This means that the maximum capacity of the facility remains 2,000 and COA has to pay penalties fees if this limit is unexpectedly exceeded. The court expressed its appreciation for COA's efforts and acknowledged the difficult choices the organisation had to make.
Still, the court concluded that the number of applicants must remain under 2,000, while COA may increase the capacity at other locations.
However, COA noted that it would like to be a reliable partner for all municipalities, and changes in other locations may undermine this. In addition, other locations do not have to deal with spontaneous fluctuations in the number of residents, unlike Ter Apel. COA have also assessed the option to create buffer places, but this was not possible.