Wageningen University updates AI policies amid Dutch budget shifts

Wageningen University & Research (WUR) is updating its assessment policies to address the rise of generative AI. Starting in September 2026, new guidelines will help educators ensure students demonstrate individual mastery of learning outcomes. While AI use may not be entirely excluded from all assessments, the university aims to secure learning through methods like oral exams or on-site tests. Notably, instructors are prohibited from using AI for final grading or assigning scores, as the technology is considered too much of a ‘black box’ for such purposes.

In other domestic developments, the Dutch government is facing scrutiny over budget allocations and rising costs. The budget for the Dutch Data Protection Authority (Autoriteit Persoonsgegevens) is set to decrease in 2027 to approximately 56.8 million euros, down from 60 million euros this year. This reduction occurs as the government expands digital systems and surveillance capabilities.

Additionally, healthcare costs in the Netherlands are projected to rise significantly. According to the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport, nominal healthcare premiums are expected to increase by 150 euros per person in 2027, pushing the annual cost for basic insurance above the 2,000 euro threshold for the first time.