Mayor Eric van Oosterhout believes that too many municipalities in the Netherlands ignore the reception of asylum seekers. “Let me make no bones about it. I think something of municipalities that consistently turn a blind eye when asked to contribute to the reception of refugees.” Van Oosterhout finds this ‘disgusting’, especially in a rich country like the Netherlands. “Where we can accommodate 100,000 Ukrainians with relative ease within a year.”
During his New Year’s speech in the Atlas Theater, Van Oosterhout extensively discussed the issues surrounding the AZC in Ter Apel. And especially the lack of solidarity from other municipalities. “The humanitarian disaster in Ter Apel leaves far too many municipalities indifferent. For fear of a lack of support in their own area.” Solidarity has become a pale concept in the Netherlands, he concluded.
These daily nuisances and incidents also ensure that support for the reception of asylum seekers wears out sooner. “That’s what I’m worried about.”
The mayor also reflected on a large number of positive events about 2023. Because a lot is also going well, he said. There were numerous highlights, such as the European Cycling Championships, Van Gogh Drenthe, a multi-million contribution for tackling the city center area and the upcoming visit of the king and his family on April 27.
Van Oosterhout therefore called on residents to make small, modest drawings (‘doodles’) that will decorate the route on April 27. The drawings provided by Emmen residents are processed on flags, banners and runners along and on the route that the royal party takes in Emmen.