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Achterhoek goes to Brussels
Every October, a delegation from the Achterhoek travels to Brussels for the European Week of Regions and Cities. This annual event brings together thousands of policymakers, administrators, and professionals from across Europe to share knowledge and experiences on regional development and cooperation. This year, the Achterhoek is not only a participant but also an active contributor to the programme. Together with our partners, we are organising the workshop Building Water Resilience Across Borders: Learn, Connect, Act!.
1. Every Region Counts
Europe only works if there is room for diversity. What works in a city does not automatically fit a rural border region. The Achterhoek demonstrates that tailor-made solutions are essential and that regions have their own unique strengths.
Example: With TECH.LAND, we are building a cross-border innovation ecosystem. Here, companies, governments, and knowledge institutions from Eastern Netherlands and North Rhine-Westphalia collaborate on themes such as batteries, hydrogen, the circular economy, and health technology. This is how we harness the strength of the border region.
The Achterhoek: Partner and Testing Ground for European Policy
The Achterhoek stands for a liveable and future-proof countryside, where innovation, cooperation, and resilience are central. Our region shows that major European challenges — from sustainability and food transition to resilience, digitalisation, and liveability — are not solved in the capitals, but in the regions themselves. We demonstrate this through three key points, listed below
2. Innovation Starts in the Region
From a strong manufacturing industry to sustainable agriculture, the Achterhoek serves as a testing ground for European solutions.
From a strong manufacturing industry to sustainable agriculture, the Achterhoek serves as a testing ground for European solutions.
Experimental farm De Marke demonstrates how sustainable agriculture works in practice. Our motto, “Every Drop into the Ground (EDDGI)”, is a prime example of smart water management with European added value. Here, innovations are tested that contribute to a resilient and sustainable future.
3. Europe Close to the People
In the Achterhoek, Europe is visible. Thanks to programmes such as LEADER, 76 local projects have received support. This has strengthened social capital and created new connections, showing that Europe directly contributes to the quality of life of citizens.
Finally, the Achterhoek is part of the Nationaal Programma Vitale Regio’s: a structural partnership between the region and the national government aimed at strengthening regional vitality.
Come to the Achterhoek and see for yourself how European priorities take shape in practice. Here, we make Europe tangible!