The Netherlands is preparing for elections on October 29, and while climate and the environment were once top priorities, they now play a less prominent role. Despite ongoing nitrogen pollution issues, warnings about missed emissions targets, and international legal concerns, the environment is not a central theme in the current campaign. Here’s a breakdown of the major parties’ positions on these critical issues.
GroenLinks-PvdA, along with ChristenUnie, D66, and Volt, advocate for the most significant reduction in nitrogen emissions. Frans Timmermans’ party aims to lower energy bills through home insulation initiatives. They support expanding solar and wind energy to reduce reliance on oil exports from authoritarian regimes and oppose nuclear power. Their manifesto includes phasing out fossil fuel subsidies and mandating electric car sales from 2030.
Liberal democratic party D66 aims to put the country back on track to reach its climate targets, with the aim of being a “pollution-free country by 2050.” The programme calls for a mix of energy sources and for investment in offshore wind and to install more solar panels, particularly in underutilised areas like industrial estates. The party remains “open to nuclear energy.” D66 wants to offer loans for people to switch to electric cars and improve insulation.
The CDA emphasizes local solutions, advocating for councils to create their own transition plans. They support nuclear power and aim to simplify the subsidies process to encourage better insulation and heat pump adoption. The CDA seeks to reduce nitrogen emissions without disrupting other operations, especially housing construction.
The far-right JA21 party proposes a “major national nuclear energy offensive” as a solution to both energy and grid congestion issues. They oppose wind turbines, advocate for reopening the Groningen gas field, and want to eliminate measures they view as hindering drivers, such as fuel and road taxes, and speed limits.
The far-right PVV aims to withdraw from the Paris Climate Agreement, repeal the 2019 Climate Act, and disband the National Citizens’ Council on Climate. They oppose spending on climate policy, favoring lower energy bills through increased gas and oil extraction in the North Sea and halting wind farm and solar park construction, while supporting nuclear reactors.
The VVD calls for reducing reliance on oil from Russia and other authoritarian countries. They support increasing green energy production, North Sea gas extraction, and nuclear power. The VVD’s manifesto lacks specifics but supports fiscally attractive, non-mandatory incentives for heat pumps, insulation, and electric cars. They also back the expansion of Schiphol airport and the opening of Lelystad airport, alongside a reduction in airline passenger taxes.