50 handtekeningen verzameld
Aan: The Maastricht University Executive Board
Maastricht University must go fossil-free
Maastricht University (UM) currently conducts its banking with ING, the largest financier of the fossil fuel industry among Dutch banks. This stands in contrast to the urgent scientific consensus on climate action. We urge the UM to publicly denounce ING’s fossil financing and demand a time-bound end to funding fossil expansion.
Waarom is het belangrijk?
Despite the International Energy Agency (IEA) calling for an immediate halt to investment in new oil, coal and gas extraction as early as 2021, ING has invested an average of 9 billion euros annually in the fossil fuel industry, according to research by BankTrack. Follow The Money revealed in 2024 that ING helped fossil fuel companies raise more than 80 billion euros through fossil fuel bonds during the same period.
Organizations and civil society groups across the country are speaking out against ING's fossil fuel policy. The voice of Maastricht University can carry significant weight in this societal discussion.
Maastricht University has committed itself to sustainability as a core value, embedded in its education, research, operations, and societal engagement. UM has previously demonstrated leadership by speaking out against fossil fuel investments by Stichting Pensioenfonds ABP and joining the Fossielvrij ABP campaign calling for divestment. The university has also strengthened its policies on research partnerships, excluding organisations that oppose the transition to a fossil-free society.
What we urge the UM Executive Board to do
In light of these commitments, it is difficult to justify maintaining a banking relationship with a financial institution that continues to support fossil fuel expansion. By aligning its financial partnerships with its values, Maastricht University can demonstrate real leadership and contribute meaningfully to a just and fossil-free future.
We therefore urge Maastricht University to:
What we urge the UM Executive Board to do
In light of these commitments, it is difficult to justify maintaining a banking relationship with a financial institution that continues to support fossil fuel expansion. By aligning its financial partnerships with its values, Maastricht University can demonstrate real leadership and contribute meaningfully to a just and fossil-free future.
We therefore urge Maastricht University to:
- Publicly state that ING’s fossil fuel financing is not aligned with UM’s sustainability ambitions.
- Engage directly with ING to demand a clear, time-bound commitment to end financing of fossil fuel expansion.
- Set clear ethical and sustainability criteria for its banking partners and commit to transitioning to an alternative banking partner if ING does not meet these criteria
- Mobilize other universities to advocate for fossil-free banking
- Involve students and staff in discussions and decision-making regarding UM’s financial partnerships and sustainability commitments.
What can you do?
- Sign the petition
- Share the petition & campaign on your socials
This petition is supported by
Nicky van Dijk, campaign lead Milieudefensie - Friends of the Earth Netherlands
Prof dr Harro van Lente, Full Professor of Science and Technology Studies, Maastricht University
Prof dr T.E. Swierstra, Full Professor of Philosophy, Maastricht University
Prof dr. Pim Martens, Full Professor of Planetary Health, Maastricht University