We are Volt

We are Volt, a European movement.

We believe that better cooperation is the only way to tackle the challenges of the 21st century. Volt has elected representatives in the European Parliament, the Dutch Parliament and in several European municipalities. With a unified, coherent European program, we are the first party to connect all European cities and build bridges.

Why are we participating in the municipal elections?

For Volt, representation at local level is a logical next step. Being a European party means more than representation in Brussels. Volt wants to be present across Europe.

Europe comes alive in the region; in Rotterdam as port city, in Wageningen as knowledge centre of food and living environment, in Amsterdam as one of Europe's cultural capitals and in Maastricht as the city that connects us economically and culturally with our German and Belgian neighbours.

Our local representatives are the ears and eyes of people close by and keep Volt representatives on their toes at national and European level. The municipality is the first point of contact for people and we want that point of contact to stand like a house.

Volt provides connection

Connection between countries in Europe, between cities, between people, between residents, government and politics. We connect to the future, the society we want to live in, by turning our values into plans for Europe. We create a society of equal opportunities and shared happiness, in which dialogue is a central element.

We realise that a democracy only works when people can actively participate, when residents are seen, heard and included in decisions that affect their lives. An active civil society makes our democracy healthy.

Government must trust people with their knowledge and skills; make room for the expertise of the doctor, the cop or the teacher. If we actively work on this, we can restore trust between politics, government and society.

Think European, act locally

Locally, Volt will always look at opportunities and challenges with a European perspective. Volt brings the best examples from Europe to the Netherlands, to find practical solutions to local challenges.

Think of Vienna's approach to the housing shortage, a collaboration between housing associations, investors and government, or sanctuary cities like Barcelona, which safely accommodates refugees. Or look at Frankfurt, where Volt has appointed an alderman for digital affairs to make public services more accessible and ensure everyone keeps up with the digital changes of our time.

We are committed to improving cooperation across borders. Especially locally. We want to ensure cross-border public transport connections, sustainable tourism, more cultural cooperation and a joint approach to crime. Thanks to good contact between our local and national representatives. Across Europe, we can realise these ambitions.

A new generation in politics

Volt represents a new generation in politics. This generation wants politics where nationalism and populism are a thing of the past. Where cross-border cooperation is the future. Volt brings optimism to politics with a radically positive sound. It is time to make that sound heard at local level too.