Our first win in the Climate Case against ING!

The Amsterdam district court ruled that Milieudefensie is admissible in our Climate Case against ING. In plain language: (as expected) we are allowed to proceed with this legal action. This is a significant milestone and our first victory!

The first major step

The judge has now officially ruled that we may proceed with our case to hold the largest and most polluting bank in the Netherlands accountable for its role in the climate crisis. Without this ruling, the judge would not even have considered the substance of the case. With this first important milestone reached, we can now move on to the hearings.

Good news, but no surprise

Of course we are happy! But surprised? Not really. After all, we have met all the requirements for bringing cases like this for years. We knew that. And, in fact, ING knew it too.

Nevertheless, ING tried to prevent the lawsuit by arguing that it would make no difference if ING would make better climate policies. According to ING, another bank would simply continue to support polluting companies even if ING did not anymore, meaning that Dutch citizens would not benefit from Milieudefensie’s demands. The court has rejected this argument and has now confirmed that it will proceed to substantive hearings to determine ING's role and responsibility in the climate crisis. 

Today, the court ruled that ING’s reasoning was unconvincing. Milieudefensie is free to proceed with this case. It shows how major polluters like ING operate and do everything in their power to evade their own responsibility. Whilst the climate crisis worsens, ING chooses to distract and duck the issue.

We will not go along with that. And, thankfully, neither will the judge!

Now we are really getting started

This win is just the beginning. The next big step is the court hearings, which are expected to take place in spring 2027. Then the judge will examine the crux of the case: ING’s role in the climate crisis.

To be continued!

Wondering what you can do?

Taking a case to court costs a lot of money. Do you want to support us? Every little bit helps, no matter how small or large.

_{Photo by Edo Landwehr: delivering the summons to ING}