ROTTERDAM, 23 July 2025 – Rotterdam apartment owners' associations (Verenigingen van Eigenaars, or VvE’s) will benefit from a simplified municipal insulation subsidy, now extended until the end of March 2027. The adjusted scheme aims to increase participation by reducing barriers and offering financial support for energy-saving renovations.

Insulation subsidy for Rotterdam VvE’s extended and simplified

The municipality of Rotterdam has extended the application period for its insulation subsidy for apartment buildings to 31 March 2027. The policy changes aim to make energy-saving measures more accessible for owners' associations (VvE’s) by easing the eligibility criteria and simplifying the application process.

According to Chantal Zeegers, alderman for climate, building and housing, “We are making the subsidy application easier. This way, we help more VvE’s move towards energy-efficient buildings. That benefits comfort, energy bills and the climate. With this extension, we hope even more residents will take steps.”

Who qualifies for the subsidy?

The subsidy is open to VvE’s in Rotterdam whose apartments had an average property value (WOZ) below €429,300 as of 1 January 2022. The buildings must have been constructed before 1993 and contain poorly insulated elements, such as roofs, façades, floors or windows.

Support is available for various types of insulation work. A VvE may receive up to €2,000 per apartment. If insulating glass is replaced along with the window frames, the amount may increase to a maximum of €3,000 per unit.

What has changed in the scheme?

Several conditions have been revised to streamline the process:

• Submission of an energy label is no longer required; only the building’s construction date (pre-1993) is needed.
• Clear guidelines are now provided to assess whether a building is poorly insulated.
• The subsidy can now be more easily combined with the national SVVE scheme.
• Minimum surface area requirements for insulation have been relaxed.
• The application period has been extended from October 2025 to 31 March 2027.

Centralised support through VVE-010

Roughly 40% of Rotterdam’s housing stock falls under VvE governance. Applications are handled through the independent non-profit foundation VVE-010, which provides free advice and support on behalf of the municipality. The aim is to simplify the procedure and remove obstacles for apartment owners interested in improving their buildings.

Where to get more information

Details on eligibility, the application process and available support can be found on the municipal website:
https://www.rotterdam.nl/isolatiesubsidie-aanvragen-door-vereniging-van-eigenaars

ROTTERDAM, 16 July 2025 – Rotterdam has allocated €2.5 million in subsidies to support twelve companies working on hydrogen and circular economy innovations. The funding, drawn from the municipality’s Duurzaamheidstransitiebudget (sustainability transition budget), aims to support the city’s energy transition, promote technological development, and stimulate job creation.

Rotterdam supports sustainable innovations with €2.5 million

Twelve Rotterdam-based companies have been selected to receive municipal subsidies totalling €2.5 million. The selected proposals focus on hydrogen-related projects and innovations in the circular economy. Funding was made available via the city’s Duurzaamheidstransitiebudget (DTB), intended to facilitate sustainability transitions and strengthen the future resilience of the local economy.

Of the total amount, €2 million was reserved for hydrogen-focused innovations. An additional €480,000 was awarded to circular economy initiatives that promote reuse and bio-based materials.

Hydrogen projects strengthen city’s international role

Six of nine submitted hydrogen-related proposals have received funding, supporting Rotterdam’s ambition to remain a leading global hydrogen hub. These include:

• eFuels Rotterdam (Power2X) – a feasibility study for a plant to produce sustainable aviation fuel (e-SAF) from green methanol at Advario’s site.
• HYER Entropy – development of flexible hydrogen systems and smart software to accelerate port decarbonisation.
• LH² Bunkerbarge – design of an innovative bunkering vessel to supply liquid hydrogen to ships.
• LH2 Loading Arm – development of a safe and efficient loading arm for transferring liquid hydrogen.
• Mana Hydrogen Hotel Load – study into partially powering coastal vessels with hydrogen.
• Flexolyser (BatolyseR) – a feasibility study on a flexible electrolyser designed to perform under fluctuating electricity prices.

Circular economy projects focus on reuse and bio-based materials

Six circular economy proposals were also granted subsidies from among 27 applications. These projects target sustainable material reuse and innovation in biodegradable materials. Funded initiatives include:

• Foamlab – research into the fire-resistance and moisture resistance of insulation foam made from bacterial nanocellulose.
• Blue Circle Olefins – a feasibility study for a plant converting green methanol into components for sustainable plastics.
• Re:first – development of a pilot line to recycle glass fibre composites from sources such as wind turbine blades into infrastructure materials.
• Byewaste – pilot of logistical and digital tools to scale up book reuse.
• Symbiomatter – study of a compostable foam alternative to fossil-based foam products.
• Green Hub Zuid Holland – development of a processing hub for regional biobased waste streams such as roadside grass clippings.

