Together with several other northern European countries, the Netherlands is seen as one of the leaders in innovative environmental policy. Unfortunately, the actual policy results do not always justify this reputation. Recent signs suggest however that the Netherlands is beginning to practise what it preaches. One notable development is the incorporation of the findings of the report “Our Common Future” into a National Environmental Policy Plan. Another is the renewal of relationships between environmental authorities and their target groups, resulting in the establishment of covenants and other voluntary agreements. This renewal has also been a source of inspiration for the fifth environmental action programme of the EU.