Netherlands delays nitrogen emissions target, defying its own judges and the EU

Netherlands delays nitrogen emissions target, defying its own judges and the EU

Dutch government buys time for farmers but tests the limits of domestic courts and EU environmental law.

The Ministerial Commission on Nitrogen wants to use a ‘starter package’ of measures to get the stalled permitting process out of the doldrums, according to a draft letter to Parliament, obtained by NRC. The State Attorney fears that the measures will not hold up legally.

The nitrogen measures presented on Friday "still offer too little short-term security for nature, the economy and residents of rural areas," the Association of Dutch Municipalities (VNG) states in a response. According to the association, "a first step has been taken towards a long-term perspective, but we expect a sprint from the cabinet."