The Netherlands will start screening foreign investment in AI and five other technologies next year.
The government announced that, beginning 1 January 2027, its existing investment‑screening framework will expand to include six new sectors, AI among them. The Ministry of Economic Affairs says the change will affect "hundreds of companies" that rely on foreign capital. The move follows criticism that a semiconductor firm, Nexperia, slipped through the previous regime.
Minister of Economic Affairs Heleen Herbert warned that the country is a frequent target for cyber‑operations, espionage and sabotage, and that tighter checks are needed to protect critical tech. By flagging AI and the other five sectors, officials hope to block hostile takeovers and reduce exposure to foreign influence.
The policy mirrors a broader EU trend of tightening tech‑investment rules, but it remains to be seen how many deals will be halted or delayed.