Approval of Dutch Council of Ministers for Digital Meetings Bill Allows for Hybrid and Digital Meetings Until July 1, 2022

The Dutch Council of Ministers has approved the submission of the Digital Meetings bill to the House of Representatives, allowing governments to convene digital meetings in exceptional circumstances until July 1, 2022.

The legislation specifies that decentralized authorities such as municipal councils, Provincial Councils, island councils, and water board boards should prioritize physical meetings. However, in specific situations like a flu outbreak or severe weather alerts, digital meetings must be permissible. Representatives have the discretion to determine when digital meetings are warranted based on local conditions.

The bill also introduces hybrid meetings that accommodate both in-person and digital participants, enhancing accessibility for individuals with disabilities or fatigue issues.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Temporary Digital Deliberation Act enabled digital meetings and decision-making. With the expiration of the law on July 1, 2022, online meetings are no longer an option for governments.