New coalition focused on here-and-now, not on future or rest of the world: PBL

The mainlines agreement of the new coalition focuses on the “here and now” and less on the future or the rest of the world, the Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency (PBL) said in a reflection on the agreement concluded by the PVV, VVD, NSC, and BBB.

The PBL pointed out that major tasks “cannot be achieved within one Cabinet period.” There are also European agreements that require the Cabinet “to take significant steps to achieve these longer-term goals.”

The planning agency has formulated several recommendations for the coalition on three themes: climate and energy, housing and accessibility, and agriculture and nature.

With regard to climate, for example, the planning agency fears that the coalition does not have enough time to achieve the greenhouse gas target for 2030. “It is wise to prepare alternative policies now that can bring the goals within reach,” the PBL said.

The planning agency also asked for attention to the quality of the living environment in addition to the number of homes to be built. “Consider incorporating greenery into the city that can have many benefits for residents, climate, and biodiversity.” As far as increasing the speed limit on the highways is concerned, that must depend on whether nature permits can be issued for this.

Regarding the coalition’s agricultural aspirations, the PBL warns that wanting to adjust European rules is “a route without guarantees.” The government is dependent on Europe and the European Commission for this. And Europe has little patience left for the Netherlands wanting laxer agricultural rules, outgoing Agriculture Minister Piet Adema previously told parliament in a debate on the manure issue.

The new Cabinet also wants the quality of nature to become leading. Then money must be allocated to be able to measure this properly, the PBL said. On the theme of agriculture and nature, too, the PBL warned about longer term funding.