The Council of State has confirmed that the environmental organisation Dryade is entitled to a start-up subsidy of 180,000 euros, spread over three years. This was granted in June 2023 by the Department of Environment, but subsequently denied by the then Minister for Environment Zuhal Demir.
Unjustly, according to the Council of State in a recent ruling. Demir was not authorised to withdraw the subsidies, which means the original allocation of funds is 'revived'.
When asked for a response in the press, Minister Brouns indicated that he would still refuse to pay out the subsidy.
“We cannot believe that a ruling from the Council of State can simply be ignored,” says Dries Verhaeghe, director of Dryade. “Respect for judicial rulings is the foundation of the rule of law.”
Dryade is an environmental organisation that uses the power of law to protect nature, the environment, and the climate, and is currently operating with donations from supporters. One consequence of the ruling from the Council of State is that Dryade can now offer tax deductions for donations, an important step for the future of the organisation.
Read the ruling of the Council of State.