The EU Commission approves €1.47B Dutch schemes to reduce nitrogen deposition in nature conservation areas

State aid: Commission approves €1.47 billion Dutch schemes to reduce nitrogen deposition on nature conservation areas* The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, two Dutch schemes with a total budget of around €1.47 billion to reduce nitrogen deposition on nature conservation areas. The measures will contribute to the EU's strategic objectives relating to the European Green Deal. The Dutch measures The Netherlands notified the Commission of its plans to adopt two schemes, called LBV and LBV plus, to compensate livestock farmers for the voluntary definitive closure of livestock husbandry sites in the overburdened Natura 2000 areas, as defined in the national legislation. The schemes, which can run until 27 February 2028, are open to small and medium-sized