Groningen on hind legs about postponement of gas decision, but: ‘The Netherlands is vulnerable’

Residents and local parties in Groningen are furious about the decision of the Senate to postpone the decision on the law on the gas decision. BBB and PVV, among others, have announced that they first want to investigate whether there are enough alternatives before the gas tap is finally closed. They cite, among other things, the war in Ukraine as an argument for this.

The VVD, JA21 and 50Plus factions in the Senate also want more information about the security of gas supply before they decide on permanently turning off the gas tap. The law that regulates this would be discussed in the Senate next week. That is now postponed. In March, the House of Representatives approved the plan to close the Groningen field permanently with 146 out of 150 votes.

Are you already receiving our newsletter? Register here now for free!

File letter

Outgoing State Secretary Hans Vijlbrief reacted with surprise and disappointment on Tuesday. He will answer senators’ questions about security of supply “as quickly as possible” and hopes that the Senate will meet later in April to discuss the final closure of the gas tap.

Text continues below the X.

‘The world is shaking’

Mart de Kruif, a retired general, understands both sides. But, he says: “The whole world is shaking. I understand that as the Senate you first want to investigate what the possibilities are,” said De Kruif in Good Morning Netherlands on NPO 1, referring to the tensions on the world stage. “We are extremely vulnerable in the Netherlands. We are just a small country.”

Also read: