ROTTERDAM, 25 June 2025 – A delegation of partners accompanying heads of state and government leaders attended a cultural and scenic programme in Rotterdam as part of the 2025 NATO Summit activities.

Partners of world leaders visit Rotterdam during NATO Summit

Rotterdam hosted the partners of world leaders participating in the 2025 NATO Summit, with a programme designed to showcase the city’s culture and architecture. The delegation was welcomed by Queen Máxima and mayor Carola Schouten, and accompanied on a curated visit to the Depot of Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen, followed by a boat tour on the Nieuwe Maas.

Guided tour of Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen

The visit began at the Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen, where the group toured the rooftop with views over Rotterdam’s skyline. They were then given a guided tour of the museum’s collection storage spaces, led by general director Ina Klaassen and director of collections and research Sandra Kisters. The delegation also visited the exhibition The stories we tell, with artist Susanna Inglada present to explain her contribution to the show.

City viewed from the water

Following the museum visit, the delegation boarded the Prinses Amalia, a flagship vessel of Royal Spido, for a tour along Rotterdam’s most recognisable waterfront landmarks. The route included views of the Euromast, Eemhaven, ss Rotterdam, and key bridges such as the Erasmusbrug, Willemsbrug, and De Hef.

Lunch on board was provided by two-star chef Erik van Loo, his son Julien van Loo, and the Parkheuvel Rotterdam team.

Rotterdam contributes to international summit

Mayor Carola Schouten stated: “We shared a pleasant afternoon in our beautiful Rotterdam. I sincerely hope the discussions held in The Hague contribute to addressing the global challenges we face. As Rotterdam, we were honoured to offer a modest contribution to this important NATO Summit.”

About the NATO partner programme

The partner programme is a customary feature of NATO summits, offering accompanying partners of heads of state and government a cultural and diplomatic itinerary. The Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs invited the municipality of Rotterdam to organise the 2025 edition.

ROTTERDAM, 19 June 2025 – A revised municipal fund is now available to support local entrepreneurs and boost liveability across Rotterdam neighbourhoods. The SOFIE fund targets business space development and housing initiatives where regular financing falls short.

SOFIE fund relaunched to support local property projects

The municipality of Rotterdam has relaunched its SOFIE fund to support entrepreneurs seeking to invest in property within the city limits. This revised funding scheme focuses on business premises and affordable workspaces, particularly for so-called “impact entrepreneurs” aiming to contribute positively to neighbourhoods.

An additional €7.1 million has been allocated to the SOFIE fund as part of the municipality’s Actieplan Bedrijfsruimte (Business Space Action Plan). The fund does not function as a subsidy, but instead offers tailored financing solutions in situations where bank financing is insufficient, unavailable or delayed.

Strengthening neighbourhoods through business and housing

The fund also supports projects that contribute to residential and urban improvement. Special attention is given to areas in urgent need of a more diverse and future-proof housing stock, such as Schiebroek-Zuid, Ommoord and Zevenkamp.

Alderman Robert Simons, responsible for Economy and Real Estate, stated: “With the renewed SOFIE fund, we are giving both entrepreneurs and neighbourhoods an extra push. Entrepreneurs with strong plans that contribute to employment, liveable communities, and affordable work or living space deserve the opportunity to realise those plans. This is how we build a future-proof Rotterdam where living and working are in balance.”

Financing options for entrepreneurs and impact investors

SOFIE offers financial instruments such as loans, capital investments, or guarantees. These are intended to enable independent project development by entrepreneurs or investors, with the goal of creating societal value for the city. The fund complements existing municipal schemes, including the Fonds Vitale Kerngebieden (Vital Core Areas Fund) and the Subsidieregeling Bedrijfsruimte Maakindustrie (Subsidy Scheme for Industrial Business Space).

More details on application conditions and eligibility can be found at www.sofierotterdam.eu.

ROTTERDAM, 24 June 2025 – Rotterdam-Zuid is set to receive up to €48.5 million in national funding to support housing developments, community facilities and public space improvements. The financial contribution, agreed between the national government and the City of Rotterdam, aims to bolster long-term urban regeneration efforts in the southern districts.

Rotterdam-Zuid to receive funding boost for housing plans

Between 2025 and 2029, Rotterdam may claim between €39.4 million and €48.5 million under the National Programme for Liveability and Safety (Nationaal Programma Leefbaarheid en Veiligheid, NPLV). The funding will specifically target the area covered by the National Programme Rotterdam Zuid (NPRZ). The NPRZ area covers several neighbourhoods in southern Rotterdam, including parts of Feijenoord, Charlois and IJsselmonde.

The allocated funds are intended for the construction of affordable housing, upgrades to public space and amenities, and additional administrative capacity to implement these goals. These measures follow on from commitments made during the Housing Summit (Woontop) on 11 December 2024.

Comments from city officials

Alderman Chantal Zeegers, responsible for housing and construction, noted: “The challenge in Zuid is significant, but this investment from the national government shows we do not have to do this alone. With these resources, we can genuinely improve life in Zuid—through more affordable homes, better facilities, and safer, more attractive neighbourhoods.”

Alderman Tim Versnel, responsible for the NPRZ portfolio, added: “We want to accelerate and increase the impact of our housing approach, enabling more residents in Zuid to move into better homes within their own communities. This boost makes that possible. We are very grateful to our partners in the national government.”

Agreement and next steps

The funding arrangement was formalised during the NPLV administrative consultation on 24 June 2025. Agreements were made between the national government and participating municipalities, including Rotterdam. Funds will only be disbursed once concrete results have been achieved, such as the initiation of housing projects or incurred costs for public services. Until then, the funds remain reserved for the NPRZ area, without any requirement for co-financing.

In the coming months, the City of Rotterdam will collaborate with the national government, housing associations, and the NPRZ programme office to develop the next phase of the housing strategy in Zuid. City Council is expected to receive a detailed update after the summer.

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