21, section three, and d. the written declaration of the auditor, as referred to in section three. (Art 25, Law on Financing of Political Parties, 2013, amended 2016)
Is information in reports from political parties and/​or candidates to be made public? Yes. Financial report provided to Our Minister are public. (Art.‌ 25.‌4 Law on Financing of Political Parties, 2013, amended 2016)
Must reports from political parties and/​or candidates reveal the identity of donors? Yes. 1. Prior to 1 July of each calendar year, a political party shall send the following to Our Minister: a. a financial report covering the preceding calendar year, comprising the data included in the records pursuant to article 20; b. a summary of contributions of 4,500 euros or more per donor and received by the party in that calendar year, with the data registered pursuant to article 21, section one; c. a summary of debts of 25,000 euros or more, with the data registered pursuant to article 21, section three, and d. the written declaration of the auditor, as referred to in section three. (Art.‌ 25.‌1.‌b Law on Financing of Political Parties, 2013, amended 2016)
Institutions receiving financial reports from political parties and/​or candidates: Ministry Yes. 1. There shall be a supervisory committee on the finances of political parties, hereinafter referred to as: the committee. 2. The committee shall consist of three members. The members are appointed by Our Minister for a maximum period of four years. Members of the committee may be re-appointed a maximum of two times and for a maximum period of four years on each occasion. 3. The duty of the committee is to counsel Our Minister regarding the application of: a. article 5, section three; b. article 25, section five (3), article 28, section three (4), article 29, section four (4), article 30, section four (3) and article 32, section four (4), and c. article 37, section one. 4. The committee, for the purposes of the task referred to in section three (c) may counsel Our Minister as regards overseeing compliance with the present law. 5. Our Minister shall make available to the committee such data. as may be necessary for the proper fulfilment of its duties, whether or not such data is requested. 6. Rules governing the procedure of the committee may be established by or by virtue of an order in council. (Art. 35, Law on Financing of Political Parties, 2013, amended 2016)
Institution responsible for examining financial reports and/or investigating violations: Institution for this purpose Yes. Supervisory committee on the finances of political parties (Art.35 , Law on Financing of Political Parties, 2013, amended 2016)
Institutions with a formal role in political finance oversight: Other Yes. 1. The supervision of compliance with the terms established by or by virtue of articles 20, 21, 23, 25, 26, 27, sections three and four, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32 and 33, shall be incumbent upon such persons as are designated by order of Our Minister. (Art.36 , Law on Financing of Political Parties, 2013, amended 2016)
Sanctions for political finance infractions: Fines Yes. 1. Our Minister may determine to impose an administrative penalty in respect of any act or omission which is in breach of that established by or by virtue of articles 20, section one, preamble and under b and (e), 21, sections one and three, 23, section one, 25, section one, preamble and under a, b, c and d, section two, 27, sections three and four, 28, section one, preamble and under a and b, and section two, 29, sections one, two and five, 30, section one or two, preamble and under a and b, 31, sections Bulletin of Acts and Decrees 2013 93 19 one, two and three, 32, section one or two, and 33, section one or two. 2. In section one, articles 30, 31, 32 and 33 are to be taken in connection with the provisions applied mutatis mutandis in these articles. 3. Fines may be imposed on the political party, the subsidiary institution, the association, referred to in article 31, or on the candidate, referred to in article 32. 4. In respect of any act or omission which is in breach of one of the article sections or parts thereof mentioned in section one, the fine applied shall be of a maximum of 25,000 euros. 1. Where a political party, is sentenced, on the basis of articles 137c, d, e, f, or g, or article 429 (4) of the Dutch Criminal Code, to pay a monetary fine, entitlement to any subsidy shall be cancelled ipso iure during a period starting on the day when the conviction becomes irrevocable. Said period shall be: a. one year, if the monetary fine is less than 1,125 euros; b. two years, if the monetary fine is 1,125 euros or more but less than 2,250 euros; c. three years, if the monetary fine is 2,250 euros or more but less than 3,375 euros, and d. four years, if the monetary fine is 3,375 euros or more. (Art. 37/39, Law on Financing of Political Parties, 2013, amended 2016)
Sanctions for political finance infractions: Loss of public funding Yes. 2. If a political party is convicted for a terrorist offence as provided for in article 83 of the Dutch Criminal Code, entitlement to any subsidy shall be cancelled ipso iure for a period of four years starting on the day when the conviction becomes irrevocable. 3. If an association, on the day when the conviction, as provided for in section one or two, becomes irrevocable, is not eligible for a subsidy and this association, within a period of two years after this day, becomes eligible for a subsidy as a political party, its entitlement to a subsidy shall be cancelled ipso iure starting on the day when the party becomes eligible for a subsidy, for the period, as referred to in the section one or two. (Art. 39, Law on Financing of Political Parties, 2013, amended 2016)
Sanctions for political finance infractions: Penal/Criminal Yes. or promise, bribes a voter to give him a proxy authorisation to vote on his behalf shall be liable to a term of imprisonment not exceeding six months or a third-‌category fine.‌ (Section Z4(1), Elections Law, No.​ 28, 1989, amended 2009)
Sanctions for political finance infractions: Other Yes. 1. Where a political party, is sentenced, on the basis of articles 137c, d, e, f, or g, or article 429 (4) of the Dutch Criminal Code, to pay a monetary fine, entitlement to any subsidy shall be cancelled ipso iure during a period starting on the day when the conviction becomes irrevocable. Said period shall be: a. one year, if the monetary fine is less than 1,125 euros; b. two years, if the monetary fine is 1,125 euros or more but less than 2,250 euros; c. three years, if the monetary fine is 2,250 euros or more but less than 3,375 euros, and d. four years, if the monetary fine is 3,375 euros or more. (Art. 39, Law on Financing of Political Parties, 2013, amended 2016)
Law on Financing of Political Parties, 2013, amended 2016 (Dutch) pdf
Elections Law, No.​ 28, 1989, amended 2016 (Dutch) pdf
Law on Income Tax, 2001, amended 2016 (Dutch) pdf
Media Act, 2008, amended 2016 (Dutch) pdf
Dutch law makes no disclosure requirements for Ministers. According to the Rules of Procedure of the House of Representatives (2016), Members of Parliament are required to disclose income from outside employment, received gifts, and any outside positions and interests, such as advisory positions. Meanwhile, the Law on Civil Servants (1929, last amended in 2016) asks Civil Servants to disclose any secondary positions they pursue and financial interests. Real estate or bank deposits are not included in Civil Servants’ disclosure.
