Dutch groups join Europe-wide push to end treaties that let companies sue governments - SOMO, 15 October 2026
Imagine your government shuts down a harmful gas field to protect thousands of people. The fossil fuel company that operated the field then sues your government, claiming billions in compensation for lost profits, which it pays for with your taxpayer money. It may sound surreal, but such cases are possible under investment treaties signed decades ago. The Netherlands is a major facilitator of this system, with more than 70 investment treaties signed with countries all over the world. Today, SOMO, together with other Dutch organisations, is asking the European Commission to take action against the Netherlands and its outdated investment treaties.
