beleidsnota

A beleidsnota, or policy note, is a formal policy document used by government authorities, typically at the municipal, provincial, or national level, to set out strategic directions, objectives, and proposed measures for a defined period. It functions as a steering document that communicates priorities to the council, stakeholders, and the public, and it provides a basis for budgetary and multi-year planning.

The purpose of a beleidsnota is to translate political priorities into concrete policy themes and actions. It outlines the vision and goals for the coming years, the main policy domains (such as housing, mobility, economy, safety, and climate), and the specific measures, milestones, and responsible departments. The document also presents the financial implications, required resources, performance indicators, and evaluation plans, along with risk assessments and governance arrangements and an implementation timeline.

Content typically includes the strategic goals, proposed policy packages, expected outcomes, indicators for monitoring progress, and a plan for how policies will be implemented and overseen. It is usually prepared by the executive branch and presented to the legislative body for discussion, possible amendments, and approval, and it often informs the subsequent budget (begroting) and multi-year framework.

In practice, beleidsnota serves as the policy backbone for a council or government over a set period and is updated through monitoring reports and accountability documents. While not a law, it carries political weight and guides resource allocation and governance during the policy cycle. The term is commonly used in Dutch-speaking regions, including the Netherlands and Flemish-speaking parts of Belgium.