The functioning of the Dutch National Contact Point during the specific instance procedure

Abstract

This article investigates the functioning of the Dutch National Contact Point during the specific instance procedure based on shared experiences of parties involved in a specific instance procedure, the stipulations of the Organisation of Economic Development and Cooperation’s Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises and the Dutch Government Decree 2014. National Contact Points function as a unique implementation mechanism of the Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises by providing mediation and conciliation services during specific instance procedures. The recent debate in the Netherlands on the functioning of the Dutch National Contact Point and the lack of rigorous up-to-date research necessitate further research on this topic. Hence, this article shares more indepth knowledge about the functioning of the Dutch National Contact Point, contributes to the ongoing debate in Parliament and in the Organisation of Economic Development and Cooperation on the functioning of National Contact Points, and presents suggestions for further improvement. This research is grounded on sound desk research and empirical research. The authors conducted 19 interviews covering 70% of the total population. Based on their research, the authors found that the Dutch National Contact Point has to improve its timeliness, visibility and impartiality. The authors believe that applying the recommended changes may propel the necessary change to improve the functioning of the Dutch National Contact Point during the specific instance procedure and may ultimately engender a ripple effect to other National Contact Points that try to follow suit.