verstaatlicht

Verstaatlijken is a Dutch verb meaning to place under state ownership or to nationalize. It refers to transferring ownership of assets, companies, or entire sectors from private hands to the state, typically through legislation, executive action, or compulsory purchases. The aim of verstate​lijken is that the state, rather than private owners, controls production, distribution, or essential services.

The term is used mainly in political and economic discourse in the Netherlands and Flanders. It is often discussed in the context of public ownership of strategic sectors such as energy, transport, water management, and other utilities. Proponents may view verstate​lijken as a way to ensure universal access, strategic planning, or social equity, while opponents may raise concerns about efficiency, market competition, or compensation for private owners. The exact legal form of the transfer—whether full expropriation, partial transfer, or transfer to a state-owned enterprise—depends on national law and policy choices.

Differences with nationalisatie: nationalisatie is the more common formal term in law and official policy, while verstate​lijken carries a broader and sometimes more ideological nuance, emphasizing the act of placing assets under state control and its policy implications. In practice, both terms describe similar outcomes but may differ in connotation and context.

See also: nationalisatie, staatsbezit, staatsbedrijf, public ownership, expropriation.