The Netherlands’ newly formed coalition government has raised concerns about its environmental policies after announcing the scrapping of the National Rural Area Programme (NPLG). The NPLG, introduced by the previous government, aimed to help provinces meet targets for nature restoration, water quality, and nitrogen reduction, key environmental goals in the face of rising nitrogen emissions.
The NPLG’s cancellation was spearheaded by the Farmer-Citizen Movement (BBB), part of the coalition, which now holds significant power in the realms of agriculture and housing. The move has left many questioning the government’s commitment to addressing the country’s environmental challenges. The BBB also cut the agriculture budget for nitrogen reduction from €20 billion to €5 billion and ended a €500 million annual subsidy for farmers adopting eco-friendly practices.
This decision comes as a blow to the provinces that have invested heavily in regional environmental plans. Just last August, they collectively sent a letter to parliament asking for the continuation of the NPLG or a similar initiative. The uncertainty following its cancellation has raised concerns about how the Netherlands will meet its climate and environmental targets.
While the coalition has said it intends to maintain current goals for nature and water quality, details of how these will be achieved remain unclear. The cabinet is expected to outline its alternative plan around the upcoming Budget Day on 17 September. However, there is growing unease in the provinces about the potential lack of coherent action, with regional officials urging the government to provide clarity quickly.
The decision has sparked wider debate about the direction of environmental policy in the Netherlands, especially given the right-wing leaning of the coalition government, which took 223 days to form after elections in November 2023. The coalition’s stance on climate and nature protection will likely shape the country’s environmental trajectory for years to come.