Dutch cabinet omits firm fossil fuel phase-out date; experts criticize 2050 'minimization' goal

The Netherlands' latest cabinet plan targets 'minimization' of oil and gas by 2050 but lacks a definitive phase-out date, drawing criticism from climate experts. The ambiguity leaves the country's decarbonization trajectory uncertain and may signal weaker near-term policy commitment. This matters as the Netherlands is a major European gas hub, and policy drift could affect regional energy transition momentum.