instemming

Instemming is a Dutch noun meaning consent, assent, or approval given by a person or body to a proposed measure, action, or agreement. The verb instemmen means to assent or agree to something. The term is commonly used in legal, political, and administrative contexts in the Netherlands and in Dutch-speaking institutions.

In Dutch governance and law, instemming denotes a formal endorsement by the relevant authority, such as a ministry, a council, or a parliament. It may be required for international treaties, constitutional changes, or major policy proposals, and is typically recorded in official decisions or minutes. Instemming is usually distinguished from toestemming (permission to act) and from goedkeuring (formal approval) by emphasizing voluntary alignment with the proposal rather than the simple authorization to proceed.

Usage examples include a minister seeking instemming from a cabinet or a parliament before a treaty can be ratified, or a local council granting instemming to a development plan. In international settings, a state may convey its instemming to a treaty by the competent body, after which ratification can follow.

See also: assent, consent, approval, treaty ratification, Dutch law.