Flanders and the Netherlands are collaborating on an action plan focused on artificial intelligence and language, announced Flemish Minister of Media Cieltje Van Achter following discussions at the Dutch Language Union’s Committee of Ministers on Monday.
"Flanders regards AI as a lever for innovation in language, media, and culture, and an opportunity to deepen collaboration with the Netherlands," stated Van Achter on Tuesday. "AI is significantly transforming how we produce, process, and use language, impacting language policy and sectors like media and culture. In this evolving landscape, the Language Union plays a crucial role as a connector, coordinator, and policy developer."
The Language Union is working on an in-depth programme alongside experts and stakeholders from Flanders and the Netherlands to establish a shared policy vision, action plan, and agenda for AI and language.
"AI offers tremendous opportunities: automatic subtitling, language-accessible content, and innovative applications in research and heritage. Flanders looks forward to collaborating with the Netherlands in creating a future-proof and culturally embedded AI policy for Dutch," Van Achter added.
The collaboration will involve knowledge exchange across activities in both Flanders and the Netherlands, according to Van Achter’s office. Strategic partners, including the Institute for Dutch Language, the Dutch National Library KB, Imec, public broadcasters NPO and VRT, and experts from research institutions and companies, will explore potential obstacles and success factors.
These will be highlighted to policymakers, and the Language Union will unify parties to establish a shared agenda benefiting the entire sector. International initiatives and potential for collaboration at the European level will also be considered.
The Dutch Language Union (Taalunie) is a policy organisation in which the Netherlands, Flanders, and, since 2004, Suriname, work together in the field of Dutch. The aim of the Taalunie, established in 1980, is to strengthen the Dutch language as such, education in and of Dutch within and outside the language area, Dutch literature and culture.
