News item | 26-09-2025 | 15:45
Residents of the area around the Groningen field still experience the consequences of 60 years of gas extraction every day. In 2023, the Parliamentary Committee of Inquiry of Groningen concluded that the government has had too little attention to the interests of these residents for years and has damaged their confidence. The Council of Ministers today agreed to shipping to the House of Representatives of a bill with which it undertakes to a generation -long approach to restore the consequences of gas extraction and to invest in the future of the region. In addition, with this bill, the government is establishing that there is enough money now and in the future for the handling of damage and strengthening of houses, for as long as necessary and at all costs.
State Secretary for Marum of the Interior and Kingdom Relations: “Groningen and Northern Drenthe deserve Perspective on the future. With this bill we are establishing that we are going to commit a generation of this. We are investing in young people, jobs, schools and villages. In addition, we give residents the peace and security that there is now enough money for the handling of their homes. ” ‘
A generation -long approach
Involving the honorary debt requires a long -term approach. This does not only apply to repairing damage, strengthening and making houses more sustainable. It is also about making social and economic progress possible. With this bill, the cabinet enters into a generation commitment with the inhabitants of Groningen and Northern Drenthe. This is done by establishing that the government is investing a generation singing in projects to promote broad prosperity and sustainability in Groningen and Northern Drenthe. Earlier this year, the plans for this were presented in a social and an economic agenda. In addition, this bill requires the cabinet to monitor the results of the approach for Groningen and Noord-Drenthe for the next 30 years.
In the ‘State of Groningen and Northern Drenthe’ it becomes clear every year what the effect of the damage settlement, the reinforcement operation and the insulation approach of houses is. It also becomes clear what the effect is of the measures from the social and economic agenda. The cabinet must be accountable to the House of Representatives on the results achieved every year. Future cabinets must also give this account and are therefore bound by the implementation of the generation -long approach. In this way, where necessary, the policy can be adjusted in time, now and in the future. That gives the inhabitants of Groningen and Northern Drenthe peace and security.
Actual repair of damage
The bill also records that the Institute of Mining Damage Groningen (IMG) damage can actually recover up to € 60,000 without investigating the cause of damage. Because of this measure, none – in some cases long -term – needs research into the cause of the damage. Residents can opt for their own contractor or a contractor of the IMG. In addition, actually recovery ensures the reduction of new mutual differences, because the result is equivalent to all residents, namely a recovered and safe home.
Actively informing residents
With this bill, the IMG is given more room to actively inform residents about all damage schemes. This specifically concerns residents in the earthquake area who have not yet submitted an application while they are still entitled to it.
Supervision of mining more stronger and more independent
The State Supervision of Mines (SODM) will work with a collegial administration. That means that the board of the SSM becomes stronger and more independent. This also ensures that the course of the regulator is not dependent on 1 person. In addition, an independent advice will advise, among other things, on the functioning of the members of the collegial administration. This will be laid down in the Mining Act.