The sector agreement is an agreement between the national government and the oil and gas sector. Producers are guaranteed by the government that, after legal procedures, they may extract gas from existing and new gas fields in Fryslân for the next two decades. Municipalities, water boards, and provinces have no formal influence on its content, while the local consequences of gas extraction are often permanent and must be compensated afterward. On January 16, 2026, Minister Hermans of Climate and Green Growth informed the House of Representatives about the content of the sector agreement.
Deputy Friso Douwstra of the province of Fryslân: “Let us state upfront that Fryslân would prefer an end to mining activities rather than new ones starting. It is good that there is a sector agreement. There are also positive points. For example, there is more attention to safety, involving the environment, and local governments gain more insight into expected mining projects. But the current profit-sharing proposal is insufficient and disproportionate to the impact of mining activities on the living environment. A fair profit-sharing is essential to ensure regions bearing the burdens also actually benefit from the revenues. For that reason, Fryslân finds it reasonable that one-third of the gas revenues flow back to the region.”
Remco van Maurik, daily board member of Wetterskip Fryslân: “We know that gas extraction in the peat meadow area irreparably damages the water and soil system. The ministry wants to further investigate the effects of gas extraction under the peat meadow area. We urge the minister to observe the so-called precautionary principle and first await the results of this research before new permits for gas extraction are granted. Another sequence is irresponsible. Gas extraction is also undesirable in the northern clay layer of Fryslân due to salinization and the already existing influences of historical gas extraction in the Groningen gas field.”
Call to members of parliament to ask questions and/or submit motions
On January 29, 2026, the House of Representatives will discuss the sector agreement. Because local governments themselves cannot exercise direct influence, hope is placed on the members of the House of Representatives. The Frisian Mining Table calls on them to ask questions and submit motions to also represent the interests of Fryslân (and those of other lower governments in the Netherlands).