ROTTERDAM, 10 June 2025 – Rotterdam's city council has published its 2025 spring budget (Voorjaarsnota), detailing how the city aims to remain on course amid economic pressure, with measured investments and a clear focus on social impact, liveability, and infrastructure.
Focus on long-term planning in spring budget
Rotterdam’s city government has presented its annual spring budget, emphasizing continuity, fiscal restraint, and realistic ambition. The document reviews recent progress while outlining the city’s evolving priorities during a period marked by inflation and societal challenges.
The mayor and aldermen stated that difficult financial decisions have not been postponed in the years leading up to the so-called “ravine year” (ravijnjaar) in 2026. The city is considered to be performing relatively well, although the administration acknowledged there is more to be done.
Investments outside the city centre
Rotterdam continues to grow, prompting targeted investments across multiple districts. Over €10 million has been earmarked for projects including the redesign of Pernisser Park, refurbishment of Rozenburg’s village centre, and improvements to the beach promenade in Hoek van Holland.
Housing remains a top priority, with an additional €10 million allocated to support the National Programme Rotterdam South (Nationaal Programma Rotterdam Zuid), which aims to accelerate residential development. Another €13 million has been set aside to renovate the outdated Zuidplein metro and bus station. In Bloemhof, the city is exploring potential co-financing arrangements with the national government to address issues such as soil subsidence.
Efforts to improve accessibility include the expansion of parking capacity at the P+R locations Meyersplein and Kralingse Zoom.
Local safety and community initiatives
Security and liveability remain central to neighbourhood policy. Extra funding has been allocated for areas requiring attention, including Tarwewijk, IJsselmonde, and Beverwaard. Working closely with district councils, the city plans to improve the public realm, combat nuisance, and strengthen community ties. A total of €1.9 million will support these measures.
The emergency shelter on Volkelstraat for homeless migrants will remain operational until at least the end of 2026. The municipality aims to provide dignified shelter while mitigating potential nuisance in surrounding areas.
Promoting inclusion and participation
Rotterdam continues to invest in social equality. Support will be expanded for residents lacking digital skills and for families with limited income to access early childhood education. The BeTheFuture project will help first-year secondary school pupils integrate into city life.
Older residents will benefit from increased discounts on the Rotterdampas. Accessible healthcare, especially for those with dementia, remains a policy focus. Budgets for poverty reduction and debt assistance will be maintained, while recognized refugees will receive tailored support to find employment or education more quickly.
Fiscal discipline without raising taxes
The city’s finances remain stable, with the council committed to achieving balance by 2026 in line with coalition agreements. Despite inflation and increasing costs, there will be no additional tax burden on residents or businesses, apart from standard indexations.
Energy transition efforts continue
Although national policies on phasing out natural gas remain uncertain, Rotterdam has decided not to wait. Investments are being made to ease pressure on the electricity grid and to implement thermal energy storage solutions in Merwehaven, as part of ongoing energy transition initiatives.
Looking ahead with a clear strategy
The city’s approach, as outlined in the spring budget, reflects pragmatic governance. The administration aims to continue building with measured ambition, focusing on results rather than promises, and laying the groundwork for the next municipal term.
Full details of the 2025 spring budget are available via:
https://www.watdoetdegemeente.rotterdam.nl/voorjaarsnota-2025
