Displaying items by tag: court decision

A Dutch court has ruled that prime minister Dick Schoof’s government must intensify efforts to reduce nitrogen pollution in protected areas, marking a legal victory for Greenpeace. Half of the country’s vulnerable habitats must meet nitrogen thresholds by 2030, with noncompliance incurring a €10 million penalty. Schoof’s administration, elected in 2024, shifted away from its predecessor’s €24.3 billion sustainability fund, favouring technological and voluntary measures instead. However, the court called for tangible financial and regulatory actions to address emissions from agriculture, industry, and transport. Greenpeace celebrated the verdict but emphasised the need for immediate action. The verdict reverberates with other countries facing similar legal challenges - seen now as a key tool to compel governments to environmental action - for the same reasons; it will also risk further protests from Dutch farmers who are concerned about anticipated herd reductions and new farm standards. The Schoof administration may appeal the decision, balancing stricter measures with potential rural unrest and EU compliance demands.

Javier Milei, Argentina's new president, encountered a setback on 3 January when a court suspended labour rule changes he introduced in December. The decision came in response to a legal challenge from the largest labour union, which argued that the changes infringed workers' rights. Milei's decree included extending job probation from three to eight months, reducing severance compensation, and allowing the possibility of dismissal for workers participating in blockades. The court ruled that the administration had overstepped its authority in implementing these changes by emergency decree, bypassing the legislature. Since taking office in December, Milei has devalued the country’s currency by 50%, cut transport and energy subsidies, and promised to downsize the state workforce - all measures aimed at addressing poverty and high inflation.