This afternoon the fifty-page coalition agreement of VVD, D66, CDA and CU was presented under the motto “Looking after each other and looking ahead to the future”. The document comes about nine months after the parliamentary elections.
–
–
The new Rutte IV government expressed the ambition that our northern neighbors want to become the frontrunner in Europe in combating global warming.
–
–
60 billion for a better climate
To achieve this, there will be a Minister of Climate and Energy. This will immediately receive a solid package: for the next ten years, the Netherlands is setting up a climate and transition fund of 35 billion euros. This money is intended, among other things, for the construction of heat, hydrogen and electricity networks. In addition, money goes to making buildings and the mobility sector more sustainable.
–
–
A further 25 billion euros will be earmarked until 2035 for tackling the nitrogen dossiers. The Netherlands must be climate neutral by 2050 at the latest. If they succeed, they will achieve the European Union’s target.
–
–
“Safe and permanent storage of nuclear waste”
In addition, the Netherlands is committed to the construction of two new nuclear power plants. The power station in Borssele on the Zuid-Beveland peninsula – the only one they have for the time being – will remain open longer. The closure was originally planned for December 31, 2033. It is not yet clear where the two new nuclear power plants will be located.
–
–
Nuclear energy is seen by the new government as an addition to the energy mix. It is the intention that the government will facilitate and financially support interested market parties. “Safe and permanent storage of nuclear waste is ensured.”
–
–
“Less dependent on gas imports”
With the construction of nuclear power stations, the Netherlands wants to be less dependent on gas imports. Nuclear energy can also supplement solar, wind and geothermal energy and can be used for the production of hydrogen.
–
–
The question is how our federal government will respond to the Dutch climate and energy plans. Our country wants to close all nuclear reactors by 2025 – and to do so will focus on new gas-fired power stations. MR chairman Georges Louis-Bouchez, among others, makes no secret of the fact that he is not available for a nuclear exit. Energy Minister Tinne Van der Straeten (Green) asks that the Vivaldi parties make a definitive decision before Christmas.
–
–
What else is in the Dutch coalition agreement?
- From minimum wages are incrementally increased by 7.5 percent
- From household expenses be relieved with 3 billion euros
- For defence An additional 3 billion euros is earmarked per year
- Development cooperation receives an additional half a billion euros per year
- In due course there will be a sugar tax
- From VAT on healthy products when fruit and vegetables die
The investments will increase the Dutch debt: the government debt will exceed the European standard of 60 percent of gross domestic product by 2025.
–
–
–