Members of Parliament make their statements annually, and directly upon changes. All the while, no sanctions are specified for MP’s violating disclosure laws. Meanwhile, Civil Servants declare interests ad hoc should any changes occur. Should they fail to make financial disclosure statements, Civil Servants may face a fine or administrative sanctions. While the Secretary General of the respective Chamber receives statements made by MPs, the respective Minister functions as depository body for Civil Servants. No financial disclosure statements are made publicly available. However, the House of Representatives voluntarily publishes MPs declarations.
Disclosure items 11 11 11 11
Sanctions 8 8 8 8
Members of Parliament 30 30 30 30
Civil servants 20 20 20 20
Income from outside employment/assets Yes. Members of the House of Representatives are required to report their outside positions and interests, with the yearly income or expected income from these positions. Members of the Senate must disclose their outside positions interests. (Art. 150a Rules of Procedure of the House of Representatives (2016) Art. 3b, Law on the Renumeration of Members of the First Chamber (1995, last amended 2016))
Gifts received as a public official Yes. Members of the States General are not subject to any restrictions from accepting gifts. Members of the House of Representatives (Second Chamber) have to register gifts which have a value in excess of 50EUR, as well as foreign travel at the invitation of third parties . No reporting requirements for members of Senate (GRECO Evaluation Report Netherlands 2012, para 39). ( Art. 150a Rules of Procedure of the House of Representatives (2016))
Private firm ownership and/or stock holdings Yes. Members of the House of Representatives are required to report their outside positions and interests, with the yearly income or expected income from these positions. Members of the Senate must disclose their outside positions interests. (Art. 150a Rules of Procedure of the House of Representatives (2016) Art. 3b, Law on the Renumeration of Members of the First Chamber (1995, last amended 2016))
Ownership of state-owned enterprises (SOEs) Yes. Members of the House of Representatives are required to report their outside positions and interests, with the yearly income or expected income from these positions. Members of the Senate must disclose their outside positions interests.
Board member, advisor, or company officer of private firm Yes. "[...], there are no rules preventing MPs from engaging in accessory activities. On the contrary, such activities are generally welcomed, as they demonstrate that MPs are involved in society. That said, members are required to report their outside positions and interests to the offices of the Secretary General of their Chamber [...]." (GRECO Evaluation Report Netherlands, 2012, para. 45). (Art. 150a Rules of Procedure of the House of Representatives (2016))
Simultaneously holding policy-making position and policy-executing position Yes. The elected MPs or their agents, before taking up their duties, must file with the representative assembly a declaration disclosing all public offices they hold. (Article 57, Constitution (1815, last amendend in 2008) Section V3, Elections Act (1989, last amended in 2015))
Filing required annually Yes. MPs in the House of Representatives are required to declare their outside income no later than the first April following the calendar year within which the income was received. (GRECO Evaluation Report Netherlands, 2012, para. 53) (Art. 150a Rules of Procedure of the House of Representatives (2016))
Ad hoc filing required upon change in assets or conflicts of interest Yes. MPs in the House of Represenatives shall declare any secondary activities within one week of beginning the activity. (Art. 150a Rules of Procedure of the House of Representatives (2016))
Depository body explicitly identified Yes. The Secretary General of the respective Chamber is assigned to received conflict of interest declarations. (Art. 150a Rules of Procedure of the House of Representatives (2016) Art. 3b, Law on the Renumeration of Members of the First Chamber (1995, last amended 2016))
Public availability Yes. Registered gifts and travels can be consulted on the website of the House of representatives. The register of senators’ accessory activities is available at the Secretary General’s office for the inspection of the media and the public and is also published on the Senate website 19 under the CV of each member (GRECO Evaluation Report Netherlands, 2012, para. 39 & 54)
Income from outside employment/assets Yes. The Dutch Law on Civil Servants demands the disclosure of secondary activities and financial interests that may affect the fulfillment of their duties as civil servants. (Art. 125quinquies, Law on Civil Servants (1929, last amended in 2016))
Private firm ownership and/or stock holdings Yes. The Dutch Law on Civil Servants demands the disclosure of secondary activities and financial interests that may affect the fulfillment of their duties as civil servants. (Art. 125quinquies, Law on Civil Servants (1929, last amended in 2016))
Ownership of state-owned enterprises (SOEs) Yes. The Dutch Law on Civil Servants demands the disclosure of secondary activities and financial interests that may affect the fulfillment of their duties as civil servants. (Art. 125quinquies, Law on Civil Servants (1929, last amended in 2016))
Board member, advisor, or company officer of private firm Yes. The Dutch Law on Civil Servants demands the disclosure of secondary activities and financial interests that may affect the fulfillment of their duties as civil servants. A Dutch civil servants cannot supply services to third parties without official permission. Secondary activities have to be disclosed. (Art. 125quinquies, Law on Civil Servants (1929, last amended in 2016) Art. 61 & 62 , General Rules for Civil Servants of the Kingdom (1931, last amended in 2016))
