Advisory councils for the Dutch government
The Dutch government receives advice in many policy areas from official councils and institutions. Some of the most important advising bodies with an English website are:
General Energy Council (AER)
The General Energy Council advises the government and the parliament on energy policy.
Advisory Committee on Alien Affairs (ACVZ)
The ACVZ advises the Dutch government and parliament on overall immigration policy and law.
Advisory Council on International Affairs (AIV)
The AIV advises on foreign policy, particularly in the sphere of human rights, peace and safety, development collaboration and European integration.
Advisory Council of Science and Technology Policy (AWT)
The AWT advises the Dutch government and parliament on policy in the areas of scientific research, technological development and innovation, specifically in the policy fields of the Ministries of Education, Culture and Science and Economic Affairs.
Health Council
The Health Council is an independent advisory body charged with providing Ministers and Parliament with scientific advice on public health matters.
The Dutch Safety Board
This council is responsible for the independent and integral investigation of the causes and possible consequences of disasters, serious accidents and incidents and provides recommendations aimed at improving public safety.
Education Council
The Education Council advises on policy and legislation on education. Excepting the government, local authorities can call on the Education Council in special cases of local education policy.
Council for Financial Relations (RFV)
The RFV advises on legislation concerning financial relations, and especially on distribution of money to city councils and provinces. The recommendations cover all policy areas.
Council for Public Health and Health Care (RVZ)
The RVZ advises on youth, senior citizens, health and hospital care for the mentally ill, with its focus centred on finances, organisation, medical-ethical issues and patient rights.
Wadden Sea Council
This council advises on matters of general importance for the Wadden Sea, such as developments in the fishing industry and outdoor recreation.
Advisory Council for Public Administration (ROB)
The ROB has as its duty to advise the government on matters regarding the organisation and functioning of the government, with a view to increasing its efficiency.
Social and Economic Council of the Netherlands (SER)
The SER is the main advisory body to the Dutch government and parliament on social and economic policy. It is also charged with administrative and supervisory responsibilities.
Social and Cultural Planning Office of the Netherlands (SCP)
The SCP provides advice based on the scientific research it conducts into the social aspects of all areas of government policy. The recommendations are published in book form and are available on the Internet free of charge.
Netherlands Bureau for Economic Policy Analysis (CPB)
The CPB makes up-to-date economic analyses that are relevant for policymaking in the Netherlands. The advice on these analyses is available for all.
Scientific Council for Government Policy (WRR)
The WRR advises the government about future developments of great public interest, using a scientific approach.