Skip to main content

Cooperation rather than 
demarcation

The Ems-Dollart Treaty regulates jurisdiction in the Ems estuary – a historic event.

29.12.2014
© dpa/Ingo Wagner - Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Bert Koenders

In October 2014, Federal Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier and his Dutch counterpart Bert Koenders (left in photograph) put an end to an old conflict. They signed the Ems-Dollart Treaty, which regulates the commercial use of the waters between 
the estuary of the German River Ems and the Dutch Dollart Bay. It has been unclear which country this area belongs to ever since the 15th century. By signing the treaty, the two countries have agreed on jurisdiction – if not on the boundary line. The economic importance of the Ems estuary has steadily increased in recent years. An offshore wind farm was built there in 2012, which now has a secure basis under international law.

www.auswaertiges-amt.de