ROTTERDAM, 16 October 2024 – Over 100 families in Rotterdam have received assistance in clearing their debts, thanks to a collaboration between the municipality and Stichting Nieuw Vaarwater. The initiative aims to provide long-term solutions for families struggling with debt and financial instability.

New partnership helps families in Rotterdam tackle debt

In Rotterdam, one in six households faces debt, a problem that disproportionately affects children growing up in poverty. To address this issue, the municipality has long offered a range of services aimed at tackling debt, including advisory services and amicable debt settlements. Since March 2024, a new partnership with Stichting Nieuw Vaarwater has expanded the city’s capacity to assist local families. Over 100 households have already benefited from this collaboration, receiving full debt repayment assistance.

Wethouder Mohamed-Hoesein, responsible for poverty reduction, debt relief, and language, highlighted the importance of cooperation in solving the city's increasing debt crisis. “It is great news for these families and the whole city that a proactive partner like Nieuw Vaarwater has stepped forward this year,” he stated. “The municipality cannot solve this issue alone, and we need partners across the city to support us.”

Nieuw Vaarwater's role in debt assistance

For over ten years, Nieuw Vaarwater has provided Rotterdammers with support in understanding their debts and creating realistic repayment plans. What sets the organisation apart is its ability to help families not only plan but also directly repay their debts. The foundation primarily focuses on families, offering a lifeline to those who have fallen into debt due to life-changing events such as divorce or job loss.

Koen Jansen, a staff member at Nieuw Vaarwater, explained the types of challenges their clients face. “Many of our clients have been living in poverty for years, often as a result of significant hardships in their lives.”

Overcoming scepticism

While Nieuw Vaarwater offers a valuable service, convincing potential clients can be challenging. The organisation aims to assist 1,000 families per year, yet many people are initially sceptical. “People often ask, 'Why would a stranger pay off my debts, and do I really not have to give anything in return?' It usually takes a serious conversation to assure them that this support is real,” Jansen added.

Clients who have completed the programme, such as Soesma and Angel, shared their experiences. Both initially found it hard to believe that a foundation would clear their debts without any strings attached. However, once the help was received, they felt a renewed sense of freedom.

Client experiences

Soesma, who is currently on a welfare benefit, shared her relief: “I was hesitant at first, but now that I know it’s real, I’m so happy. This help has given me new energy to pursue my dream of starting my own fashion webshop.”

Angel, a single mother of four, echoed this sentiment: “I was working in healthcare, and my finances were stable until my mother fell ill, my relationship ended, and I wasn’t entitled to benefits. I quickly fell into debt. Nieuw Vaarwater paid off my debts, giving me back my financial freedom.”

A call for continued collaboration

Bas Woudstra, the general director of Nieuw Vaarwater, emphasised the importance of continuing to provide this support to more families. “We’ve helped over 100 families get a fresh start, but there are many more in Rotterdam who need the same opportunity. We call on Rotterdammers struggling with financial issues and all social partners in the city to work with us to make this possible.”

Wethouder Mohamed-Hoesein reiterated the importance of partnerships in tackling debt. “It is essential that we continue to actively support Rotterdammers with debt. Partnering with organisations like Nieuw Vaarwater enables us to help families out of debt faster and give them a better future outlook.”

How to seek help

Families in need of financial assistance can apply for support through one of the 14 Vraagwijzer (advice centres) locations in Rotterdam or via the Jongerenloket (youth desk). These municipal offices will refer residents to the most appropriate financial support services available.

Directions to Vraagwijzer and Jongerenloket

Vraagwijzer locations are spread across Rotterdam’s districts, with offices in areas such as Delfshaven, Feijenoord, and Kralingen-Crooswijk. These centres provide walk-in advice services and can refer residents to additional resources based on their needs. The Jongerenloket, focused on youth and young adults, offers targeted financial support for those under 27. For more information, visit:

• Vraagwijzer locations
• Jongerenloket

ROTTERDAM, 10 October 2024 – Carola Schouten was officially sworn in as mayor of Rotterdam during a special city council meeting. The ceremony included the presentation of the mayoral chain and the official handover of duties.

Carola Schouten sworn in as mayor of Rotterdam

Carola Schouten was sworn in as the new mayor of Rotterdam during a special meeting of the city council. The ceremony, led by the King's Commissioner, was attended by key figures such as Ruud van der Velden, chair of the selection committee, and deputy mayor Robert Simons, among others.

During the session, the mayoral chain was formally presented to Schouten, and she took over the official duties as chair of the city council. Van der Velden expressed the council's honour in making the appointment, stating, "It was an honour and a pleasure to do this as a city council, we are proud of the outcome, and now: let's get to work!"

Mayor Schouten: commitment to the city

Following the swearing-in, Schouten addressed the attendees with a speech expressing her enthusiasm and dedication to the city of Rotterdam. She remarked, "I am incredibly proud to be the mayor of Rotterdam. With everything I have, I will be here for this beautiful city. I look forward to meeting people who want to work together to move Rotterdam forward. Because the city improves through collaboration. And that is what we are going to do!"

Schouten's appointment as mayor marks a new chapter for Rotterdam, and the city council extended its congratulations, wishing her success and good fortune in her new role.

