Administrative law

The legal relationship between government and society

Administrative law regulates the relationship between government and citizen and determines how authorities make decisions, exercise powers, and oversee compliance. The core of administrative law is established in the General Administrative Law Act (Awb). This law contains both procedural and substantive norms and forms the legal framework for a variety of topics such as permits, subsidies, enforcement, transparency in governance, privacy, and spatial planning. 

Administrative law is relevant for anyone confronted with government decisions: whether you are the initiator of a spatial project, face a permit requirement, or wish to appeal against a decision. 

Enforcement 

For many activities such as construction, land use, or operating a business, an environmental permit is required. If actions are taken without a permit or in violation of the granted permit, the government can intervene through administrative coercion or imposing a penalty payment. This can have far-reaching consequences for your business operations or property situation. 

Our specialists assist governments, companies, and individuals in enforcement issues, objection and appeal procedures, and achieving legalization. 

Transparency in governance (Woo) 

Transparency is an important principle in administrative law. The Open Government Act (Woo) regulates when administrative bodies must make information public. We advise governments on the careful handling of Woo requests and assist companies or citizens when they seek information or wish to oppose the disclosure of confidential documents. 

Special administrative law 

Specific regulations fall under special administrative law, such as: 

• Operating permits for hospitality, short stay, or retail; 
• Subsidy disputes regarding the granting, modification, or withdrawal of government contributions;
• Privacy regulations under the GDPR, including advice on data processing, data breaches, and oversight; 
• Lease disputes, where we assist both landlords and tenants, including discussions with property managers; 
• Healthcare and health law, where we advise institutions on administrative regulations, oversight (such as IGJ), medical liability, and personal injury claims. 

External safety 

For companies in high-risk sectors such as the chemical industry or the transport of hazardous materials, strict rules regarding external safety apply. Consider rules laid out in the Environmental Law (previously included in the External Safety Decision for establishments (Bevi) or the External Safety Decision for pipelines (Bevb). These rules have direct implications for permit issuance, spatial planning, and establishment options. 

We advise both governments and entrepreneurs on issues related to external safety and the legal framework within environmental law. 

If you are dealing with administrative decision-making, objection procedures, or oversight, please contact our specialists for clear, practical, and strategic advice.