Stibbe assists the Vereniging Gelijkberechtiging Grondbezitters in reaching a settlement regarding state aid for nature managers
Stibbe successfully represented the Vereniging Gelijkberechtiging Grondbezitters (VGG) in a long-running dispute concerning government subsidies for land purchases by Natuurmonumenten and the twelve Provincial Landscapes. At an earlier stage of the case, a complaint was filed with the European Commission. Subsequently, Stibbe represented the VGG in proceedings before the Court of Justice of the European Union.
Following years of legal proceedings and negotiations, a settlement was recently reached. Under its terms, Natuurmonumenten and the twelve Provincial Landscapes will jointly contribute 80 million euros to a fund set up by the VGG. This fund aims to promote private nature management in the Netherlands by providing financial support for land purchases, nature management, and restoration projects. The settlement was covered by Trouw, among others.
This settlement is an important step towards strengthening the position of private landowners in the Netherlands, thereby contributing to broader support for sustainable nature management. Stibbe continues to assist the VGG with follow-up processes and looks forward to further developments in this area.