Ad hoc filing required upon change in assets or conflicts of interest Yes. Secondary activities and financial interests shall be reported to the respective Minister. (Art. 61, General Rules for Civil Servants of the Kingdom (1931, last amended in 2016))
Sanctions stipulated for non-filing (fines, administrative, and/or criminal) Yes. If a civil servant does not fulfil his duty he can be sanctioned by fines and administrative procedures. (Art. 363, Penal Code (1881, last amended in 2016) Art. 80, General Rules for Civil Servants of the Kingdom (1931, last amended in 2016))
Depository body explicitly identified Yes. Secondary activities and financial interests shall be reported to the respective Minister. (Art. 61, General Rules for Civil Servants of the Kingdom (1931, last amended in 2016))
Constitution, amended 2008 (English) pdf
Electoral Code 1989, amended 2015 (Dutch) pdf
General Rules for Civil Servants of the Kingdom 1931, amended 2016 (Dutch) pdf
Law on Civil Servants 1929, amended 2016 (Dutch) pdf
Law on the Renumeration of Members of the First Chamber, 1995, amended 2016 (Dutch) pdf
Penal Code, 1881, amended 2016 (Dutch) pdf
Rules of Procedure of the House of Representatives, 2016 (English) pdf
Few legislative restrictions govern conflicts of interests for Dutch public officials. For Ministers and Members of Parliament, the Constitution (2008) only specifies that simultaneously holding a policy-making and policy-executing position is not allowed. The Rules of Procedure of the Second Chamber (2016) generally restricts conflict of interest and provides for the registration of the gifts. Civil Servants are only restricted from accepting any gifts as to the Law on Civil Servants (1929, amended in 2016). There are no limits as to secondary employment that can be pursued, or as to participating in decisions that affect private interests.
In line with the few requirements made, the law specifies no sanctions for public officials who violate existing rules on conflicts of interests. Additionally, the Netherlands does not have monitoring or enforcement bodies to provide guidance or supervise conflicts of interests.
Restrictions 5 8 5 10
Ministers 3 3 3 3
Members of Parliament 3 3 3 7
Civil servants 0 3 0 3
Simultaneously holding policy-making position and policy-executing position Yes. The office of a Minister or Secretary of State is incompatible with membership of the States General, which until about decision is taken. (Article 57(3) of the Constitution (last amended 2014))
Accepting gifts Yes. A register shall be kept at the office of the Secretary General in which the members report gifts and benefits received by them, which have a value in excess of 50 euros, no later than one week after receipt of the gift or benefit. (Article 150a (3) of the rules of Procedure of the Second Chamber (House of Representatives), 2016)
Simultaneously holding policy-making position and policy-executing position Yes. Noone may be a member of both chambers. A member of the States General may not be a Minister of State, Member of the Board State, Member of the Court of Audit, National Ombudsman or Deputy Ombudsman, member or Attorney General or Advocate General at the Supreme Court. If a member of the House of Representatives or the Senate is appointed to an office his membership of the House or Senate shall be terminated automatically. (Article 57(1-2) of the Constitution (last amended 2014) Section X3 (1) of the Elections Act (1989, amended in 2009))
Private firm ownership and/or stock holdings Partially. The competent authority of officials appointed by or for the government, the provinces, the municipalities or the water boards, shall b. the notification and registration of secondary work that may affect the interests of the service in so far as they relate to the performance of the service; c. the disclosure of the secondary activities of officials appointed under section b in a function for which disclosure of secondary work is necessary for the protection of public service integrity; d. the prohibition of secondary work which would not reasonably be ensured by the proper performance of the function or the proper functioning of the public service, insofar as it is related to the performance of duties; (Article 125 of the Law on civil servants (1929, amended in 2016))
Ownership of state-owned enterprises (SOEs) Partially. The competent authority of officials appointed by or for the government, the provinces, the municipalities or the water boards, shall b. the notification and registration of secondary work that may affect the interests of the service in so far as they relate to the performance of the service; c. the disclosure of the secondary activities of officials appointed under section b in a function for which disclosure of secondary work is necessary for the protection of public service integrity; d. the prohibition of secondary work which would not reasonably be ensured by the proper performance of the function or the proper functioning of the public service, insofar as it is related to the performance of duties; (Article 125 of the Law on civil servants (1929, amended in 2016))
Board member, advisor, or company officer of private firm Partially. The competent authority of officials appointed by or for the government, the provinces, the municipalities or the water boards, shall b. the notification and registration of secondary work that may affect the interests of the service in so far as they relate to the performance of the service; c. the disclosure of the secondary activities of officials appointed under section b in a function for which disclosure of secondary work is necessary for the protection of public service integrity; d. the prohibition of secondary work which would not reasonably be ensured by the proper performance of the function or the proper functioning of the public service, insofar as it is related to the performance of duties;
