Midden-Drenthe unveils compensation plan for De Haar military training area expansion
Residents and businesses in Midden-Drenthe could receive financial compensation and improved livability measures as part of a new offer to offset the impact of expanding the De Haar military training area. The plan, backed by local groups, aims to balance national defense needs with community well-being.
| Key Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Compensation Offer Name | A Balanced Area |
| Presented to | State Secretary for Defence Derk Boswijk |
| Municipality | Midden-Drenthe |
| Affected Villages | Hooghalen, Laaghalen, Laaghalerveen, Smilde |
| Key Proposals | Direct compensation, livability fund, regional fund, nuisance reduction measures |
| Symbolic Gesture | Compensation Chest (inspired by historic Drenthe Etstoel) |
| Next Steps | State Secretary to consider offer in decision-making process |
The municipality of Midden-Drenthe is responsible for representing local interests and ensuring that national projects, such as the expansion of military training areas, align with the needs of residents and businesses. It plays a key role in negotiating compensation and participation agreements with central government bodies.
Read the full translated article below
Midden-Drenthe presents Compensation Chest with compensation offer to State Secretary Boswijk
April 1, 2026 - Today, the municipality of Midden-Drenthe presented the joint compensation offer 'A Balanced Area' to State Secretary for Defence Derk Boswijk. This took place during a meeting with residents, interest groups, entrepreneurs, the Province of Drenthe, LTO and the municipality of Assen.
Presentation of the Compensation Chest for the Expansion of De Haar Training Area to State Secretary Boswijk. Presented by Marieke Dikboom, Margriet Slotman and Mayor Jan Zwiers. In the chest: the joint compensation offer 'A Balanced Area' and the support of interest groups and partners.
The symbolic Compensation Chest for the Expansion of De Haar Training Area took centre stage – a modern successor to the historic Drenthe Etstoel chest. The chest contains the compensation offer and statements of support from all involved parties.
Symbol of fairness and care
The Etstoel was for centuries the judicial body of Drenthe, where residents themselves ensured fair rulings and clear agreements. This history inspired the modern Compensation Chest.
‘Just as back then, this is now about fairness, care and respectful coexistence,’ said Mayor Jan Zwiers during the presentation. ‘This chest symbolises agreements that you keep, trust that you do not demand but earn, and a government that shows that national tasks should not fall solely on the shoulders of local residents.’
What does the compensation offer contain?
The compensation offer was drawn up with broad support from residents, interest groups, agricultural entrepreneurs and social partners. It includes concrete proposals for:
- Generous compensation for those directly affected and directly involved
- A livability fund for villages such as Hooghalen, Laaghalen, Laaghalerveen and Smilde
- A regional fund for nature, recreation and economic strengthening
- Clear agreements on nuisance reduction, communication and participation
- A future perspective for the area and regional cooperation
According to the municipality, the expansion of the De Haar training area can only succeed if safety, livability and future perspective are in balance.
An outstretched hand
Mayor Zwiers emphasised that the compensation offer is not a set of demands, but an invitation: ‘We want to contribute to this national task. But this can only happen if the people who live and work here are treated fairly. This Compensation Chest is not a gesture, but a mandate: to jointly build trust and an area with a future.’
Next steps
The State Secretary will take the compensation offer and the Compensation Chest into account in the further decision-making process and in the area development that will be elaborated in the coming period. Residents will be involved at fixed moments.
More information about the compensation offer
Summary of the final compensation offer. At the bottom of the summary, you will find a link to the full document. On Expansion of De Haar Defence training area you can find more information about the expansion of the De Haar training area.