Timmermans said upfront that he would not explain the rules to Van der Plas. That image was created for the first time. But above all the foreman of the BBB wanted to know from Timmermans where the space was. The Cabinet is bound by these rules. Van der Plas believes that nitrogen reduction is not always the only measure needed to prevent the deterioration of natural areas.
strong differences
He acknowledges that the Brussels rules require the Netherlands to prevent the deterioration of these nature reserves. But what measures to take to this end “is up to the Member States themselves”. According to Van der Plas, this differs considerably by nature reserve. According to her, therefore, the problem lies mainly in the methods that the Netherlands choose, and not in the European rules.
Van der Plas and Timmermans spoke for more than two hours in the House of Representatives building. The conversation wasn’t just about nitrogen, Van der Plas let slip. For example, it was also about the wolf, which is protected by European standards.