This is part of the regular government consultation between North Rhine-Westphalia and the Netherlands. The two countries are important economic partners for each other and face similar challenges, not least due to climate change and global crises.
“The Netherlands and North Rhine-Westphalia are economically and culturally closely and amicably connected, forming a strong region in the heart of Europe,” said State Minister Silke Gorißen during the signing ceremony in Düsseldorf.
Through the exchange of information and experiences, joint projects, and events, the provinces and the state intend to address cross-border issues of common interest. In agriculture, for example, the exchange of experiences regarding the European Common Agricultural Policy or the use of agricultural inputs should be intensified.
A positive example of this, mentioned in an NRW press release, is the existing cooperation concerning manure transport, which is to be expanded through a central data exchange. Protection of herds against wolves is also addressed.
Another focus will be animal welfare, animal diseases, and animal health. The plan is to intensify the existing cross-border exchange of expertise. Regarding animal diseases, the competent authorities already meet regularly, and this will continue on a regular basis.