Billions in aid package to repay gas extraction debt of honour

Debt of honor

The Netherlands owes Groningen a debt of honor, according to the parliamentary inquiry committee on gas extraction in Groningen. Not only were the interests of Groningen’s residents ignored for years, but the system subsequently failed to address the consequences of gas extraction and the resulting earthquakes. The consequences for people, homes, communities, and the region have been disastrous.

Solving Groningen’s problems starts with damage repair and safety. The approach must be more lenient, simpler, and more humane. But we must also work on creating a sense of hope for the future. This is inextricably linked to investments in Groningen’s future—in people, homes, and communities; in villages and neighborhoods; and in health, employment, and children. So that current and future generations can live, work, and age healthily in Groningen.

Comprehensive package 

The comprehensive package consists of four parts that are inextricably linked:

• damage repair and reinforcement;
• quality of life and amenities;
• Groningen natural gas-free and
• investing in a new vision for Groningen.

The councils of councils the province, as well as the executive boards of the water boards in Groningen, approved the package this week.

When it comes to damage repair and reinforcement, residents must be helped without hesitation or legal barriers—regardless of the cost. This should no longer be guided by the NAM’s liability, but should focus solely on achieving a positive outcome for the residents. 

Investments are needed in the quality of life in the “ ” region: social cohesion and amenities in villages and neighborhoods, residents’ mental health, expanding opportunities for the next generation, and breaking the cycle of intergenerational poverty. Furthermore, efforts must be made to make Groningen natural gas-free by 2035.

Finally, the region wants to reach agreements with the national government on a new vision for the area. This involves sustainable energy, the future of rural areas, and healthy and happy aging. It also includes investments in innovation, education, the labor market, infrastructure, and accessibility.

Starting point

King’s Commissioner René Paas: “Shortly after the parliamentary inquiry committee presented its report, we outlined our expectations of the national government. The package we are now putting forward is a first concrete step toward fulfilling the government’s debt of honor to Groningen. It is intended to ensure that the committee’s work does not end up gathering dust on a shelf, but rather marks the beginning of real solutions for Groningen.”

Together with Groningen

With “Ereschuld: Recovery and Prospects for Groningen,” the region responds to the findings of the parliamentary inquiry. At the same time, this serves as the starting point for continuing the dialogue elected officials and residents of Groningen, as recommended in Recommendation 11 of the inquiry committee. This dialogue will therefore continue from this point forward: together with elected officials and the people of Groningen, the Groningen authorities will further develop the plans. This dialogue is structural and long-term.

The package is the result of discussions that the province, the water boards, and the councils have held councils with residents, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders. Efforts to develop an appropriate response to the problems in Groningen were already underway before the parliamentary inquiry committee presented its report, “Groningers Boven Gas.”

Want to read the full package? 'Ereschuld: Recovery and Prospects for Groningen' - provinciegroningen.nl