Participating in official decision-making processes that affect private interests Yes. The competent authority of officials appointed by or for the government, the provinces, the municipalities or the water boards, shall (e.) the disclosure of financial interests or the possession of and transactions in securities which may affect the interests of the service in so far as they relate to the performance of duties may be employed by officials appointed in a function which, in particular, concerns the risk of financial interest conflicts or the risk of improper use of price sensitive information is linked; (Article 125 of the Law on civil servants (1929, amended in 2016))
Constitution, amended 2014 (Dutch) pdf
Elections Act, 1989, amended 2009 (English) pdf
Netherland’s right to information is affirmed in the Constitution (2008), and the Public Access to Information Act (1991, amended 2016) lays out the implementing measures for the legal framework. The FOI law applies to ministers, the administrative bodies of provinces, municipalities, water and industrial organizations, and private bodies that carry out public functions.
Specific exemptions to disclosure are outlined in the aforementioned FOI law, Protection of State Secrets Law (1951), and Personal Data Protection Act (2000). However, there is a public interest test whereby exemptions to disclosure may be overridden in cases where the public interest outweighs the prohibition on disclosure.
Scope and Coverage 73 73 73 73
Existence of legal right to access Yes. In the exercise of their duties government bodies shall observe the right of public access to information in accordance with rules to be prescribed by Act of Parliament. (Article 110, Constitution of Netherlands, 2008)
"Information" or "Documents" is defined Yes. a. document: a written document or other material containing data which is deposited with an administrative authority; b. administrative matter: a matter of relevance to the policies of an administrative authority, including the preparation and implementation of such policies; (Section 1 Public Access to Information Act 1991, amended 2016)
Proactive disclosure is specified Yes. Proactive disclosure of certain types of information is specified. Administrative authorities covered by the law shall proactively provide information on policy and the preparation and implementation thereof, whenever the provision of such information is in the interests of effective, democratic governance. The information should be in a comprehensible form and be presented in such a way as to reach the interested party and as many interested members of the public as possible in time for them to make their views known to the administrative authority in good time. Policy recommendations received from independent advisory committees, together with the requests for advice and proposals made to the advisory committees by an administrative authority, shall be made public where necessary, possibly with explanatory note within four weeks from receipt. (Section 8 and Section 9 Public Access to Information Act 1991, amended 2016)
Executive branch Yes. This Act applies to the following governing bodies: a. Ministers; . b the administrative bodies of provinces, municipalities, water and industrial organizations; . c administrative bodies acting under the responsibility of the bodies referred to under a and b; d. other administrative bodies, unless exempted by order in council. (Section 1a Public Access to Information Act 1991, amended 2016)
Legislative branch No. Absent from legal framework
Private sector Yes. Private bodies which carry out public functions are covered by the law. (Section 3(1) Public Access to Information Act 1991, amended 2016)
Draft legal instruments No. As the legislature is not covered by the FOIA, draft legal instruments are not available to the public by law. In practice they are often published by the government for discussion. ( )
Enacted legal instruments Yes. An Act of Parliament shall not enter into force before it has been published in the Staatsblad (Official Gazette). (Article 88 Constitution of Netherlands, 2008)
Annual budgets Yes. A Budget Bill setting out the central government budget is presented to parliament on the third Tuesday of September each year and should be passed into law by 1 January of the following year. Since the Executive is covered by the FOIA, the annual budgets should also be available through this. (Chapter 1, Division 3, Section 12 Government Accounts Act 2001, amended 2016 Section 1a Public Access to Information Act 1991, amended 2016)
Annual chart of accounts (actual expenditures) Yes. On the third Wednesday in May, the ministerial and non-ministerial annual reports audited by the Court of Audit, as well as the central government annual financial report audited by the Court of Audit for the previous year, are forwarded to the House of Representatives. The central government annual financial report is also forwarded to the Senate. Since the Executive is covered by the FOIA, the annual budgets should also be available through this. (Chapter 5, Section 63 Government Accounts Act 2001 Section 1a Public Access to Information Act 1991, amended 2016 )
Annual reports of public entities and programs Yes. On the third Wednesday in May, the ministerial and non-ministerial annual reports audited by the Court of Audit, as well as the central government annual financial report audited by the Court of Audit for the previous year are forwarded to the House of Representatives. The central government annual financial report is also forwarded to the Senate. The annual financial reports contain information on operational and policy matters. Since the Executive is covered by the FOIA, the annual budgets should also be available through this. (Chapter 5, Section 58 and Section 63 Government Accounts Act 2001 Section 1a Public Access to Information Act 1991, amended 2016)