Background of Carola Schouten

Born in 1977, Carola Schouten grew up in Giessen, Noord-Brabant, and has lived in Rotterdam’s Delfshaven district since 1995. In 2001, she became a mother to a son. Schouten holds a degree in business administration from Erasmus University and began her career with an internship at the Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment. She later became a policy officer for the Christian Union (ChristenUnie) in the Dutch House of Representatives. Schouten entered national politics in 2011 as an MP, and in 2017, she was appointed Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Agriculture, Nature, and Food Quality in the third Rutte cabinet. Most recently, she served as Minister for Poverty Policy, Participation, and Pensions in the last Rutte government (2022–2024).

ROTTERDAM, 18 October 2024 – Rotterdam has introduced a new booking system for river cruises aimed at improving safety, reducing disturbances, and promoting sustainability. CruiseDock Rotterdam will now regulate the use of berths for river cruise ships, providing a structured way for shipping companies to reserve docking spaces in the city.

^{Photo credit: Rhalda Jansen Fotografie}

Rotterdam launches river cruise booking system

The new system, CruiseDock Rotterdam, was officially introduced by Alderman Robert Simons, who oversees the port, economy, and real estate. The system offers a streamlined process for river cruise companies to book berths, fulfilling a long-standing goal of Rotterdam to better regulate cruise traffic along the city’s main docks.

According to Alderman Simons, "With the launch of CruiseDock Rotterdam, we are taking an important step towards professionalising river cruise traffic in our city. This system not only ensures nautical safety but also contributes to the sustainability and economic growth of Rotterdam. It is a win-win for both the city and the cruise companies."

Unregulated berths caused problems

Until now, the berthing of river cruise ships at locations such as Leuvehoofd, Boompjeskade, Oosterkade, and Rhijnspoorkade had been unregulated. This often resulted in overcrowding along the quays, posing risks to nautical safety and creating disturbances for nearby residents.

The introduction of CruiseDock Rotterdam aims to mitigate these issues. By allowing cruise companies to pre-book berths in an organised manner, the system provides certainty about berth availability, reduces inconvenience for locals, and improves overall nautical safety. The system manages 13 designated berths strategically spread across the four quays mentioned.

Focus on sustainability

In addition to improving safety, CruiseDock Rotterdam aligns with the city’s sustainability goals. Only ships that meet strict environmental standards, such as holding the Green Award certification, will be granted access to the berths. Furthermore, revenues from docking fees will be reinvested into sustainability projects, such as providing shore power, which will help reduce the emissions from ships while docked.

By 2025, it is expected that approximately 1,000 river cruise ships will dock in Rotterdam. The estimated annual revenue from docking fees and tourist taxes is projected to reach €1 million, based on an assumption of 800 ships using the new system.

Location details

The four quays where the berths are located are Leuvehoofd, Boompjeskade, Oosterkade, and Rhijnspoorkade. These locations are centrally positioned along the Nieuwe Maas, providing easy access to the city and its attractions.

ROTTERDAM, 10 October 2024 – Fewer residents in Rotterdam are receiving welfare benefits, in contrast to the national trend. Recent municipal figures show a notable decline in the city's welfare cases, reflecting an ongoing effort to connect people with work.

Welfare cases in Rotterdam drop despite national increase

Rotterdam is witnessing a steady decrease in the number of residents relying on welfare benefits, defying a national trend of rising welfare dependency. Recent municipal data indicates that as of today, 32,276 households in Rotterdam are receiving benefits, marking the lowest figure since these records began.

This decline is notable given that, according to the Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS), welfare numbers across the Netherlands have been rising after years of gradual decline. In 2023, Rotterdam also saw a stagnation in the decrease of welfare recipients, but since then, a sharp reduction has been observed. Despite this progress, Rotterdam still has the highest welfare dependency ratio in the country, with over 60 out of every 1,000 residents receiving benefits, while most other municipalities report figures between 10 and 15.

Rotterdam's employment strategy

Alderman Tim Versnel, responsible for Work and Income (Werk & Inkomen), commented on the situation, stating: “These figures give us confidence in our Rotterdam approach. We do not see people on welfare as victims, but as individuals with skills. We work closely with local employers who increasingly recognise the potential of this group.” Versnel added that the city's efforts aim not only to benefit the economy but also the individuals involved. He emphasised that employment offers a better income, social connections, and a positive outlook, which should become the norm in Rotterdam.

Workstation Zuid expands to new districts

One of the city's key initiatives in tackling unemployment is the ‘Workstation Zuid’. This facility provides job seekers with intensive support, helping them manage their personal situation and directly connecting them with employers. Following a successful trial phase, the services offered by Workstation Zuid are being expanded. In addition to residents of Feijenoord, people from Charlois are now also eligible for support, with IJsselmonde being added from January. This extension is a critical move, as around 13,000 residents of Zuid currently receive welfare benefits.

Enhanced support for new welfare applicants

Those who have recently applied for welfare now stand a better chance of securing employment. The municipality has introduced an intensive six-month support programme for new job seekers. This initiative involves weekly, face-to-face meetings with a job coach, providing personalised guidance. Examples of support include accompanying applicants to job interviews or helping them find training opportunities in high-demand sectors.

Support for employers

In addition to assisting job seekers, the municipality is encouraging businesses to adopt a broader view of potential candidates. The Rijnmond Labour Market Perspective Fund (RAP) is one such initiative aimed at stimulating employment in critical sectors such as engineering, healthcare, and childcare. Over the past year, the fund has co-financed 18 initiatives, resulting in 854 jobs and training positions. Companies can still apply for the current round of funding until the end of October.