In a CoR plenary debate with Commissioner Sinkevičius on the European Green Deal, Mr Stelpstra, regional minister in the Province of Drenthe, used the opportunity to showcase his own province's efforts in the fight against climate change.

Drenthe in Northern Netherlands is traditionally known as an energy province and Europe's first hydrogen valley. One example of what is done in the province is the Northern Innovation Lab for Circular Economy, or NICE for short. This initiative deals with a range of circular economy issues for governments, companies, knowledge institutes and citizens. 

Mr Stelpstra described NICE’s approach as "unique in bringing together young people to find solutions to these challenges. By innovating, discovering and experimenting, it helps accelerate the transition towards a circular economy". 

NICE also works in the vocational field, turning young talent into circular professionals well-prepared for the labour market. One example of their achievements cited by ECR Member Tjisse Stelpstra is "Drenthe Circular Living", which he states was a "partnership of housing corporations and a joint exploration of the why, how, what and who of circular construction and living environment". As CoR rapporteur for the New Circular Economy Action Plan, he said he was "particular proud of this".

Tjisse Stelpstra concluded his intervention by stating that "the global challenges to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to protect biodiversity cannot be seen as independent of each other. Climate change is accelerating the loss of biodiversity, which has major implications for the entire biosphere and large carbon sinks". 

The regional minister called for "efforts from companies, academia and governments at all levels" and believes that " local initiatives and projects are the backbone of the energy transition and transition to circular economy".