Dutch government to screen thousands of researchers over espionage fears
The Dutch government plans to launch sweeping new security checks for scientists and students working with sensitive technology, reportedly aiming to block foreign powers from accessing critical knowledge, according to NOS. Under a proposed law, around 8,000 people each year—both Dutch and foreign—would face mandatory background screening before being allowed to work on high-risk research.
The draft legislation, submitted Monday to the Tweede Kamer by Education Minister Eppo Bruins (NSC), would allow security services to be involved in the vetting process. The goal is to prevent countries such as China, Russia and Iran from exploiting Dutch research for military or strategic gain, especially in areas like artificial intelligence, quantum computing, biotechnology, and microchips.
Researchers and students will be screened not only for criminal records but also for past education, employment, family background, and potential links to foreign regimes. Intelligence gathered by Dutch security services AIVD and MIVD may be used during the screening.
“These aren’t just basic checks,” the proposal states. “For scientists, screeners will dig deeper—examining everything from work history to family ties and risk contacts.”
According to Bruins, all nationalities must be screened—including Dutch citizens—to avoid discrimination and to address the real risk that hostile intelligence services may recruit people regardless of where they’re from. “Foreign governments do not only target their own nationals. Dutch citizens can also be pressured to leak information,” he said.
Currently, Dutch universities and research institutions conduct their own risk assessments, but with limited access to security data. A recent NOS investigation found that hundreds of job applications and international partnerships at Dutch universities were canceled in recent years due to security concerns.
The government expects Justis—the agency that handles background checks in the Netherlands—to carry out the screenings. Under the proposal, Justis would have four weeks to complete each check, with a possible four-week extension in complex cases. However, Justis is reportedly still reviewing whether it has the capacity to handle the volume. The AIVD and MIVD have already declined to take on the task.
Universities have warned repeatedly that the plan could scare off top global talent. “If these checks create delays and red tape, researchers may go elsewhere,” institutions argue. Bruins said other countries are adopting similar laws and that the Netherlands will “try to avoid unnecessary delays.”
The draft law lists several research fields as high risk for espionage, including missile systems, AI, quantum tech, biotech, and semiconductors. Institutions must map out which departments handle this type of work to ensure that only relevant staff and students are screened.
The law has one key weakness, Bruins admits: the screening happens only once, before someone starts work. That means a researcher could pass the check, then later be approached or recruited by a foreign government.
While ongoing surveillance is not part of the plan, the minister says additional security requirements could be imposed in individual cases. “We can't rule out all risks,” he said.
