The new Dutch government’s coalition agreement targets significant improvements across the provinces of Drenthe, Friesland, and Groningen. These initiatives focus on enhancing sustainability, boosting housing availability, and fostering economic growth to ensure a prosperous future for these regions.
Building boom: More homes for happy Frisians, Drenthe dwellers, and Groningers!
To combat the nationwide housing crisis, the coalition plans to construct up to 100,000 new homes annually. A significant portion of these new developments will be in Drenthe, Friesland, and Groningen. These regions will benefit from policies aimed at ensuring these homes are affordable and energy-efficient. The abolition of the landlord levy and the implementation of performance-based agreements with housing associations are expected to further enhance housing quality and availability.
Getting you there faster (and happier)
Infrastructure improvements are a critical component of the coalition’s strategy. For Drenthe and Groningen, this means substantial investments in road and rail networks, including addressing the Nedersaksenlijn, identified as a priority bottleneck in public transport, and advancing the Lelylijn railway project, with potential initial construction in Groningen. These projects will enhance regional connectivity and stimulate economic activity. Friesland will also benefit from enhanced public transport and digital infrastructure, facilitating better regional and national connectivity.
Jobs galore and wallets that roar: Boosting the northern economy
Economic diversification and job creation are pivotal to the coalition’s plans for these northern provinces. Investments in green technologies and infrastructure projects are expected to create numerous employment opportunities. In addition, the coalition plans to increase the minimum wage by 7.5%, which will directly impact the regional economies of Drenthe, Friesland, and Groningen, boosting spending power and stimulating local markets.
To foster economic growth, the government will provide various incentives and subsidies to attract new industries and support existing businesses. This includes investments in education and vocational training to equip the workforce with skills necessary for emerging sectors such as technology and renewable energy.
More bandages and band-aids: Healthcare to get an upgrade
Healthcare infrastructure improvements are also on the agenda. The coalition plans to build new healthcare facilities and upgrade existing ones in Drenthe, Friesland, and Groningen, ensuring better access to medical services for residents. There will be a focus on enhancing support for the aging population and improving mental health services.
Green dreams and nature scenes
The coalition has set forth ambitious climate goals, including a reduction in CO2 emissions by 55% by 2030 and achieving climate neutrality by 2050. This will involve substantial investments in renewable energy sources. For Friesland, this includes the expansion of offshore wind farms, aligning with the national goal to increase offshore wind capacity to 22 GW by 2030. Similarly, Drenthe and Groningen will see significant investments in solar and wind energy projects to transition away from fossil fuels.
Environmental conservation efforts will see a boost with plans to protect and expand natural reserves in Drenthe and Groningen. This initiative aims to preserve biodiversity, promote eco-tourism, and improve the quality of life for residents through the development of green spaces.
Immigration realities: What’s brewing for Groningen?
While not directly named, immigration and asylum policies impact Groningen significantly. The coalition plans to implement stricter immigration measures, including the introduction of a temporary Asylum Crisis Act to manage acute influxes and crises. However, concerns have been raised regarding the regional impact of these policies, particularly in areas like Ter Apel, where a disproportionate number of asylum seekers are currently housed.
International students and agricultural reforms
In addition to immigration policies, the coalition aims to reform international student admissions and revamp agricultural practices, although no province is explicitly mentioned in these sections. Nevertheless, these policies will undoubtedly affect the region, potentially impacting educational institutions and agricultural communities.
Image: The Tweede Kamer by Flickr user Christian van Elven. License here.
