Cabinet adopts plan for Groningen and North Drenthe economy

The Council of Ministers has adopted a multi-year plan to boost the economy of Groningen and North Drenthe, with the cabinet budgeting €100 million a year.

Driving the news: The plan, called "Samen werken aan uitvoering", sets out the Economic Agenda of Nij Begun through 2028. It focuses on technology, talent and tourism. Nij Begun is the cabinet's response to the parliamentary inquiry into gas extraction in Groningen.

What they said: Minister Heerma of Interior Affairs and Kingdom Relations said the national government stands firmly beside the region. He called the plan an important step towards more economic strength and broad prosperity. He said it means the government takes the responsibility that follows from the ereschuld (debt of honour).

The details:

• Technology: investment in the Dutch AI factory in Groningen, where work is under way on solutions from small and medium-sized businesses, including in healthcare and farming.
• Talent: investment in the Masterplan Campussen, in which companies and knowledge institutions work together at several locations.
• Tourism: more places to stay, for example by giving heritage buildings new uses. There is also room to invest in large international events and in making the region more attractive.

Who built it: The plan was drawn up by the national government with regional partners, including provinces, municipalities and water boards.

How it will run: The organisation has two parts. In the gemeenschappelijke regeling (joint arrangement), governments decide on plans together. In the stichting (foundation), governments work with companies and knowledge institutions to develop plans and coordinate delivery. The foundation answers to the joint arrangement.