Dry summer seems to be forgotten already: hundreds of millions for measures scrapped

The drought last summer caused billions in damages across various sectors, including agriculture and industry. The Dutch Court of Audit reported that farmers faced reduced yields, while wildlife suffered losses. Minister Vincent Karremans acknowledged the increasing damage from drought but recently withdrew nearly 300 million euros from the Delta Program for Freshwater, originally intended for future water supply measures. This decision has drawn criticism for insufficient action against drought impacts. Delays in previous program phases and funding cuts raise concerns about future water management. Experts emphasize the need for increased investment in climate adaptation and water safety.