News item | 01-30-2026 | 3:00 PM
In 11 regions on the edges of the Netherlands, the government and the region are working together to create strong regions. These regions can contribute to national tasks such as housing construction, the energy transition and the resilience of the Netherlands. At the same time, there are layered challenges at play, such as a mismatch in the housing market and energy poverty, more health problems, but fewer young people and more aging. Minister Rijkaart of the Interior and Kingdom Relations has informed the House of Representatives with a progress letter on the National Vital Regions Program (NPVR).
Statements from the regions
With a focus on customization and connection, the NPVR has entered into a structural collaboration with eleven regions. There are many opportunities in the regions, but also serious challenges. Many regions have old and large homes that do not suit the housing needs of starters, the elderly and people with lower incomes. The departure of young people and an aging population are putting pressure on the continuity of care, education and public transport. Due to the limited availability of formal care, dependence on informal caregivers and volunteers is increasing. At the same time, residents are expected to participate more in the labor market due to the shortage. This puts social structures such as mienskip, naoberschap and co-reliance under pressure.
Minister Rijkaart: “I believe in the power of the region, people feel at home where they live. They are proud of their village, city or region. That connection gives every region a unique character. With the National Vital Regions Program, we jointly strengthen what makes regions unique.”
Research
At the request of the House of Representatives, an external research agency has estimated the sum of the total tasks in the eleven regions. The three goals of the NPVR were taken as a starting point: safe and liveable regions, a sustainable and accessible level of facilities and, lastly, a healthy and promising future for residents in the region. The first indication is that this requires approximately one billion per year in required resources from governments and private parties. Existing money flows and regional differences have not yet been taken into account. Moreover, it is up to a new cabinet to decide whether additional resources can be provided.
NPVR
The NPVR is committed to ensuring that all residents have equal opportunities, regardless of where someone was born and lives. The regions differ from each other, which is why area-oriented cooperation is crucial. This requires efforts from the national government and the region to tackle tasks effectively and to ensure that the distance between the central government and regions on the edges of the Netherlands does not increase. Based on the plans of the regions, further research is being done into what is needed per area. The implementation agenda will then determine for the first four years how the government and the region will work together to tackle the challenges.