Municipal leadership on sustainable development

Alderman Robert Simons, responsible for the port and economy portfolio, stated:
“These subsidies help Rotterdam-based entrepreneurs realise their sustainable innovations more rapidly. We are not only stimulating new technologies but also generating additional employment and business activity in the city. This is an investment in the future – a robust, sustainable economy where employment and innovation go hand in hand.”

ROTTERDAM, 17 July 2025 – Despite new shelters and increased attention, homelessness in Rotterdam continues to rise. In response, the municipality, regional ombudsman, and dozens of care and housing organisations have pledged stronger cooperation to reverse the trend.

Rotterdam intensifies approach to rising homelessness

Rotterdam continues to see a growing number of people without stable housing—both those sleeping rough and the so-called ‘invisible homeless’ staying temporarily with friends, family or in shelters. To confront this escalating issue, the Municipality of Rotterdam, the Ombudsman Rotterdam-Rijnmond (ORR), and a wide network of organisations in care, safety, and housing have announced a joint agenda for action.

According to Alderman Ronald Buijt, responsible for care, elderly services and youth welfare, over one hundred additional spaces have been created over the past year for people sleeping on sofas. A new shelter for EU migrants without access to regular benefits or housing support was also opened on Volkelstraat. However, these efforts have not led to a decline in homelessness.

“The nuisance associated with this group remains a challenge in many neighbourhoods,” Buijt stated. “We must adopt a different approach. Together with ORR and care partners, we have now outlined our principles in a vision document and implementation agenda.”

Ombudsman calls for radical change

Marianne van den Anker, ombudsman for Rotterdam-Rijnmond, described the situation as unacceptable: “In a city like Rotterdam, it is inhumane that people must survive in degrading conditions on the streets. Residents express concern both for those experiencing homelessness and for the disturbances in their neighbourhoods.”

She warned that the lack of affordable housing, shelter capacity, and care services prevents timely assistance, often allowing personal crises to escalate. “Help arrives too late—when people have already collapsed. That makes recovery far more difficult. We need a rigorous, ‘ombuds-proof’ approach that ensures nobody falls through the cracks of bureaucracy.”

Goals of the new cooperation

The joint initiative will focus on prevention, targeted outreach, and improved access to suitable help. A key aim is to strengthen connections between care services and public safety. Special attention will be given to rough sleepers, people avoiding care, and EU migrants who are not eligible for standard support.

Efforts will also be made to improve governance, increase the availability of suitable shelter options, and create sustainable solutions for the most vulnerable groups. Coordination and information-sharing among formal and informal networks will be reinforced. Responsibilities within this cross-sector collaboration will be clearly defined.

Implementation agenda published

These plans and commitments have been recorded in the Implementation agenda for the integrated approach to homelessness, Rotterdam 2025 (Uitvoeringsagenda Integrale Aanpak Dak- en Thuisloosheid, Rotterdam 2025). The document serves as the foundation for intensified cooperation among the city, ORR and numerous care and welfare organisations. It complements existing policies and action plans, while introducing a more unified and holistic strategy.

Location of the new shelter

One of the new shelter locations opened for EU migrants without entitlement to standard support is located on Volkelstraat. The street lies in Rotterdam's northwest, within a mixed residential and industrial area accessible by public transport and near major roads.

ROTTERDAM, 14 July 2025 – In an effort to address the growing digital divide, the municipality has opened a subsidy scheme for organisations aiming to improve digital inclusion among adult residents.

Municipality opens subsidy for digital inclusion projects

Rotterdam continues its efforts towards a more inclusive society, with a new subsidy scheme under the ‘Digital Inclusion’ (Digitale Inclusie) programme. The initiative seeks to equip more residents with essential digital skills in response to the increasing digitalisation of everyday life.

The programme was created to support initiatives that enhance digital self-sufficiency and resilience. It particularly targets residents who may struggle with navigating the digital world, as activities such as work, education, healthcare, and social contact increasingly move online.

Support for small-scale and innovative projects

The municipality will fund small-scale, innovative projects that complement existing offerings. Eligible initiatives must focus on residents aged 18 and above and aim to improve digital literacy, promote safe internet practices, raise awareness of online risks, or provide knowledge about artificial intelligence.

Volunteers may also be trained to organise and deliver educational activities as part of the supported projects. The scheme is open to all organisations that can demonstrate a relevant and impactful approach.

Focus on equal opportunities

Alderman Faouzi Achbar commented: “Rotterdam is committed to building an inclusive society where everyone has equal opportunities. The pace of digitalisation is rapid, and we must ensure that all residents understand what this means and how to adapt. The Digital Inclusion subsidy helps remove barriers so that no one is left behind.”

Application process

Organisations can submit subsidy applications for projects scheduled to take place in 2025. Applications must be received no later than 15 September 2025. Detailed conditions and the application form are available on the municipal website at www.rotterdam.nl/subsidies.