The climate, the housing shortage, healthcare costs – the Netherlands is facing some big challenges. Bureau Burgerberaad encourages government bodies to get citizens involved in thinking about solutions. Thousands of Dutch citizens have already joined in discussions. Initiator Eva Rovers: “Together they make creative and practical recommendations.”

Citizens’ assemblies

“A group of a hundred people. All with different ages, backgrounds and education levels, holding a wide range of opinions and convictions and in different states of health. This cross section of society considers urgent social issues during citizens’ assemblies. We were originally established to advocate for a National Citizens’ Assembly on Climate, precisely because society is so polarized on this subject. But we soon realized that the citizens’ assembly is a really valuable way of obtaining knowledge from society on all kinds of subjects and using this to make collective decisions.”

“Bureau Burgerberaad advises governments about setting up these assemblies. On the importance of inviting citizens, for example using random selection, so that you also reach groups that would never volunteer on their own initiative. And that you need to indicate in advance what you will do with the recommendations. Because if you ignore them that will destroy participants’ confidence in the whole process.”

What’s behind the emotions?

“It’s a special experience to see how very different people can come closer together during an assembly. People who are skeptical about climate change and people who are worried about it often agree on many things. They realize that it’s not so clear cut.”

“But still sometimes sparks really fly during discussions. In these situations, the facilitators offer assistance. What is it about this issue that gets to you so much? Then it turns out that that person is really dependent on their diesel car. Because they don’t have the money to get another one or there’s no good public transport where they live. While someone else at the discussion table was completely unaware of this situation. This understanding means they’re able to move forward together to think about a solution that works for everyone.”

Commitment by Cabinet and House of Representatives

“In 2024 dozens of citizens’ assemblies were held in municipalities, on all different subjects: from livability and waste to the energy transition and the climate. Preparations also took place for the National Citizens’ Assembly on Climate in 2025. We were extremely relieved when it became known that the new Dutch Cabinet was in favor of it going ahead. The House of Representatives also committed to discussing all the assembly’s recommendations and the Cabinet’s response.”

The ‘disaffected’

“We’re seeing more and more interest in holding citizens’ assemblies. For example, Borsele municipality is asking citizens to get involved in discussing the conditions on which new nuclear power stations could be built. And the State Commission on the Rule of Law is inviting ‘disaffected Dutch citizens’ to discuss the key issue ‘how can we help you better?’ The fact that these people – who had all had negative experiences with the government – took the trouble to come really moved me.”