Amsterdam’s digital autonomy plan recognises that digital systems are essential for the daily functioning of the city. From benefit payments and permit services to healthcare and data protection, many public services now depend on cloud services and digital platforms. To ensure that Amsterdam can make independent decisions about its digital future, the city has adopted a phased strategy that will run through 2035.

The first steps are already underway, including a new sourcing and cloud strategy that integrates digital autonomy into procurement decisions. This year the city will expand these efforts by testing alternative systems that do not run on software from large American tech firms. These pilots are intended to show what works in practice and what additional steps will be needed to scale up autonomy.

Over the second and third phases of the strategy, Amsterdam aims to ensure that at least 30 percent of its cloud storage and applications operate on Dutch or European platforms. In addition, all critical processes and sensitive data should be hosted on European digital infrastructure. The plan also sets the goal that key systems can always be switched between multiple providers, preventing long‑term dependency on a single dominant partner.

The municipal government stresses that achieving digital autonomy is not solely a local concern but a shared challenge across the Netherlands and Europe. Amsterdam will collaborate with other major cities, the Association of Netherlands Municipalities (VNG) and the national government. The strategy will require structural investment and cooperation to build resilient digital infrastructure that supports privacy, continuity of services and democratic control.