The Brainport region is delighted with the extra billions on their way from The Hague to Brabant. The government, together with the region, is investing 2.5 billion euros in the Brainport. On the one hand to keep chip machine manufacturer ASML here and on the other hand to improve the accessibility of the region.
As if the championship bowl for PSV has already been received. Such an atmosphere will undoubtedly prevail at Eindhoven City Hall on Thursday. Eindhoven Mayor Jeroen Dijsselbloem is very satisfied. “This is an important moment for this region. Things are going well, but we need this to continue to grow in a healthy way.”
According to Dijsselbloem, it takes a lot to keep the region running smoothly and it is necessary to jointly invest 2.5 billion euros in public facilities. “It is a very large investment. We realize that. It is of great national and European significance. It is an opportunity that cannot be missed.”
Investment for the next five years
Previously, an amount of 5 to 8 billion had been requested, but that was not possible. Mayor Dijsselbloem explains that the current cabinet will take care of matters until there is a new cabinet. “That cabinet could not release such a large amount until 2040. Then we said, let’s talk until 2030, then we can at least start. This is in any case an investment for the next five years.” Discussions must continue with subsequent cabinets, says the former Minister of Finance.
Deputy Martijn van Gruijthuijsen of Economy, Talent Development and Finance is also satisfied. “There has been heavy lobbying. There has been heavy negotiation, but in the end we all really see the importance of this investment for Brabant and Brainport. The past few weeks have been very intensive and challenging. With the right sanding, we have achieved the right shine.”
ASML welcomes ‘fast action’
ASML in Veldhoven informed Omroep Brabant in a response that it is pleased with ‘the steps and rapid action of the Dutch government’. “An improved Dutch business climate benefits companies and their employees, but certainly also the Netherlands as a whole.” ASML says that the plans presented ‘strongly support these circumstances’.
“As we have said before, we would like to realize a significant part of our expansion plans in the Netherlands. But the expansion plans must be supported by the availability of high-quality talent, infrastructure, housing and a strong general business climate,” ASML explains.
