Greenpeace climate activists enter Tata Steel site despite emergency decree

Greenpeace climate activists entered the Tata Steel site in Velsen on Saturday despite a ban. Amid loud cheers, the activists broke through the fences. Hundreds of climate activists were present at the site. Frank Dales, the mayor of Velsen called the action life-threatening and said an emergency decree had been in effect earlier.

We are ready! Are you?
Boom, het #actiekamp staat. Je bent welkom! Ben jij al onderweg? Je vindt de exacte locatie in het telegram kanaal of https://t.co/SpThYhne1R. Zorg dat je om 19.00 uur aanwezig bent voor de briefing en een heerlijk veganistisch diner. Tot zo! #tata pic.twitter.com/pu0SEvuj7E

— Greenpeace Nederland (@GreenpeaceNL) June 23, 2023

Hundreds of activists entered the company's premises on Saturday. They hung banners on the fences of the site and shouted texts such as "We did it! We can celebrate now!" On the street, parallel to the site, people expressed their solidarity. They applauded and shouted things like "You are not alone!"

"As always, the demonstration will be peaceful and safe," a spokesperson of the climate action group explained. A day earlier, the organization had already set up an action camp near Tata Steel. Greenpeace and other action groups believe the "unsavory parts" of Tata Steel should be closed. As an example, they point to incidents of black smoke clouds releasing pollutants.

For Tata Steel however, the entry of Greenpeace activists into the site in IJmuiden is "forbidden, punishable and creates risks for themselves, Tata Steel employees, local residents, and the environment", the company said in response to the protesters' action. The company called on the activists to leave the site. The company asked the demonstrators to put safety above all else and called it irresponsible to enter the company premises, "while entering the premises is subject to strict safety regulations".

The climate action group claims that Tata Steel is one of the largest and dirtiest steel companies in Europe and poses a threat to the health of Dutch residents. With the action, Greenpeace wants to draw attention to the fact that 150,000 people "live directly under Tata Steel's toxic clouds," it says on its website. According to the organization, this has led to lung cancer being up to 50% more common in the area, and younger children being at higher risk of brain damage.

The emergency decree is in effect until Monday morning. This means that it is prohibited to bring ladders, boats, barrels, scissors, or tongs onto or near the Tata Steel site. This is because these things can be used to climb or cut through the fences. Open fires are also prohibited in the area. The police and special investigating officers (boas) may take action to enforce the emergency decree.

During the demonstration, a solidarity rally will be held on the beach. About 20 organizations have joined it. In addition, musicians will play pieces by Beethoven and Grieg, among others. For instance, cellist Pieter Wispelwey said he wants to join the demonstration to call on society to change more quickly to counter "sickening pollution and global warming." According to him, beautiful music can give a push in the right direction.

Tata Steel says it is pursuing the same goal as the action groups. The steel company also wants to reduce emissions and produce steel in an environmentally friendly way. "We won't stop until we reach our goals," CEO Hans van den Berg claimed. "We want to improve the living environment, with concrete measures and tangible results. This is not an empty slogan, because the residents, that's us too."