Parliament calls for swift end to CO₂ tax on industry

The Dutch House of Representatives wants to abolish the national CO₂ tax on industry. According to a motion that has been adopted, the measure creates an uneven playing field across Europe and lacks the necessary conditions for companies to make meaningful progress on sustainability.

Additional charge on top of EU policy

The motion, submitted by Inge van Dijk (CDA), Bontenbal (CDA), Flach (VVD), and Vermeer (NSC), argues that the CO₂ tax is an added national layer on top of existing European climate policy. By 2035, Dutch industry is expected to pay around €75 more per tonne of CO₂ than companies in other European countries. Parliament had already expressed its opposition to such additional national measures beyond European rules.

No extra reduction, just extra costs

According to the motion’s authors, the tax does not lead to additional CO₂ reductions at the European level. It does, however, increase costs for Dutch industry. The motion also points out that it remains uncertain whether key projects intended to support industrial sustainability — such as the CCS project Aramis — will actually be completed. As a result, companies have little room to avoid the extra tax, even if they are willing to invest in reduction measures.

Uneven playing field puts industry at risk

Parliament states that making the playing field “a little less uneven” is necessary to keep Dutch industry in good health. The motion therefore calls on the government to abolish the CO₂ tax on industry as soon as possible.