European Commissioner Frans Timmermans is visiting The Hague to discuss how to solve the Dutch nitrogen problem with BBB leader Caroline van der Plas. The climate man of the European Commission wanted to explain to the big winner of the Brussels elections ‘what the European rules are’ on nitrogen. But Van der Plas doesn’t have time and she would rather see Timmermans travel to The Hague.
Even Timmermans, second in the European Commission’s ranking, is fine. Employees of the two are still discussing a good opportunity, his spokesman says after the NOS report. Perhaps there is still a little chill in the air in the mocking tone that Van der Plas thought he detected in Timmermans’ invitation.
Van der Plas “regularly said things about me through the media,” says Timmermans. “But I haven’t been able to talk to her yet.” According to him, this is important because the nitrogen problem urgently requires a solution and it is not yet clear what exactly BBB wants. According to him, Van der Plas missed a previous opportunity for MPs to consult with Timmermans.
The resistance wins
The BBB, with its opposition to government plans to spearhead nitrogen, won provincial elections earlier this month. The newcomer has become the largest in all provinces to implement the nitrogen policy, and therefore has a strong voice.
Many farmers feel cornered by the European nature conservation rules, which the Netherlands initially complied with for many years. Government plans to take them over also threaten to run into European rules. EU countries are not allowed to simply give money to their farmers and other entrepreneurs, as this is unfair to competitors from other member states.
Source: BNR
Fernando Dowling is an author and political journalist who writes for 24 News Globe. He has a deep understanding of the political landscape and a passion for analyzing the latest political trends and news.
