At the request of the House of Representatives, the debate on the details of the sixth Nitrates Directive action program has been postponed until after the summer recess. That action program is part of the derogation.
According to the ministry, the introduction of phosphate rights will continue as usual as of January 1. At least, then there must be a prospect of approval for the derogation. It is the second time that the debate has been moved. Previously it would have taken place in mid-May and the end of June.
No plan
There is still no clarity at all about the content of the sixth action programme. The ministry works is still working on a package of measures and is still conducting intensive consultations with the sector, nature and environmental organizations, water boards and other authorities.
On schedule
However, the ministry also announced this week that it was "still on schedule". In September, State Secretary Martijn van Dam would travel to Brussels to present the Dutch implementation of the sixth action program for 2018 to 2022.
Introduction of phosphate rights
According to the ministry, Brussels will only be able to make a final decision at the beginning of 2018 whether the Netherlands can make use of the derogation again. However, the introduction of phosphate rights as of January 1 is not in danger.
At least, as long as Brussels gives the signal that there is a prospect of approval for the derogation. That condition has already been set by the Senate.