Reports from environmental agencies or government assessments

Dutch Court Orders Government to Cut Nitrogen Emissions by 2030 or Face €10 Million Fine

Jan 22, 2025, 10:40 AM

A court in The Hague has ruled that the Dutch government must significantly reduce nitrogen emissions by 2030 or face a €10 million fine, upholding Greenpeace's lawsuit against the state. The court found that the government acted unlawfully by not prioritizing nitrogen reduction efforts to protect vulnerable natural areas. The state is required to ensure that by December 31, 2030, at least half of the nitrogen-sensitive nature areas receive no more nitrogen than the ecosystems can handle, as mandated by law. Farmers' organizations have called for changes to the law, arguing that the ruling has a huge impact on farmers, horticulturists, and the entire Dutch economy, according to LTO Nederland chairman Ger Koopmans. The decision puts pressure on the government to implement strict measures, likely affecting the agricultural sector, including potential reductions in livestock numbers, with D66 suggesting halving the livestock population. This ruling may strain coalition relations and reignites a decade-long political debate over nitrogen policies.