Walid Battal
In the Netherlands, the government’s recent environmental policies have caused an outcry among farmers. The latter are now forced to reduce the use of fertilizers, limit the number of cattle and suffer several drastic measures that they consider unfair. The European Union has set targets to be achieved in terms of reducing greenhouse gases, for this reason, the committee considers it normal to impose these measures on farmers and encourages them to adapt. However, several farms are now threatened with closure. As a result of the new regulations, many farmers have seen their livelihoods put at risk. The restrictions put in place have also prompted farmers to point the finger at the government. The latter accuse it of putting pressure on the agricultural sector, while other much more polluting industries in the country are spared.
This conflict has highlighted certain flaws in the country’s choices regarding the environmental impact of the industrial sector. As a result of road blockades and strikes, supply chains have been disrupted, delaying the implementation of emission reduction measures. Other repercussions of these protests include increased political tensions in the country and the rise of populist movements. Indeed, the protests have fuelled the rise of populist movements, exploiting the anger of farmers criticising government and EU policies.