Dutch Judiciary Advances Digital Access to Justice
The Hague, Sunday, 23 November 2025.
The Dutch judiciary’s digital transformation, part of the KEI program, enhances legal service efficiency and accessibility, reflecting a broader trend towards governmental digitalization.
Enhancing Efficiency and Accessibility
The Dutch judiciary’s digital transformation aims to significantly enhance the efficiency and accessibility of legal services. This effort is part of the Kwaliteit en Innovatie (KEI) program, which began in 2014 and ended in 2018. The KEI program was initiated to modernize the legal system by enabling digital case filing and document management, thereby reducing reliance on paper-based processes [1]. This shift to digital procedures is expected to streamline operations within the judiciary, making it easier for legal professionals and citizens to navigate the legal system [1].
Implementation of Proven Technologies
The Dutch judiciary is implementing digital systems using proven technologies to minimize risks. This cautious approach ensures that each new technological step is supported by practical experience and testing. Legal professionals and judiciary staff regularly test new digital services, ensuring that they meet the required standards before being rolled out widely [1]. The process begins with a few courts, and once all stakeholders are satisfied with the system’s performance, it is expanded to other jurisdictions [1].
Digital Access Gains Momentum
Since 2018, the focus has shifted from mere automation to improving digital accessibility within legal proceedings. The ‘Project Digitale Toegang’ (Digital Access Project) aims to enable paperless procedures in civil and administrative law, allowing litigants and legal representatives to conduct proceedings digitally [1]. This initiative mirrors a broader trend towards digitalization in public services, as seen in various sectors across Europe [1][2].
Impacts and Future Prospects
The digitalization of the Dutch judiciary is expected to have far-reaching impacts on the legal landscape. By reducing administrative burdens and increasing transparency, these advancements aim to make justice more accessible to all citizens. Additionally, the digital transformation aligns with the European Union’s broader objectives of enhancing digital justice and integrating artificial intelligence into legal systems [2]. As the judiciary continues to develop and implement these systems, the potential for further innovation remains significant [2].