Volt Gelderland on the road: working visits in April

Cross-border cooperation: EUREGIO
Vera Buijs, who represented Volt Gelderland at EUREGIO, started her work this month. EUREGIO aims to strengthen ties in the border region by intensifying cooperation between 128 Dutch and German municipalities, provinces, (Land) squabbles and water boards. The map below shows which areas are involved. The meeting offered a good opportunity to talk to politicians from the Netherlands and Germany.

During the meeting, the differences between the two countries were central. For example, Germany has an elected mayor and the Netherlands, unlike Germany, has to deal with fragmentation at a local political level. The latter often leads to long meetings and difficult decision-making compared to Germany.

We also discussed how we can combine waste flows between the Netherlands and Germany to process waste more efficiently. Differences in legislation often prove to be a stumbling block here, but there is certainly the will to find a solution together.

Working visit RegioExpres
Later in the month Vera was on a working visit to Wehl to catch up on the RegioExpres, an extra express train between Arnhem and Doetinchem. A new track must be constructed for this purpose, which requires nine meters of land along the entire track. Work is currently underway to develop the plans so that the train can start running in 2028.

The Arnhem - Winterswijk railway line, part of the RegioExpres, is one of the busiest regional lines in the Netherlands. A better train connection will make new residential locations more accessible and reduce the pressure on roads such as the A12 and A18. After the presentation, the representatives went in a van to a number of problematic points along the track. In a few places, the new track will be very close to existing homes. A solution is still being sought for this problem. After this trip, another hearing followed, in which local residents could share their concerns and objections about the plans with the members of the provincial parliament.

80 years of freedom 
Elmar Theune was present in Wageningen on May 5 for the celebration of 80 years of freedom. Despite a few minor incidents, it was a worthy and moving meeting, with some World War II veterans present. The highlight was the speech by Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, followed by the raising of the flags of the Allied powers.

‘Right now it is important to consider the meaning of freedom and solidarity. Freedom calls for protection, democracy for commitment, and solidarity begins to see and recognize each other. Let's cherish freedom, especially now ’, says Elmar.