Dutch ‘looking closely’ at Brussels’ climate plans, employers are positive

Photo: DutchNews.nl
Photo: DutchNews.nl

The caretaker cabinet will ‘look very closely’ at the what the European Commission’s new climate plans mean for the Dutch in practice, to establish if they are both achievable and affordable, junior environment minister Dilan Yesilgöz said in a reaction.

The package outlined by commissioner Frans Timmermans involves slashing carbon dioxide emissions by 55% in 2030 when compared with 1990, ensuring renewable sources account for 40% of energy production by 2030 and ending the manufacture of petrol-driven cars by 2035.

Yesilgöz said that all EU citizens will be required to make a contribution to the climate plans. ‘Climate change does not stop at borders,’ she said. ‘So an effective policy requires European cooperation.’

Environmental organisations have criticized the plans for not being binding on individual member states. They also say the proposed tax on kerosene does not go far enough and say farmers should have to contribute more to slashing emissions.

Dutch employers organisation VNO-NCW said the plans, which also include an expansion of the emissions trading system, may lead to a more level playing field within the EU and will also speed up the transition to a climate neutral block.

Employers also support the introduction of European import duties on iron, steel, aluminium and cement, which they say will head off unfair competition from outside Europe.

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