Compensation Fund for Groningen and Drenthe Announced

Groningen and North Drenthe will receive €100 million annually for education, healthcare, and welfare over the next 30 years, totaling €3.5 billion. This initiative compensates for over 60 years of gas extraction damage, described as a “debt of honor” by the parliamentary inquiry on Groningen gas extraction.

The plans are set to be unveiled today. Inquiry Chair Tom van der Lee emphasized the moral obligation to remedy the damage.

Discussions with local residents aim to raise the region to national standards in quality of life and opportunities. Concrete plans include extra school hours and financial guidance.

Social workers will be funded to support communities, and investments will be made in local language preservation. Youth organization Jong Noord supports the focus on mental health but warns against misallocation of funds by municipalities.

Source: NOS

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