On January 22, a Dutch court handed down a decisive ruling, ordering the government to drastically reduce nitrogen emissions by 2030. This decision, aimed at combating excessive pollution, could significantly impact construction projects and place more pressure on farmers to reduce livestock numbers.
The case, initiated by Greenpeace, accused the government of failing to address dangerously high nitrogen oxide levels. These emissions, stemming from intensive farming, heavy fertilizer use, traffic, and construction, have been flagged as harmful to biodiversity and water quality in the densely populated Netherlands.
The Hague court criticized the government for falling short of European environmental regulations, stating that it had neglected its duty to protect vulnerable nature reserves. The ruling mandates that emissions in 50% of all affected reserves be cut to permissible levels by 2030, with a €10 million fine looming if the target isn’t met—though the fine alone may not be a game-changer.
Agriculture Minister Femke Wiersma expressed disappointment with the decision and hinted at a possible appeal. “We take the nitrogen problem very seriously,” she posted on X, “but we can’t ask the impossible of people and companies.”
This ruling could deepen tensions within the fragile coalition government, which includes Geert Wilders’ anti-globalist Freedom Party and a farmers’ party formed in opposition to nitrogen reduction measures.
The Netherlands has been grappling with its so-called “nitrogen problem” for years, following 2018 and 2019 rulings from the European Court of Justice and the Dutch Council of State that found the country’s policies inadequate. Attempts to address the issue, such as buying out livestock farmers, have faced fierce pushback, triggering widespread protests and halting major construction projects.
The previous government set ambitious goals in 2022, aiming to cut nitrogen pollution in some areas by as much as 70% by 2030. However, many of these policies have been rolled back by the current administration, as farmers criticized them as unfair and poorly planned.
“Measures were already largely insufficient to reach the 2030 goal, and there is no improvement in sight,” the court concluded, labeling the government’s inaction as unlawful.
This ruling underscores the growing urgency for the Netherlands to strike a balance between environmental commitments and economic realities while navigating increasingly strained political waters.
