Financial Outlook for the Coming Years
The financial outlook for 2026 and the coming years looks positive, partly due to a higher contribution from the provincial fund. When preparing the budget, efforts were made to bring order to affairs. Deputy Dekker, responsible for finances: “For example, we have now structurally budgeted expenses that until now were only funded incidentally. We have also adjusted our capital for inflation to make it future-proof. This gives us more control over the multi-year perspective. Together with the room to invest in our plans, a good balance between sustainability and ambition has emerged.”
Realizing Our Ambitions for Groningen Together
The financial outlook allows room to realize ambitions for Groningen. In addition to carrying out statutory tasks and motions, the province invests in projects that contribute to a future-proof Groningen. We distinguish between structural and incidental financing, providing certainty to sectors and initiatives with long-term impact.
Some examples of structural investments:
Greening Business Parks and Schoolyards
We invest structurally in climate adaptation. This contributes to cooling and better drainage at business parks. Greener schoolyards encourage children to learn about nature playfully and positively affect health.
CO2 Reduction Forest and Wood
In the coming years, we will also work on expanding greenery in Groningen in other areas. For example, we focus on new forests and green landscape elements. More greenery contributes to climate adaptation, economy, biodiversity, and livability.
Strengthening the Cultural Sector
We want to continue investing structurally in the Groningen cultural sector. This provides certainty to the sector and contributes to the continuity of culture in Groningen.
Expansion of the Cycling and Walking Node Network
We invest structurally in recreation and tourism. By further developing this network, we increase our hospitality and recreational opportunities.
Some examples of incidental investments:
Support for the Healthy Groningen Network
We contribute incidentally to the project “Empowering Newcomers,” which helps status holders with nursing backgrounds to work at the UMCG. This helps them quickly and sustainably move towards a position as a BIG-registered nurse and helps reduce staff shortages in healthcare.
Housing Flexpool
We provide incidental resources for hiring administrative capacity to support housing projects. Municipalities will soon receive extra funds from the national government via the Housing Management Act. Due to delays in the adoption of this law, we are extending our incidental efforts by three years.
With this budget, the province consciously chooses stability and progress, so that together with residents and partners we can continue to invest in a strong and livable Groningen.”Mit Mekoar!”
Next Steps Budget 2026
The Provincial Council will discuss the budget on November 5 and adopt the budget on November 12 during the meeting at 09:30 in the Provincial Hall (Martinikerkhof 12). You can attend this meeting or follow it live via our website. The full budget can be read on our website. More information about the financial cycle can be found on our website.
