Epe municipality threatens legal action over delayed closure of asylum shelter
Residents and businesses in Epe face continued disruption as the municipality insists on closing an emergency asylum shelter by March 20, 2026. The COA’s last-minute request to extend the shelter has led to a standoff, with legal action looming if the closure is delayed.
| Key Data Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Fletcher Hotel, Dellenweg, Epe, Gelderland |
| Agreed Closure Date | March 20, 2026 |
| Current Status | COA requests extension; municipality refuses |
| Legal Action Deadline | March 21, 2026 (if shelter remains open) |
| Parties Involved | Municipality of Epe, COA, Fletcher Hotel, Ministry of Justice & Security |
| Residents Affected | Local community, entrepreneurs, and asylum seekers |
The Municipality of Epe is responsible for local governance, including the enforcement of permits and agreements related to asylum shelters. It collaborates with national agencies like the COA to manage reception facilities while balancing the interests of residents and businesses.
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Read the full translated article below
Municipality of Epe stands firm on closure of asylum seekers emergency shelter
Since March 2024, the Central Agency for the Reception of Asylum Seekers (COA) has been accommodating asylum seekers at the Fletcher Hotel on Dellenweg in Epe. An agreement was made with the COA that this shelter would close on Friday, March 20, 2026. On that day, the permit expires and the administrative agreement with the COA also ends. On Tuesday afternoon, March 17, the COA informed the municipality by phone that it sees no possibility to close the shelter on March 20. The municipal executive board of Epe remains committed to the agreed-upon end date. If the shelter has not been closed by Saturday, March 21, the executive board will take legal action against the COA and Fletcher.
Emergency shelter agreements
The arrival of the emergency shelter in 2024 caused significant disruption. When the shelter was extended later that year, the executive board informed residents that Friday, March 20, 2026, would be the definitive end date and that no further extensions would be granted. Over the past two years, there has been frequent contact with the COA. Until recently, there were no indications that the shelter would not close on time. Just two weeks ago, the COA asked whether the emergency shelter could continue for a longer period. The executive board then stated that it would adhere to the agreed-upon end date of the permit and administrative agreement. On Tuesday, March 17, the COA indicated that it cannot close the emergency shelter because there is no alternative location for the residents. It is not yet clear when this will be possible.
The executive board considers the continuation of the emergency shelter unacceptable. A deal is a deal. We recognize the immense pressure on asylum reception in our country and, as a municipality and society, we take our responsibility. However, we maintain our position that the emergency shelter must close now. This is what we agreed upon with our residents, entrepreneurs, the municipal council, the COA, and the Fletcher Hotel. The COA’s approach does not contribute to the trust in the COA from the municipal government and society.
Tom Horn
Mayor
Next steps
Next week, the executive board will meet with the COA, the ministry, and the Fletcher Hotel, but it does not wish to wait. If the shelter has not been closed by Saturday, March 21, the executive board will initiate proceedings to impose a penalty payment on the COA and Fletcher. The aim is to ensure they comply with the agreement and that the location can be returned to its original use as a hotel.
Information for residents and entrepreneurs
Today, we are informing the residents living near the Fletcher Hotel and a delegation of entrepreneurs in Epe about the situation. We will engage in discussions with the participants of the ‘neighborhood consultation’ group, which has been our discussion partner on this topic over the past two years.
We will share new developments at https://www.epe.nl/vluchtelingen.