inspraak

Inspraak, Dutch for “public consultation” or “input from the public,” is a procedural instrument used by governments and public bodies to collect views from residents, organizations, and other stakeholders on proposed policies, plans, or regulations before a final decision is taken. The aim is to improve decision quality, legitimacy, and transparency.

In most cases, an inspraak process includes: notification of the proposal, provision of accessible information and impact assessments, a defined period for submitting written opinions or objections, and, in some cases, public meetings or hearings. The authority reviews the input and explains how it was considered in the final decision. In Dutch practice, opinions submitted during inspraak are often called “zienswijzen.” Inspraak can occur at municipal, provincial, or national levels and is commonly used for zoning plans, environmental permits, and major development projects.

Inspraak is related to but not identical to broader forms of participation (participatie) or consultation (raadpleging). Participatie refers to ongoing involvement beyond a single input moment, while raadpleging is a broader request for information or advice. The effectiveness of inspraak depends on timely information, accessible channels, and meaningful consideration of inputs; it can be challenged if perceived as merely symbolic.