Quinten Jacobs' book Het betonnen beleid (The Concrete Policy, 2025)
betonnen beleid (The Concrete Policy, 2025) analyses how the political system is becoming gridlocked because complex state structures, stifling regulations and international dependencies leave politicians with little room for manoeuvre to tackle real problems such as migration, the economy and energy. As a result, policy often remains stagnant and uninspired, leading to a loss of confidence in traditional parties. Jacobs explains why this is the case and argues for reforms, such as stronger regions within a more democratic, federal Europe with less restrictive regulations and more room for actual political decision-making.
Leon Dhaene, Chairman of n²water, formulates his critical considerations and responds to the author with the example of water management and the implementation of the Water Framework Directive.
