Public affairs policy
To support the development of good legislation and regulations, Achmea offers policymakers and other public decisionmakers insight based on our knowledge and practical experience relating to our business activities such as climate-related risks. To this end, we maintain regular contact with governments and political representatives, think tanks, patient associations and other interest groups concerning regulatory and policy developments.
In line with Achmea’s purpose, we use our leverage to create positive impact and contribute to solutions. Sometimes this can also mean that we want to influence the development of legislation and regulations. Achmea is transparent about these activities and its positions. In The Netherlands Achmea focuses on Dutch legislative proposals or policies, such as:
- pension legislation,
- the integrated healthcare agreement,
- housing for elderly,
- climate adaptation,
- sustainable employability,
- sustainability in employment conditions.
Achmea is a member of several national and international sector and/or trade organisations. Achmea's interests are brought to attention through sector consultations such as the Dutch Association of Insurers, Health Insurers Netherlands, Dutch Banking Association and the Confederation of Netherlands Industry and Employers (VNO-NCW).
Furthermore, Achmea is a member of Eurapco, UNEP FI, the International Federation of Health Plans (IFHP), the Geneva Association and also the international (cooperative) insurance umbrella organizations AMICE, ICMIF and the CRO forum. Towards the development of European legislation. Achmea provides input on sustainable finance policies, open finance policies and Solvency II through the umbrella organizations Insurance Europe and Business Europe. The annual total monetary contributions and expenditures to trade associations in 2023 was around EUR 4 million. The three largest contributions were to the Dutch Association of Insurers, the Dutch Fund and Asset Management Association and the Geneva Association.
Achmea does not make any political contributions. This means that we do have no involvement in political gifts or donations, and that we do not make financial contributions to political parties in the Netherlands or elsewhere.
Achmea commits to being transparent on the core topics that it formulates positions on, and to ensure that public decisionmakers are – where appropriate – provided with relevant and updated information. Achmea’s positions are drafted in close collaboration with internal and external experts. When we work with external experts, we require them to comply with our Public Affairs policy. Achmea discloses the positions it takes in its engagement activities on key topics. Achmea is registered under number 349536342991-81 at the EU Transparency Register.
We organise our Public Affairs based on high ethical standards. Our political engagement and Public Affairs activities are in line with the UN Global Compact Principles, OECD guidelines and ILO. Achmea employees involved in political engagement activities are enabled and encouraged to join the Dutch professional organization for Public Affairs (BVPA).
Achmea has a dedicated Public Affairs (PA) team. Its function is to identify and assess major regulatory initiatives, upcoming policies, and societal trends, that are important to Achmea, its business and activities, and the financial sector in general. The Public Affairs team coordinates the external communication with industry associations, and other stakeholders. The Public Affairs team reports to the CEO of Achmea.