Arrindell attends VNG annual congress in the Netherlands

Minister Plenipotentiary Gracita R. Arrindell attended the 2026 annual congress of the Association of Netherlands Municipalities, known as VNG. The congress was held in the Achterhoek, with Oost Gelre and Winterswijk as host municipalities, under the theme “We doen het samen”, meaning “We do it together”.

VNG said about 3,250 local government administrators and other participants attended the two-day programme. Queen Máxima and Prime Minister Rob Jetten addressed the plenary programme. Queen Máxima spoke about social and community initiatives and co-operation between municipalities and civil society, while Jetten spoke about co-operation between levels of government.

Arrindell also attended the Kingdom Networking Lunch and one of more than 50 afternoon sessions. The programme included workshops, excursions and networking, with sessions on subjects including housing, spatial planning, climate adaptation, biodiversity, energy transition, water management and community participation.

Sint Maarten first participated in VNG as a new member in December 2024, according to the report.