For decades the Netherlands enjoyed a very positive reputation in the fields of development and the environment. For many years the Netherlands considered itself to be a bright guiding light for the international community. But in recent years that light has faded to grey.

In the first years of the new millennium interest in matters abroad waned, both at a political level, and throughout society as a whole. People responded with mistrust to arguments for a multicultural society. Development cooperation appeared to lose its priority status. The extent of the budget allocated for overseas development was questioned and, for the first time in years, there was no Minister for Development Cooperation in the new government (Balkenende I, 2002). Instead, there was only the lesser post of deputy minister. In Balkenende II (2003-) the post of Minister was reinstated but the Ministry of Development Cooperation did not retain its independence, rather it has become is a kind of sub-section within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The same picture applies to the field of the environment. In the cabinets formed from 2002 onwards, the emphasis on environmental policies has shifted. A clear sign that the environment has become less important is that nowadays the portfolio is assigned to a deputy minister.

In this chapter a brief overview is given of the (inter) national policies, funding and information services as applicable to the different ministries involved with issues of development and environment.

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