Beschikking

In Dutch administrative law, a decision is a unilateral act of an administrative body, such as the granting of a permit, the imposition of a sanction or the rejection of an application. It is distinguished from a generally binding regulation in that it produces concrete legal effects for one or more individuals.

Decisions are significant because they constitute the primary instrument through which public authorities act in specific situations. An objection may ordinarily be lodged against a decision with the administrative body itself, followed by an appeal to the administrative court.

In practice, decisions commonly arise in proceedings relating to environmental permits, benefits, tax assessments and enforcement. The administrative authority’s duty to state reasons and its duty of care are of particular importance in this context.