ATR, the Dutch Advisory Board on Regulatory Burden, is an independent oversight body. ATR assesses the quality of legislative proposals that affect citizens, businesses, and professionals. It reviews whether proposals effectively address a stated societal problem, consider less burdensome alternatives, are practically feasible, and include a clear estimate of the regulatory burden.

ATR issues and publishes recommendations on legislative proposals at the earliest possible stage. They are sent to the minister on whose behalf the proposal was prepared. These recommendations follow a comply-or-explain principle: they must either be followed or, if not, the reasons for doing so must be explained in the explanatory memorandum. All primary, secondary, and tertiary legislation of the central government is within ATR’s ambit.

In addition to national legislation, ATR also reviews proposed EU legislation for its practical feasibility and potential regulatory burden. ATR may also advise on existing laws and regulations if they create bottlenecks or impose disproportionate burdens.

Board of ATR

Marijke van Hees is the Chair. The other Board members are Hayke Veldman and John Morijn. The Council of Ministers appoints all members. The Board is supported by a staff led by Rudy van Zijp.

From left to right: Rudy van Zijp, Hayke Veldman, Marijke van Hees, John Morijn

RegWatchEurope

ATR works with organisations within and outside the Netherlands. RegWatchEurope is the European network of independent regulatory oversight bodies in which we participate.

The objectives of RegWatchEurope are to:

  • strengthen the expertise of its members through the exchange of knowledge and best practices;
  • help strengthen the Better Regulation approach at European level, including by issuing unsolicited opinions to the European Commission;
  • inform other European countries about the added value of independent scrutiny of planned

Members

Associate member

  • Moldova – Working Group on Regulation of Business Activity

These bodies play a significant role in challenging, monitoring, and advising their governments on the quality and regulatory burden of legislation.

For more information: https://regwatcheurope.eu.