Investigation into Schiphol’s nature permit reopened after Council of State rulings

The court in The Hague has reopened the investigation into Schiphol's nature permit. The reason for this is the rulings of the Council of State earlier this month on the shifting of nitrogen space, the so-called netting. The judge now wants to know what these rulings mean for the ongoing procedures concerning Schiphol's nature permit.

The judge is particularly curious about the consequences of the rulings for internal balancing. In this case, the emissions of a new project are offset against emissions that were already present at the same location. This form of balancing is still permitted, but must now meet more conditions.

The substantive hearing of the case concerning Schiphol's nature permit, initiated by environmental organizations, among others, took place on November 19. They claim that the airport was wrongly granted the permit. The judge was supposed to give his verdict early next year, but because the investigation has been reopened, it is unknown when the verdict is expected now. The parties have until January 28 to respond, after which a decision will follow on the continuation of the case.