Universal access (agencies, citizens and non-citizens) Yes. The law stipulates that "anyone" may make an information request. ( Section 3(1) Public Access to Information Act 1991, amended 2016)
Cost of access is specified (free, request fees, photocopying costs, other administrative costs) Yes. Charges for copying are specified in a separate Decree. Up to six copies is free, 6-13 copies cost €4.50 and over 13 copies is €0.35 per copy. (Article 2(2) Decree of 5 February 1993 on the charges under the Freedom of Information Act)
20-day response deadline Yes. The administrative authority must decide on the application for information at the earliest possible opportunity, and in any event no more than two weeks after the date of receipt of the application. ( Section 6 Public Access to Information Act 1991, amended 2016)
Agency granted right to extend response time Yes. The administrative authority may defer the decision for no more than a further two weeks. The applicant shall be notified in writing, with reasons, of the deferment before the first two-week period has elapsed. ( Section 6 Public Access to Information Act 1991, amended 2016)
Maximum total response time of no more than 40 days Yes. The maximum response time is four weeks. ( Section 6 Public Access to Information Act 1991, amended 2016)
Existence of secrecy/states secrets law Yes. There is a state secrets law. The Penal Code also has a section on violation of secrets. (Protection of State Secrets Law 1951 Part XVII Penal Code)
Existence of personal privacy/data law Yes. The Constitution provides that everyone shall have the right to respect for his privacy, without prejudice to restrictions laid down by or pursuant to an Act of Parliament. The Personal Data Protection Act covers processing of and access to personal data. (Article 10(1) Constitution Personal Data Protection Act 2000, amended 2015)
Specific exemptions to disclosure Yes. Information is exempted from disclosure for a variety of reasons include in if; it might endanger the unity of the Crown or damage the security of the State; the data relates to companies and manufacturing processes and were furnished to the government in confidence by natural or legal persons. Nor shall disclosure of information take place insofar as its importance does not outweigh one of the following: international relations; economic and financial interests of the State, other bodies constituted under public law or the administrative authorities; the investigation of criminal offences and the prosecution of offenders; inspection, control and oversight by administrative authorities; respect for personal privacy; the importance to the addressee of being the first to note the information; prevention of disproportionate advantage or disadvantage to the natural or legal persons concerned or to third parties; personal data without the consent of the data subject, state secrets, information classified under the Nuclear Energy Act; privacy; certain types of environmental information. (Section 10 Public Access to Information Act 1991, amended 2016 Article 8 and Article 17(3) Personal Data Protection Act 2000 Section 98 Penal Code Protection of State Secrets Act 1951)
Appeals allowed within public entities Yes. Those who are not satisfied with the decision on an application for information can apply for reconsideration under the auspices of the administrative authority that refused the request. (Secton 6.4 and Section 7.1 General Administrative Law Act 1994)
Judicial appeals mechanism Yes. If the outcome of an internal appeal is unsatisfactory, an appeal can be made to the administrative sector of the District Court for a court judgment. If that is unsatisfactory, it is possible to launch an appeal to the Administrative Jurisdiction Division of the Council of State. (Secton 8.1 and Section 8.9 General Administrative Law Act 1994)
Constitution of Netherlands, 2008, amended 2014 (Dutch) pdf
Public Access to Information Act 1991, amended 2009 (Dutch) pdf
Government Accounts Act, 2001, amended 2016 (Dutch) pdf
Decree of 5 February 1993 on the charges under the Freedom of Information Act (Dutch) pdf
Protection of State Secrets Law, 1951, amended 2012 (Dutch) pdf
Penal Code, amended 2016 (Dutch) pdf
Personal Data Protection Act 2000, amended 2015 (Dutch) pdf
General Administrative Law Act, 1994, amended 2015 (Dutch) pdf
The Dutch public procurement system is regulated by the Public Procurement Decree (Aanbestedingswet) and the Proportionality Guide (Proportionaliteitsgids), and several further sector specific regulations. The public procurement body is the Autoriteit Consument en Markt which is an independent organization.
There is no minimum threshold at the national level for conducting a public procurement tender, hence the effective thresholds come from the EU regulation:
The minimum number of bidders is 5 for restricted procedures and 3 for negotiated procedures and competitive dialogue. The minimum submission period is 45 days for open procedures, 70 days for restricted procedures and 70 for negotiated procedures from dispatch date. The final beneficial owners do not have to be disclosed when placing a bid.
There is a possibility for preferential treatment: SMEs can be taken into account, and there are specific rules for green/sustainable procurement.
There are also several options for bid exclusion: participation in criminal organization, money laundering, convictions regarding professional capacity/misconduct, outstanding tax or social security liabilities, and false information in the bid. Bids can be also excluded because of abnormally low bid prices.
