Bilingual

Verslagje nota overleg 'Wolken aan de horizon' - Bert Hubert's writings
a day ago
- Dutch parliament debated the initiative 'Wolken aan de Horizon', which aims for 30% European cloud usage by 2029.
- Supporters argue for digital sovereignty and reducing dependence on US tech giants, while critics (VVD, PVV) prefer US alliance and question costs.
- The government acknowledges urgency but remains vague on concrete goals, promising details in the upcoming National Digitalisation Strategy (NDS).
- There is no clear overview of how much the Dutch government spends on US cloud services.
- Several motions were proposed, including appointing a cloud commissioner, promoting the Eurostack, and requiring risk assessments for cloud procurement.
Het Nerdvote Effect - Bert Hubert's writings
a day ago
- Barbara Kathmann (GroenLinks-PvdA, age 32) will be re-elected as MP through preferential votes, with approximately 30,000 votes, three times more than in 2023.
- The NerdVote campaign aimed to support candidates who prioritize IT independence from US Big Tech, privacy, and cybersecurity.
- NerdVote strategically advised voting for Barbara Kathmann, who was not prominently featured by the 'Stem op een Vrouw' initiative.
- NerdVote attracted over 80,000 unique visitors and 500 newsletter subscribers, gaining traction through popular podcasts and a Reddit AMA with 200,000 visitors.
- The 'Stem op een Vrouw' effect on other candidates (e.g., Marleen Haage, Iris Vrolijks) was limited to a few thousand additional votes, while Barbara's boost was much larger.
- Although Barbara's own network and prior performance contributed, NerdVote likely played a significant role in her preferential vote surge.
- The analysis suggests NerdVote had a notable impact for a candidate with the right drive, network, and background, but may not boost every candidate similarly.
Updates 7 februari: Tweede Kamer, TV Bureau Buitenland - Bert Hubert's writings
a day ago
- On February 7, a TV appearance on Bureau Buitenland (NPO2, VPRO) is scheduled for Sunday at 21:30, discussing geopolitics of digital dependencies.
- A roundtable discussion in the Dutch Parliament had an unexpectedly large turnout, filling four rooms with visitors, and the event is available for streaming.
- During the roundtable, when asked about concerns over dependence on Trump and potential shutdown of IT systems, all attendees except NLDigital expressed worry, with NLDigital dismissing the risk.
- NLDigital, noted for its leadership ties to American big tech, was asked by the Dutch government how to reduce reliance on big tech, as reported by Trouw.
- A Volkskrant article highlights a meeting with Dutch cloud market representatives, where Bert Hubert emphasized the feasibility of using Dutch technology, as demonstrated by an email service with three million users.
Lijstduwer, Felipe Rodriquez Award, BNR, NRC, btw en meer - Bert Hubert's writings
a day ago
- The author is a 'lijstduwer' (list pusher) for the local GroenLinks-PvdA coalition in Pijnacker-Nootdorp for the municipal elections, appearing at position 27 on list 4.
- They received the Felipe Rodriquez Award from Bits of Freedom, a positive award for privacy and internet freedom advocates, and took it to a key EU privacy meeting in Brussels.
- The author appeared on BNR's 'The Big Five' to discuss Europe's digital autonomy and dependence on US clouds, and on NRC Vandaag podcast with Felienne Hermans about Europe's position in the world.
- The Dutch tax authority plans to outsource VAT administration to US company Fast Enterprises, with servers in Apeldoorn but controlled by Americans; Parliament will vote on pausing the plan.
- Other highlights include an interview in Computable about IT experts vs. administrators, a masterclass on digital autonomy covered by Nemo Kennislink, and a Reuters article quoting the author on US diplomatic efforts to undermine European privacy rules.

Hasty Briefsbeta

dutch politics

Verslagje nota overleg 'Wolken aan de horizon' - Bert Hubert's writings

Het Nerdvote Effect - Bert Hubert's writings

Updates 7 februari: Tweede Kamer, TV Bureau Buitenland - Bert Hubert's writings

Lijstduwer, Felipe Rodriquez Award, BNR, NRC, btw en meer - Bert Hubert's writings