GPT‑NL: a sovereign language model for the Netherlands

TNO, SURF, and the Netherlands Forensic Institute are developing GPT-NL, an independent Dutch language model funded with €13.5 million to strengthen European digital autonomy while prioritizing governance, transparency, and public values. The project builds the model from scratch using ethically sourced data with strict safeguards against copyright infringement and personal data misuse, while ensuring data providers share in the model's value through a reciprocal approach. GPT-NL demonstrates that responsible AI development is achievable through sovereign control, open transparency, and alignment with European laws and societal goals.