There is a fee to be paid in arbitration procedures but the value in not set in law. There is no indication if court decisions must be publicly released.
Scope 36 30 47
Information availability 71 71 21
Evaluation 69 69 75
Open competition 83 83 89
What is the minimum contract value above which the public procurement law is applied? (Product type GOODS) EUR 135000. There are no binding legal rules for the minimum contract value below which the contract may be awarded directly. The contracting authority has discretion to determine whether a direct award is appropriate for a contract with a value below the (European) threshold taking the possible cross-border interest into account. However, the Dutch state has created a soft law document concerning the proportionality of decisions for contracting authority, in which it gives approximations (Section 3.4.2 Gids Proportionaliteit). The soft law threshold for direct awards of supply contracts is EUR 40000. (Articles 2.2 paragraph 1 and 2.3 Aanbestedingswet 2012)
What is the minimum contract value above which the public procurement law is applied? (Product type WORKS) EUR 5225000. There are no binding legal rules for the minimum contract value below which the contract may be awarded directly. The contracting authority has discretion to determine whether a direct award is appropriate for a contract with a value below the (European) threshold taking the possible cross-border interest into account. However, the Dutch state has created a soft law document concerning the proportionality of decisions for contracting authority, in which it gives approximations (Section 3.4.2 Gids Proportionaliteit). The soft law threshold for direct awards of works contracts is EUR 150000. (Article 2.1 Aanbestedingswet 2012)
What is the minimum contract value above which the public procurement law is applied? (Product type SERVICES) EUR 135000. There are no binding legal rules for the minimum contract value below which the contract may be awarded directly. The contracting authority has discretion to determine whether a direct award is appropriate for a contract with a value below the (European) threshold taking the possible cross-border interest into account. However, the Dutch state has created a soft law document concerning the proportionality of decisions for contracting authority, in which it gives approximations (Section 3.4.2 Gids Proportionaliteit). The soft law threshold for direct awards of service contracts is EUR 40000. (Articles 2.2 paragraph 1 and 2.3 Aanbestedingswet 2012)
What are the minimum application thresholds for the procurement type? (Entity: PUBLIC SECTOR) EUR 135000. (Article 2.2 paragraph 1 Aanbestedingswet 2012)
What are the minimum application thresholds for the procurement type? (Entity: UTILITIES) EUR 418000. This is the minimum for supply and services contracts for the special sectors (Article 3.8 sub b) Aanbestedingswet 2012)
What are the minimum application thresholds for the procurement type? (Entity: DEFENCE) EUR 209000. (Article 2.2 paragraph 2 Aanbestedingswet 2012)
What are the minimum application thresholds for the procurement type? (Product type GOODS) EUR 135000. EUR 135000 for central governments, EUR 209000 for other contracting authorities (Articles 2.2 paragraph 1 and 2.3 Aanbestedingswet 2012)
What are the minimum application thresholds for the procurement type? (Product type WORKS) EUR 5225000. (Article 2.1 Aanbestedingswet 2012)
What are the minimum application thresholds for the procurement type? (Product type SERVICES) EUR 135000. EUR 135000 for central governments, EUR 209000 for other contracting authorities (Articles 2.2 paragraph 1 and 2.3 Aanbestedingswet 2012)
Is there a requirement that tender documents must published in full? Yes. The contracting authority must guarantee free, direct and complete online access to the tender documents. However, in special cases, the contracting authority can decide not to provide everything online, but to send the documents to every interested person instead (for free). (Article 2.66 Aanbestedingswet 2012)
Are any of these documents published online at a central place? Yes. The invitation to the tender must be published online on TenderNed (Article 2.62 Aanbestedingswet 2012)
Is it mandatory to keep all of these records? -Public notices of bidding opportunities, -Bidding documents and addenda, -Bid opening records, -Bid evaluation reports, -Formal appeals by bidders and outcomes, -Final signed contract documents and addenda and amendments, -Claims and dispute resolutions, -Final payments, -Disbursement data (as required by the country’s financial management system) No. In Dutch law, these documents are not specifically mentioned. Contracting authorities are obliged to keep 'the necessary records' to justify certain decisions. (Articles 2.51 and 3.77 Aanbestedingswet 2012)
Are contracts awarded within a framework agreement published (ie mini contracts)? No. At least there doesn't need to be an award notice for contracts within a framework agreement. (Article 2.135 Aanbestedingswet 2012)
Is it mandatory to publish information on subcontractors (ie names) in some cases? No. The contracting authority is allowed to ask in the tender documents that tenderers say in their tender which part of the task he is planning to give to subcontractors and which subcontractors it is planning to hire. If the contract in question is a public works contract or a contract for a service that needs to be executed under the direct supervision of the contracting authority, the contracting authority may ask for more detailled information on the subcontractors. (Articles 2.79 and 2a.49 Aanbestedingswet 2012)
Is there a ban on mentioning specific companies or brands in tender specification/call for tender? Yes. In principle there is a ban on mentioning specific brands etc in the tender specification. However, there are certain exceptions to the ban. The specific mention must be justified by the object of which a characterisation without the specific mention would have been impossible. This mention still has to be accompanied by the words 'or equivalent'. (Article 2.76 paragraphs 3 and 4 Aanbestedingswet 2012)
