Volt puts climate at top of draft election program, pushes universal basic income
Volt has placed climate action at the top of its draft election program, while also proposing a universal basic income and calling for the immediate closure of Tata Steel in IJmuiden, with the site to be redeveloped into a “Tata city” of sustainable businesses and housing, NOS reports. The party also advocates creating a European army.
The program, titled “Do Something New,” was presented Tuesday and lays out what the party calls “radically progressive” and “unorthodox” ideas.
Volt wants the Netherlands to become climate neutral by 2040. The party cited recent floods, wildfires, droughts, and extreme heat as evidence that “what once seemed far away is now daily reality.” According to Volt, “the heat broke all records this summer,” and it is troubling that “we have started to find normal what is not normal.”
Alongside climate action, Volt continues to push for a universal basic income for all citizens. The party says these two proposals form the foundation of its approach to social and environmental policy.
Volt calls for a complete phaseout of fossil fuels and investment in renewable energy and nuclear power. It envisions a European energy union, with joint hydrogen procurement and coordinated nuclear projects.
The party also proposes European initiatives to plant more trees and measures to encourage sustainable consumption, partly financed by levies on major polluters.
One of the program’s most radical proposals is the closure of Tata Steel in IJmuiden “as soon as possible.” Volt says the site should be redeveloped for sustainable industries and residential neighborhoods, suggesting the creation of a “Tata city” to help address the housing shortage.
Volt wants to ban short-haul flights powered by fossil fuels and expand the European high-speed rail network to better connect cities. It also proposes abolishing the minimum youth wage, creating a national debt plan, and increasing funding for education.
The party emphasizes youth mental health, increased investment in arts and culture, and the digitization of all government services, citing Estonia as a model. Volt opposes referendums that can block legislation but calls for a permanent citizens’ council to involve residents in policymaking.
It also proposes expanding the Tweede Kamer from 150 to 250 members, arguing that a larger legislature would strengthen lawmaking.
While European unification is less central than in past campaigns, Volt still seeks EU-level solutions. The party envisions Europe building a “Silicon Europe” through a European venture capital fund for sustainable innovation rather than trying to replicate Silicon Valley.
Volt now proposes a full European army of at least 250,000 troops by 2030, expanding on its 2023 plan that called only for joint defense procurement and a European rapid response force. The army would operate as a pillar within NATO, under democratic oversight from the European Parliament, and be led by a responsible EU commissioner.
Volt, part of a pan-European political movement active in more than 30 countries, has held two seats in the Tweede Kamer since the 2021 election. On August 30, the party will hold its congress to finalize the election program and candidate list.
