From climate adaptation and sustainable mobility to job opportunities and urban renewal, European cooperation is helping The Hague invest in a stronger, greener and more resilient future.
European funding supports local change
The City of The Hague has secured €4.1 million in European Union funding for ten projects approved in 2025 alone. With six additional applications still under review in Brussels, that figure is expected to rise further. The city has also received €22.7 million through the ‘Kansen voor West’ programme for the 2021-2027 period.
The funding supports a wide range of initiatives that address some of the most pressing challenges facing cities today. New projects focus on safeguarding drinking water supplies during periods of drought, strengthening coastal dunes against rising sea levels and enabling new forms of community-based car sharing.
For residents, the impact of European investment is already visible across the city. Improvements to public spaces, including the redevelopment of the Grote Marktstraat, the creation of new green areas in the Binckhorst district and training vouchers that help people improve their employment prospects have all benefited from European support.
"The Hague is a European city through and through. With European funding, we are making the city more attractive, cleaner and more inclusive for residents. These are investments that benefit everyone who lives here."
A city that works with Europe
The results reflect The Hague's growing engagement with European institutions and programmes. In 2025, the municipal council endorsed the city's European strategy, Doing More with Europe, which aims to strengthen The Hague's position in Brussels and increase opportunities for local residents and organisations.
As part of this approach, The Hague appointed a permanent EU representative in Brussels to ensure the city's interests are represented in European discussions and policymaking. According to Verschuure, European decisions increasingly influence daily life in cities across the continent.
"Whether it concerns fireworks safety, clean beaches or climate adaptation, many important decisions are made in Brussels. By having a strong seat at the table, we can contribute our expertise and help develop solutions that work for our residents."
A thriving European ecosystem
The Hague's European connections extend far beyond local government. The city is home to 27 European organisations that contribute significantly to the regional economy.
Research by consultancy Decisio found that these organisations generate approximately €1.1 billion in additional economic activity and support around 4,250 jobs in The Hague region.
Together with international institutions, knowledge organisations and innovative businesses, they form a growing ecosystem that strengthens The Hague's role as an international hub for governance, innovation and sustainability.
Bringing Europe closer to residents
The relationship between Europe and The Hague is becoming increasingly visible to residents as well. On Europe Day, 9 May, the Europa Experience opened its doors in the city centre on Grote Marktstraat.
The interactive visitor centre offers insights into how European institutions work and how decisions are made within the European Commission, Parliament and Council. Open six days a week, it provides residents, students and visitors with a direct connection to the European decision-making process.
As The Hague continues to tackle challenges ranging from climate resilience to sustainable urban development, European cooperation is proving to be more than a source of funding. It is becoming an important driver of innovation, opportunity and long-term impact for the city and its residents.
With a European strategy, The Hague aims for greater influence and more funding
The city of The Hague is strengthening its collaboration with Europe through an European Strategy, aiming to make this cooperation targeted and efficient.
Europa in Den Haag
Als inwoner van Den Haag kunt u meepraten over de toekomst van Den Haag in Europa. Ook als u niet veel kennis heeft over de EU, is uw mening waardevol.
Europa Experience opens in The Hague on Europe Day
The Hague welcomes the Europa Experience on Grote Marktstraat. This venue is a joint project by the European Parliament and European Commission.
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