Limburg Secures Over €350 Million in European Subsidies: Investing in Employment, Innovation, and Livability

Since the start of the EU programming period 2021-2027, Limburg has secured over €350 million in European subsidies. This is evident from the annual EU subsidy monitor discussed and adopted by the Provincial Executive. Never before has it been so clearly shown what concrete benefits European funds bring to the province and its residents. Behind the figures are hundreds of tangible, socially relevant projects that directly contribute to employment, innovation, and sustainable development.

Deputy Elianne Demollin-Schneiders (European Funds): “The EU subsidy monitor shows how we put the coalition agreement motto ‘Every Limburger counts’ into practice. Limburg’s strength lies in collaboration and forward thinking. Thanks to the combined efforts of entrepreneurs, educational institutions, social organizations, and governments, we seize European opportunities to make Limburg stronger and smarter. Every EU project translates subsidies into something that affects every Limburger: employment, healthcare, living environment, innovation, and future prospects. This ensures that no one is left behind.”

Concrete and Recognizable Results

More than 500 organizations have received support from EU programs since 2021. The people of Limburg also benefit, with an average of €314 in European subsidies per inhabitant, making Limburg the sixth province in the Netherlands in terms of yield.

Some examples of projects are:

CrossCircular: This is a collaborative structure for interdisciplinary and cross-border education on circularity, serving as the foundation for a trinational curriculum. There is significant focus on cooperation with companies from the Meuse-Rhine region to ensure academic knowledge aligns well with business needs. Cross-border collaboration is crucial to align education systems, overcome legal and administrative barriers, and promote cooperation between universities and businesses in the Meuse-Rhine region. This integrated collaboration serves as a blueprint for future education models.
EDENmedical: This project improves cooperation between hospitals in the border region. It operates via a smart and innovative network for medical transport. The project uses drones (also called Urban Air Mobility) to quickly transport medical goods such as medicines, blood, and samples. Additionally, the project provides a platform where hospitals, doctors, and drone operators can exchange information in real-time.
High Fidelity Simulator: With European support, medical simulation and training equipment is developed, enabling healthcare professionals to learn and work more safely and efficiently. This directly results in better care and educational opportunities for the region.

Smart Services Innovationslab: A project investigating how digitalization and smart technology contribute to a stronger economy and future-proof jobs for Limburgers across various sectors.

Broad Economic and Social Impact

The European subsidies are spread across Limburg and stimulate employment, innovation, and livability, also outside the major cities. “We ensure that EU funds contribute to goals that every Limburger can identify with and participate in,” said Demollin-Schneiders.

With the active fundraising approach initiated by the Province of Limburg in 2024, the pace of securing and utilizing EU subsidies has further increased, with over €72 million extra last year alone. Ahead of the new European programming period starting in 2028, the province is already stimulating preparatory projects and collaborations to maintain Limburg’s strong, progressive position as a European region.