NMA staff ask president for clarity on Supervisory Board and governance

The employees are requesting, among other things, clarity on the legal status and composition of the Raad van Toezicht (RvT, Supervisory Board) and are urging measures to put governance within the NMA in order.

The staff members, who wish to remain anonymous because of their positions, point out that they previously approached the government regarding the same issue. According to the open letter, a letter was already addressed to Vice President Gregory Rusland on February 18, 2026.

It reportedly drew attention to the legality of the NMA’s administrative structure, the position and appointment of management, the absence of an adopted management regulation and, in particular, the absence of a legally functioning Raad van Toezicht.
In the new letter to President Simons, the employees state that they still seek clarity on these matters. They therefore ask the head of state to provide clarity on the current legal status and composition of the RvT.

They also request measures if it appears that the current governance structure of the environmental authority is not fully in accordance with the Milieu Raamwet (Environmental Framework Act). A request is also made to establish and implement, in the short term, the required governing structures, including a Raad van Toezicht functioning in accordance with the law and the related internal regulations.

The Milieu Raamwet provides for a Raad van Toezicht at the NMA. This board has, among other things, a supervisory role over the financial management and administration of the authority. The law also stipulates that members are appointed by the president following approval by the Raad van Ministers (Council of Ministers).
Concerns about leadership and working climate

In the open letter, the staff members also address the leadership of the organisation. They point to the eligibility requirements for the position of director as set out in the Milieu Raamwet and call for attention to the expertise within the authority’s leadership.

According to the letter, there are also complaints about the way leadership is exercised within the NMA. Employees reportedly feel confronted by what they describe as aggressive and intimidating behaviour. According to them, this has a negative impact on the working atmosphere, cooperation and the professional functioning of the organisation.

The authors therefore ask President Simons to have the performance and leadership approach of management independently assessed. If such an assessment shows that measures are necessary, intervention should take place, they say, to protect employees and ensure sound and professional operations.

The allegations regarding the working climate and leadership approach come from the anonymous employees. The open letter does not substantiate them with separate investigation findings. Key News and Tra Fas De currently do not have a response from the NMA management to these allegations.

The employees stress that, in their view, their call does not stem from personal interests. They state that an independent and expert environmental authority can function effectively only when the organisation’s administrative, legal and financial foundations are properly arranged.

They therefore appeal to President Simons to have the matter investigated and to take measures where necessary. The employees conclude their letter with the expectation that the head of state, given the importance of lawful and transparent environmental governance, will give attention to the matter.

Download the letters here:  NMA_briefwisseling_president_vicepresident_2026