Dutch climate deal will boost government support

Subject

New Netherlands climate deal.

Significance

The Dutch government passed a substantial climate deal on June 28 after lengthy negotiations and public controversy regarding costs and the potential impact on daily life. The deal is a win for the government after a difficult start to the year, but concessions to the opposition will be needed to pass the required legislation through the senate, where it does not have a majority.

Impacts

• The Netherlands may seek to coordinate the introduction of a road user tax with other EU members, such as neighbouring Belgium and Germany.
• The increase of daily air traffic at Schiphol Airport, currently under consideration, must be compensated for by CO2 savings in other areas.
• The government is unlikely to draw up plans for new nuclear energy plants as these would require renegotiation of the climate deal.