Dutch government seeks solutions for nitrogen crisis

The Dutch cabinet, led by Prime Minister Schoof, is actively seeking solutions to prevent the country from halting construction projects due to the nitrogen crisis. This crisis could impact infrastructure projects like roads and Schiphol Airport and hinder military training site development.

Prime Minister Schoof has initiated a ministerial committee dedicated to addressing nitrogen issues, reflecting growing concerns within the cabinet about the current approach. Key ministers, including those of Agriculture (Wiersma), Housing and Spatial Planning (Keijzer), and Infrastructure and Water Management (Madlener), are tasked with finding alternative solutions beyond those proposed by BBB Minister Wiersma.

Since the State Council’s ruling in May 2019, which deemed excessive nitrogen emissions harmful to vulnerable natural areas, Dutch farmers and businesses have faced restrictions on expansion without proper permits. The cabinet faces a complex challenge, compounded by societal resistance to measures such as livestock reduction and slower driving.

Recent State Council decisions have further intensified the situation by rejecting ‘internal balancing’ methods that allowed construction without appropriate permits. This ruling, retroactively applied, has raised concerns about the legality of past constructions.

Prime Minister Schoof reassures residents that demolitions are unlikely, a stance supported by Minister Keijzer. Nonetheless, the Prime Minister acknowledges the emergence of new challenges and has taken charge, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.

Minister Madlener also expresses concerns about additional complications arising from the State Council’s ruling, particularly regarding potential impacts on Schiphol. The cabinet is exploring all options to prevent the country from stalling, though a resolution is not expected immediately.

Source: NOS

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