Is there a preferential treatment for small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs)? No. Article 1.5 paragraph 1 sub a obliges contracting authorities to take SMEs into account when deciding whether it is necessary to merge public contracts, but there is no real preferential treatment for SMEs participating in tendering procedures (Article 1.5 paragraph sub a 2012)
Is there a preferential treatment for local/national companies? (companies from other EU MS are considered foreign companies) No. Contracting authorities have to treat all tenderers in the same way, in European and national tendering procedures (Articles 1.8 and 1.12 Aanbestedingswet 2012)
Is there a specific set of rules for green/sustainable procurement? Yes. There is no separate set of rules, but the contracting authority has the possibility to take the effects that the tenderers will have on the environment into account for the award of the contract and is also allowed to ask for it in their technical specifications and to connect special environmental conditions to the execution of the contract. (Articles 2.75 paragraph 3, 2.76 paragraph 1 sub b), 2.80, 2.93 paragraph 1 sub h), 2.97, 2.115 paragraph 2 sub e) and 2.115a Aanbestedingswet 2012)
Are there restrictions on allowable grounds for tenderer exclusion? Yes. Tenderers with certain final criminal convictions, bankruptcy, final conviction for breaking the code of conduct of their profession, having made a grave mistake in the execution of their work or deficits in past performance, unpayd taxes or social security fees, falsehoods or deficits in answering the contracting authority's request to provide information, taking part in agreements with other tenderers that disrupt the competition, an unresolvable conflict of interests (Articles 2.86 and 2.87 Aanbestedingswet 2012)
Are some bids automatically excluded? e.g., lowest/highest price; unusually low price, etc. No. While there are 'obligatory' exclusion grounds in article 2.86 Aanbestedingswet, the contracting authority still has the possibility to decide against excluding a tenderer on grounds of overriding reasons of general interest,if the tenderer proves to still be trustworthy or if excluding the tenderer would not be proportionate; There is also no automatic exclusion for abnormally low tenders. The contracting authority is required to ask for an explanation before excluding a tenderer in such cases. (Articles 2.86a, 2.88 and 2.116 Aanbestedingswet 2012)
Is scoring criteria published? Yes. The assessment criteria as well as their weighing need to be specified in the contract notice (Article 2.115 Aanbestedingswet 2012)
Are decisions always made by a committee? No. There are no rules regarding committees
Are there regulations on evaluation committee composition to prevent conflict of interest? Yes. In the event that a tenderer or someone linked to one of the tenderers has been involved in the preparation of the tender in any way, the contracting authority has to take measures to prevent conflict of interests. These measures include sending the information regarding the tender that the tenderer in question has acquired during the preparation to all competing tenderers and furthermore to set a new deadline for the final tenders. In the event that such measures would not be effective enough, the contracting authority can exclude the tenderer in question. However, before being able to exclude him, the contracting authority needs to give the tenderer the opportunity to prove that he would not disrupt the competition by partaking in the procedure. (Articles 1.10b, 2.51 and 2.87 paragraph 1 sub e) Aanbestedingswet 2012)
Is some part of evaluation committee mandatorily independent of contracting authority? No. There are no rules regarding committees
Are scoring results publicly available? No. The contracting authority is only obliged to send an award notice to every tenderer who participated in the procedure. The contracting authority only has to share with them why the winning tenderer was chosen and why the others were not, which usually includes their individual scoring. In some cases, the contracting authority is also obliged to send this information to other concerned parties. (Article 2.130 Aanbestedingswet 2012)
Does the law specify under which conditions the tender can be cancelled? No. The law does not specify the conditions under which a tender can be cancelled. However, the law does oblige the contracting authority to publish their reasons for cancelling the tendering procedure. Dutch case law provides that the contracting authority has the possibility to cancel the procedure at any given time. (Article 2.132 paragraph 1 sub n) Aanbestedingswet 2012)
Does the law specify the location for publicizing open calls for tenders? Yes. It specifies that all tender calls need to be published online. The state has specified in the explanatory memorandum of the Aanbestedingswet that this means that all calls have to be published on TenderNed.nl (Articles 1.18 and 2.62 Aanbestedingswet 2012)
Does the law specify the location for publicizing restricted calls for tenders? Yes. It specifies that all tender calls need to be published online. The state has specified in the explanatory memorandum of the Aanbestedingswet that this means that all calls have to be published on TenderNed.nl (Articles 1.18 and 2.62 Aanbestedingswet 2012)
Does the law specify the location for publicizing negotiated calls for tenders? Yes. It specifies that all tender calls need to be published online. The state has specified in the explanatory memorandum of the Aanbestedingswet that this means that all calls have to be published on TenderNed.nl (Articles 1.18 and 2.62 Aanbestedingswet 2012)
What is the minimum number of bidders for restricted procedures? 5. (Article 2.99 paragraph 3 Aanbestedingswet 2012)
