Background information

After several summers of long dry spells, the government is taking additional measures against drought. Aims include holding water longer and better distribution of available water.

During periods of drought, it is not equally dry in every place in the Netherlands. For example, there are differences between high and low Holland. High Holland consists of the higher sandy soils in the east and south of the Netherlands. These areas quickly face water shortages, as less water can be brought here from the rivers. The western part of the Netherlands is a lower-lying area. A consequence of drought for this area, for example, is that water quality declines, for example due to salinisation.

Content of measure

The government is releasing an additional €250 million to tackle drought in the coming years. About €550 million will be added from the Delta Fund. This makes a total of about €800 million to take measures against drought. This money is for projects such as: improving the transit of the Krimpenerwaard; limiting external salinisation at the Afsluitdijk; experimenting with wet crops on wet soils; improving the soil structure of clay soils; research into cultivation of salt-tolerant crops.

The amount will go to the 2nd phase of the Delta Plan Freshwater (2022-2027). The Delta Plan Freshwater contains measures and studies regarding the availability of freshwater in the Netherlands. The national government and the freshwater regions adopt the Delta Plan. The Delta Plan also contains agreements on the financial contributions of the national and regional governments. The Delta Fund funds the implementation of measures in the main water system.

Use of measure

Not relevant.

Target groups

Workers	Businesses	Citizens
Does not apply to workers	Applies to all businesses	Applies to all citizens

Actors and funding

Actors	Funding
National government	National funds

Social partners

Social partners' role in designing the measure and form of involvement:

	Trade unions	Employers' organisations
Role	Unknown	Unknown
Form	Not applicable	Not applicable

Social partners' role in the implementation, monitoring and assessment phase:

• Unknown
• Main level of involvement: N/A

Involvement

Unknown.

Views and reactions

Unknown.

Sources

• 31 October 2023: Maatregelen bij droogte (www.rijksoverheid.nl)