These times call for leadership. said Kings Commissioner Hugo de Jonge in his speech during the New Years meeting of the Province of Zeeland in the Nieuwe Kerk in Middelburg. De Jonge reflected on the changing world and the choices this demands from Zeeland and the Netherlands. In his speech (see below for the full text) he called for better cooperation between the national government and the regions, for taking responsibility and for showing decisiveness with an eye on the next generation.
Hugo de Jonge addressed current geopolitical tensions and emphasized the necessity for the country to become less dependent on others for energy, industry, food, and security. In that context, he stated, the importance of the region is growing. The Netherlands cannot do without its regions and Zeeland has a special position due to its location and available space.
Zeeland as a key for the Netherlands
According to De Jonge, it is necessary to look differently at how investments in the Netherlands are distributed. For decades, the emphasis was mainly on the Randstad. That underestimates the strength of the region, he stated. The Netherlands is much bigger than the Randstad. And the Netherlands is also bigger than the Binnenhof. Those who want to work on a resilient and independent Netherlands must involve and utilize all regions.
With the Future Perspective Zeeland 2050, Zeeland can grow into a place where people come to live, work, and learn. A province that attracts and retains talent, with strong villages and vibrant cities. Not by waiting for what comes at us, but by consciously making choices for the long term.
Call to national government and region
Zeeland is in talks with the national government about these plans. Zeeland needs the national government to realize these ambitions, but the reverse is also true: the Netherlands cannot do without Zeeland. The call to the forming parties is therefore to give the new cabinet the assignment to work together with Zeeland on a strategic agenda. Think along with us and invest shoulder to shoulder with us, said De Jonge. And: A stronger Zeeland also makes a stronger Netherlands.
A well-deserved compliment
Traditionally, attention was paid to the Zeeuws Compliment during the New Years meeting. With this compliment, the Province of Zeeland expresses its appreciation for people and organizations who are committed with great dedication and involvement to the Zeeland society. This year, the Zeeuws Compliment went to initiatives that show how much strength, responsibility, and community spirit there is in Zeeland. People who often work outside the spotlight but are indispensable for the functioning and livability of the province.
The Zeeland Compliment recipients 2025 are:
Diana Roelands, coordinator and all volunteers of the Zeeuws-Vlaanderen action team who are dedicated to detecting and combating the Asian hornet.
Marjan and Peter Dreesen from care and cheese farm Pitteperk in Koudekerke. For their inspiring contribution to an inclusive society, in which people can participate again and be meaningful.
Sjaak Duine, chairman of the Zeeland Veterans Day Foundation and all other veterans. For strengthening the bond between all Zeeland veterans and continuously bringing attention to their commitment to our freedom.
Peter Smans from the Motor Escort Team Zeeland (MBTZ) and Roelof Fermont from the Motor Brigade Zeeuws-Vlaanderen and all volunteers of these two teams who ensure safe escorting of mainly cycling and liberation events throughout Zeeland.
Oscar Mol and Anthony Joziasse. Two young millers in training, who contribute with their passion and dedication to the preservation of Zeelands milling heritage.