Billions in aid package to repay honorary debt for gas extraction

Debt of honor

The Netherlands owes Groningen a debt of honor, according to the parliamentary inquiry committee into gas extraction in Groningen. Not only were the interests of the residents of Groningen ignored for years, but the system then failed to resolve the consequences of gas extraction and earthquakes. The consequences for people, homes, communities, and the region are disastrous.

Solving the problems in Groningen starts with damage repair and safety. It must be milder, easier, and more humane. But we also need to work on perspective. This is inextricably linked to investments in the future of Groningen. In people, homes, and communities, in villages and neighborhoods, and in health, work, 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;
• livability and amenities;
• Groningen natural gas-free and
• investing in a new perspective for Groningen.

The municipal and provincial councils and the executive committees of the water boards in Groningen adopted the package this week.

When it comes to damage repair and reinforcement, residents must be helped without hesitation and legal barriers, whatever the cost. No longer according to the NAM's liability policy, but with the sole aim of achieving a good result for the resident. 

Investments are needed in the liveability of the region: social cohesion and facilities in villages and neighbourhoods, the mental health of residents, increasing opportunities for the next generation and breaking the cycle of intergenerational poverty. Furthermore, work must be done to make Groningen natural gas-free by 2035.

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

Starting point

King's Commissioner René Paas: 'Shortly after the presentation of the parliamentary inquiry committee, we outlined what we expect from the government. The package we are now putting on the table is a first concrete step toward fulfilling the debt of honor to Groningen. It must ensure that the committee's work does not end up in a drawer, but is the beginning of real solutions for Groningen.'

Together with Groningen

With 'Debt of honor: recovery and perspective for Groningen', the region responds to the outcome of the parliamentary inquiry. At the same time, this is the starting point for further dialogue with representatives of the people and residents of Groningen, as recommended in recommendation 11 of the inquiry committee. This dialogue will therefore continue from now on: together with representatives of the people and the residents of Groningen, the Groningen authorities will further flesh out the plans. This dialogue will be structural and long-term.

The package is the result of discussions held recently by the province, water boards, and municipalities with residents, social organizations, and other parties. Consideration of an appropriate response to the problems in Groningen was already underway before the parliamentary inquiry committee presented its report, "Groningers Boven Gas" (Groningers Above Gas).

Want to read the complete package? 'Debt of honor: recovery and perspective for Groningen' - provinciegroningen.nl