What is the minimum number of bidders for negotiated procedures? 3. (Article 2.99 paragraph 3 Aanbestedingswet 2012)
What is the minimum number of bidders for competitive dialogue procedures? 3. (Article 2.99 paragraph 3 Aanbestedingswet 2012)
What are the minimum number of days for open procedures? 45. In principle, the minimum number of days to hand in a tender in an open procedure is 45. This period may be shortened by 5 days in the event that all tenders are handed in electronically. In the event that the contracting authority has posted an advance notice, this period may be shortened to 29 days. In an urgent situation, the contracting authority may shorten this period to a total of 15 days. (Articles 2.71 paragraphs 1 and 5, 2.74 sub a) and 2.74b Aanbestedingswet 2012)
What are the minimum number of days for restricted procedures? 70. In principle, the minimum number of days for the contracting authority to send out invitations after the call for tenders in a restricted procedure is 30 days. The minimum period for tenderers to send in their tenders afterwards is 40 days, which leaves us with a total of 70 days. The first period may be shortened by 5 days in the event that all tenders are handed in electronically. The latter period can also be shortened to 29 days in the event that the contracting authority had posted an advance notice. This would leave us with a total of 59 days. In urgent situations, the contracting authority can shorten the period for sending out invitations to 15 days and the period for handing in the tenders to 10 days, leaving us with a total of 25 days. (Articles 2.71 paragraphs 2, 4 and 5, 2.74 sub b) and c) and 2.74b Aanbestedingswet 2012)
What are the minimum number of days for competitive negotiated procedures? 70. In principle, the minimum number of days for the contracting authority to send out invitations after the call for tenders in a competitive negotiated procedure is 30 days. The minimum period for tenderers to send in their tenders afterwards is 40 days, which leaves us with a total of 70 days. The first period may be shortened by 5 days in the event that all tenders are handed in electronically. The latter period can also be shortened to 29 days in the event that the contracting authority had posted an advance notice. This would leave us with a total of 59 days. In urgent situations, the contracting authority can shorten the period for sending out invitations to 15 days and the period for handing in the tenders to 10 days, leaving us with a total of 25 days. (Articles 2.71 paragraphs 2, 4 and 5, 2.74 sub b) and c) and 2.74b Aanbestedingswet 2012)
Does the law specify the main EXCEPTIONS preventing the application of the public procurement law for tenders/organisations? Yes. contracts concerning defense and national security, telecommunication networks, matters regulated by other international organisations, and service contracts concerning exclusive rights, the acquisition of land or buildings, public broatcasting, arbitration, financial instruments, labour, legal services, political services and in some cases research and development, quasi, reverse and vertical in-house contracts and public public cooperation contracts (Articles 2.23, 2.24, 2.24a, 2.24b and 2.24c Aanbestedingswet 2012)
Does the law specify the main types of institutions that must apply the public procurement law? Yes. The public procurement law must be applied by contracting authorities. The law defines contracting authorities as the state, the provinces, the municipalities, the water boards and other public bodies (Article 1.1 Aanbestedingswet 2012)
Does the law specify the main procedure types or procurement methods permitted? Yes. Open procedure, restricted procedure, competitive dialogue, negotiated procedure with notice, negotiated procedure without notice, Innovative partnership (Articles 1.1, 2.25, 2.26, 2.27, 2.28, 2.30, 2.31a and 2.32 Aanbestedingswet 2012)
Is there a procurement arbitration court dedicated to public procurement cases? No. There is no court specifically dedicated to public procurement cases. Lawsuits concerning public procurement are handled by the Dutch civil courts, more specifically usually by the judge for interim proceedings.
Is there a procurement regulatory body dedicated to public procurement? No. There is a regulatory body, the ACM (Authority for consumer and market), but it is not a specific authority dedicated to public procurement. It is mainly dedicated to watch over competition and consumer protection in the Netherlands. The ACM has the authority to fine a contracting authority that has signed a contract during the standstill period. It may however only do so after there have been proceedings before the civil court and the civil judge decided against dissolving the contract. (Articles 4. 21 - 4.23 Aanbestedingswet 2012)
Is there a fee for arbitration procedure? Yes. The arbiter needs to be paid by the parties. There is no law regulating the costs. The costs vary per case.
Is there a ban on contract signature until arbitration court decision (first instance court)? Yes. In the event that one of the tenderers starts a procedure (at the civil court) against the award decision during the standstill period, the contracting authority is banned from signing the contract until there is an (interim) judgement (Article 2.131 Aanbestedingswet 2012)
What is the maximum number of days until arbitration court decision from filing a complaint in the case of awarded contracts? There is no maximum number of days for cases concerning public procurement law in Dutch law. Most of these cases are handled by the interim judge of the civil court and a decision is usually reached within 6 to 8 weeks.
Is there a requirement to publicly release arbitration court decisions ? Yes. The court that handles cases concerning public procurement is the civil court. Court decisions from the civil court are all public. They are accessible via internet (on rechtspraak.nl). (Article 121 Dutch Constitution)
Aanbestedingswet (2012) (Dutch) pdf
Aanbestedingswet (2016) (Dutch) pdf