Cabinet adopts plan to spend €100m a year on Groningen economy

The cabinet has adopted a multi-year implementation plan, "Samen werken aan uitvoering" ("Working together on delivery"), for the Economic Agenda of Nij Begun. Through 2028 it focuses on technology, talent and tourism in Groningen and North Drenthe. The cabinet has budgeted €100m a year for it.

The Economic Agenda is one of the Nij Begun measures, the cabinet's response to the parliamentary inquiry into gas extraction in Groningen. The national government drew up the plan with regional partners such as provinces, municipalities and water boards.

Interior Affairs and Kingdom Relations Minister Heerma said: "The national government stands firmly alongside the region. This is an important step towards more economic strength and broad prosperity in Groningen and North Drenthe. In this way the government is taking the responsibility that arises from the debt of honour (ereschuld)."

Where the money goes

On technology, the agenda invests in the Dutch AI factory in Groningen. It works on solutions from small and medium-sized firms that improve daily life, including in healthcare and farming. On talent, it invests in the Masterplan Campussen, in which businesses and knowledge institutions work together at several locations in the region.

On tourism, the plan aims to create more places to stay, for example by giving heritage buildings a new use. There is also room to invest in large international events and to make the region more attractive.

A two-part organisation will decide on and deliver the plans. In a joint arrangement (gemeenschappelijke regeling), governments take decisions together. In a foundation (stichting), governments work with businesses and knowledge institutions; it develops plans, coordinates delivery and reports to the joint arrangement.