Every year, representatives of the DSGC and the Dutch Cabinet discuss how they can best work together to move toward a climate neutral, circular and inclusive Netherlands. This year, the meeting took place at the Catshuis.

The Cabinet is represented by six cabinet members led by Prime Minister Rutte. From the DSGC, nine senior executives and the chairman of VNO-NCW are participating, led by DSGC chairman Jan Peter Balkenende. 

Jan Peter Balkenende emphasizes that effective public-private partnerships are becoming more important as societal challenges and inequality increase. The meetings with experts from ministries, DSGC companies and knowledge institutions led to valuable knowledge exchange. These so-called Deep Dives were first organized by the DSGC in 2022 following a previous consultation with the Cabinet. This cooperation will continue throughout 2024, with a focus on circular economy and the implementation of the CSRD (Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive).

Climate
Three themes are discussed in more detail, all introduced by DSGC CEOs. Within the first theme 'Climate', the Cabinet recognizes that Scope-3 emission reduction is a major challenge for business and accompanying government policies must have long-term vision, also in line with European regulations. The Cabinet invites the DSGC to contribute to the 'Joint Solution-Finding Program' to be launched by the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management in spring 2024.

Circular
The ministers recognize that CO2 emission reduction must come largely from circular solutions. In addition, the Cabinet states that the circular economy is an opportunity for the future earning capacity of the Netherlands. It therefore wants to strive to embed circularity in all policy areas. The importance of a level playing field is also beyond dispute. The government is committed to harmonizing circularity standards and regulations at the European level. In the meantime, we have organized two Deep Dives on the circular economy, which have provided valuable input for the tightening and implementation of The National Program for the Circular Economy (NPCE).

Broad Prosperity
The DSGC and the government agree that the transitions the Netherlands must go through to achieve 'Broad Prosperity' need a clear governance structure, possibly through the IMVO covenants. In this way, sectors can be efficiently, centrally managed and supported. 
Businesses in the broad sense, and specifically SMEs, are not ready yet for important European reporting obligations (CSRD), which will (partly) take effect as early as 2024. To ensure the competitive position of Dutch companies, they need to be informed and supported. This is best organized centrally and sectorally.

New Cabinet
Cooperation between the DSGC and ministries will be included in the transfer iles for the new ministers.