Regio Deal Zuid-Limburg
In 2023 and 2025, 10 Zuid-Limburg municipalities (Beek, Beekdaelen, Eijsden-Margraten, Gulpen-Wittem, Maastricht, Meerssen, Sittard-Geleen, Stein, Vaals and Valkenburg aan de Geul) concluded two Regio Deals with the central government as part of 'Every region counts' (Elke Regio Telt). This allows us to invest 60 million euros, including co-financing, in strengthening our region and creating equal opportunities for every South Limburger in the coming years. However, there is work to be done. For residents, entrepreneurs and industries as well as social and care organisations and various governments.
Achieve ambitions
Our region offers many opportunities. Although we also have our challenges. For instance, we have a powerful, innovative economy. However, it must quickly become circular. The emphasis should be on working with green energy (solar and wind) and recycled raw materials. Although South Limburg is the front door to Europe, we are also a border region. And those borders affect our labour market. So we want to retain and attract as much regional and international talent as possible. Both theoretically and practically trained people should be able to find work in our region. Without being plagued by borders.
South Limburg also has a special and attractive living environment. However, the region also suffers from locally persistent disadvantages in the areas of housing, welfare and health. We will tackle that in two cities to start with. Finally, we have a five-star landscape. But our nature is under pressure. So we want to generate more attention to connecting natural areas. And for finding solutions to damage caused by more extreme weather and combating air and water pollution, among other things.
Three programm lines
Using Agenda Zuid-Limburg as a mirror, we have translated the above into three programme lines with their own objectives. In these, 14 main projects have been given a place, all focusing on achieving broad prosperity for all. Among other things, we focus within the projects on:
- binding and captivating languages (from mbo to wo);
- stimulating circular entrepreneurship;
- creating an attractive business climate;
- improving the so-called green-blue quality (water and nature);
- developing a bio-based economy;
- and broadening the integral area-based approach with the resilient neighbourhoods approach as a basis.
I would love to read more about the three programme lines and twenty-four projects of Regio Deal Zuid-Limburg.