Frequently Asked Questions

We have listed the most frequently asked questions and answers for you. Is your question not listed here? Email to: contact@samenwerkingzuidlimburg.eu.

What is the role of municipal councils with regard to the foundation?

Municipal councils play an active role in the foundation. Council members have established the framework within which their council may participate in the foundation. They have indicated their wishes and concerns. Council members also continue to monitor their council's implementation of the agreements made and the representation of the interests of each municipality within the foundation.

Budgetary authority also remains with the municipal council. Council members from participating municipalities assess the foundation's budget, annual accounts and progress reports through the regular planning and control cycle. In addition, council members receive a quarterly Council Information Letter (RIB) from the foundation's board, explaining the progress and financial situation. Two meetings for council members are also organised each year. 

Finally, the municipal council can use formal instruments, such as motions, amendments and council questions, to exert influence and hold the municipal executive to account. And they have a say in the local projects of the programmes that fall under the foundation, such as Regio Deal Zuid-Limburg.

How is stichting Samenwerking Zuid-Limburg (foundation Cooperation South Limburg) being financed?

The foundation's support programme office is financed by a municipal contribution of one euro per resident per year. The office is responsible for coordinating and implementing joint projects. The underlying projects remain in the hands of the individual municipalities in terms of content and implementation, and are therefore also within the remit of municipal councils. 

The Regio Deal Zuid-Limburg programme has received funding from the national government on two occasions to support various projects. There are currently 24 such projects.

What is Regio Deal Zuid-Limburg?

Every year the central government concludes Regio Deals with several regions in order to increase the quality of life, living and working in the regions. Two Regio Deals have also been concluded with Zuid-Limburg. In both 2023 and 2025, the central government and ten Zuid-Limburg municipalities signed the Regio Deal Zuid-Limburg. In the coming years, the ten municipalities and the central government will together invest at least 60 million euros in the region. The aim is to strengthen our region and create equal opportunities for every citizen in the region. Incidentally, the last Regio Deal under 'Elke regio telt' was concluded in 2025. The national government is now continuing with 'Nationaal Programma Vitale Regios'. For now, this also falls under 'Elke regio telt'.

Which areas are covered by Regio Deal Zuid-Limburg?

Regio Deal Zuid-Limburg covers central and western Zuid-Limburg and the border area with Belgium. The 10 municipalities involved are Beek, Beekdaelen, Eijsden-Margraten, Gulpen-Wittem, Maastricht, Meerssen, Sittard-Geleen, Stein, Vaals and Valkenburg aan de Geul.

Why will stichting Samenwerking Zuid-Limburg be established?

The ten municipalities and partners involved in Regio Deal Zuid-Limburg agree that it is more logical and efficient to set up an organisation for South Limburg cooperation, rather than just a formal organisation for Regio Deal Zuid-Limburg. The advantages at a glance:

  • both the ten municipalities involved, as well as private and civil society organisations, can join in this foundation;
  • the organisation is not only concerned with Regio Deal Zuid-Limburg's projects. Other programmes and initiatives can also be accommodated in the platform, eliminating the need to set up additional organisations (efficiency), creating a better connection between projects and also making it clearer to residents how regional tasks are being worked on;
  • the organisation works on the basis of the ideas, vision and ambitions of Agenda Zuid-Limburg (signed by 16 South Limburg municipalities and the province of Limburg) and can, from this central strategy and cooperation, conduct the best and strongest lobby for the region in The Hague.

Because of the desire to have private parties participate, the foundation form is the most optimal and offers the most opportunities for achieving the aforementioned ambitions. 

How is the progress of the projects within Regio Deal Zuid-Limburg monitored?

There is regular contact with all projects. They report to Regio Deal Zuid-Limburg what their results are and what bottlenecks and solutions there are.  This is done through reports and through consultation between all parties involved.

When do projects need to be ready?

This varies for each project. The 'we're working on' page shows the planning for each project. Not all projects are completed within the four years of Regio Deal Zuid-Limburg. However, they can be accelerated thanks to Regio Deal Zuid-Limburg.

What are the main objectives of Regio Deal Zuid-Limburg?

The main objectives are:

  • strengthening the economy;
  • promoting employment;
  • improving liveability;
  • ensure resilient societies;
  • encouraging innovation, sustainable and circular production.

 

How can projects get funding from Regio Deal Zuid-Limburg?

A project proposal is reviewed. Consideration is given to importance, influence, feasibility and cooperation. If a project meets all the criteria, it may receive funding from Regio Deal Zuid-Limburg.

For more information, email: contact@regiodealzuidlimburg.eu.

How are local communities and stakeholders involved in the execution of Regio Deal Zuid-Limburg?

Local communities and stakeholders are involved on a project-by-project basis by project partners (alliances). This can be done through participation meetings and active collaboration. Input from residents, businesses and advocates are important for the success of Regio Deal Zuid-Limburg.

Who are the partners of Regio Deal Zuid-Limburg?

Important partners are municipalities, Limburg Province, national government, other authorities, social and care organisations, educational institutions, housing associations, companies, nature organisations, interest groups, farmers and residents of Zuid-Limburg. The names of partners are mentioned per project on this site.