A number of Den Helder college members are in Brussels this week for the European Week of
Regions and Cities, the largest annual meeting of the European Union. Regions share
and cities knowledge and experience about cooperation, innovation, energy and regional development.
Together with fellow administrators from North Holland North and Zaanstreek-Waterland they are working on
a stronger profile of the region.
During the visit, Mayor De Boer and Alderman Van Diepen spoke with Member of the European Parliament
Birgit Van den Berg (D66). She is involved in defense, innovation and
Transport – topics of great importance to Den Helder. It is precisely in these areas that our city has
a strong position, because safety and energy go hand in hand here.
In Brussels they presented a paper on the unique value of Den Helder. This document explains how
the city wants to develop as a place where civil and military functions reinforce each other. Investments in
Den Helder therefore has a double effect: what is good for safety also helps the economy,
sustainability and innovation throughout the region.
This strength comes together in our three ports: the seaport, the airport and the knowledge port. Together
They form the heart of the Maritime Cluster, where Defense, companies and knowledge institutions
working together towards a safe and sustainable future.
Mayor De Boer:
“Our city shows how safety, innovation and quality of life can go hand in hand. Den Helder is a
A place where Defense, businesses, and knowledge institutions collaborate on a safe and sustainable future – and we do this based on our strength as a home base. A city where people know each other,
work together and be proud of what is happening here.”
Councillor Van Diepen:
“The energy transition in the North Sea requires cooperation. In Den Helder we combine military and
civil forces – from seaport to airport and knowledge port – to ensure safety and sustainable energy
to bring people closer together. That's what makes our city unique."”
