The Environment

The Directorate General for the Environment is responsible for national environmental policy directed to contributing to sustainable economic development and to the health and safety of people by maintaining and improving the quality of the environment.

One of the key responsibilities of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Environment is preparing and coordinating national policy and strategies on the environment. This responsibility includes ensuring the implementation of EU legislation in national regulations.

In carrying out these tasks and responsibilities, the Ministry works closely with other ministries, provincial and municipal authorities, the private sector, research organisations, and the general public. This is in line with the long tradition in the Netherlands of consultation and cooperation between government bodies, citizens and civil society organisations. Consensus is a vital element in the political culture of decision-making. 

White Papers
In addition to proposals to Parliament for national legislation, the Ministry prepares White Papers which provide guidelines for the preparation of national legislation and regulations. These documents set out agreed approaches to the complex and interrelated issues on the environment. 

The White Papers provide the framework for municipal and local authorities to formulate policy and regulations within their own jurisdictions. 

The Netherlands pursues a successful environmental policy that is resulting in cleaner rivers, reduction in carbon emissions, reduction in waste steams, and cleanup of contaminated soil. There are still more challenges such as air quality, climate change, and the depletion of natural resources and biodiversity. The Ministry is committed to sustainable management of the environment within the Netherlands and in the wider EU and global context.

Roles and responsibilities of the ministry
Roles and responsibilities other authorities
International policy priorities