Erik Nijskens
“You're never going back to Zeeuws-Vlaanderen, are you?”
I've heard that sentence more times in recent years than I care to admit. “You're never going back to Zeeuws-Vlaanderen, are you?” When I left for The Hague about ten years ago, I understood the question. The Randstad meant opportunities, work, dynamism, and a life where everything seemed close by. Back then, my answer was a resounding ‘no’. After two years in The Hague, that became ‘probably not’. And somewhere after that, it slowly but surely changed into ‘I will definitely return to Zeeuws-Vlaanderen at some point.’
For a long time, I felt like I was living the best of both worlds. During the week, I worked in The Hague and lived in Rijswijk. On weekends and during holidays, I was often in Zeeuws-Vlaanderen, where my family and friends lived. The hustle and bustle of the city, everything within reach, combined with the peace and space of the Zeeland countryside: for me, that felt ideal. Yet after a few years, something started to gnaw at me. More and more often, I noticed how much I enjoyed being back in Zeeuws-Vlaanderen, even if just for a while. I still remember a moment about eight years ago; it was a sunny spring day when I was sitting on the terrace of a beach pavilion in Cadzand. I enjoyed the weather, the people around me, and the Zeeuws-Vlaanderen dialect I heard everywhere. It immediately gave me a sense of familiarity. I also had that feeling when I drove back to Kloosterzande from Rijswijk on weekends. As soon as I crossed the border at Kapellebrug, it felt like I was already home. Even though I still had twenty minutes to drive to Kloosterzande, mentally, I was already there.
After 10 years working in the heart of Dutch democracy, where I was busy with politics almost 24/7, it was time for something different. I had a great job, really enjoyed it, and didn’t have to leave. But at the same time, I didn’t want to be involved with politics alone. After all, there is so much more to life. My colleagues in The Hague had noticed it for a while: Zeeuws-Vlaanderen is in my heart. More and more often, I lobbied for Zeeuws(-Vlaanderen) matters. What people in Zeeuws-Vlaanderen thought impossible 10 years ago, people in The Hague realized a few years back: Erik is definitely going to return to his roots. I can honestly say: I am a proud Zeeuws-Vlaming!
Back to Kloosterzande: the village where everything comes together
Last year, I returned to Kloosterzande, the village where I grew up. I never doubted for a moment that this would be the place I’d come back to. What makes Kloosterzande so special to me is its close-knit character and vibrant community life. You know each other, you greet each other, and when there’s something going on, the whole village is ready to help. Signing up for a club again wasn’t even a question—it was a given!
I'm now a board member of the bouwloods in Walsoorden, where many Kloosterzande carnival floats are built. There you see what a small village can achieve. With enormous dedication, creativity, and fun, the most beautiful floats are built here, parading through Kloosterzande on Tuesday during the biggest and most beautiful carnival parade in Zeeland. People come from far and wide to watch. Even during my Randstad years, I came back every year for carnival. It always felt like a big reunion. That sense of connection and pride is what makes Kloosterzande unique to me.
In the coming years, I want to be even more active in community life. Precisely because it’s so natural here to organize things together and be there for each other, it doesn’t feel like an obligation but as an enrichment.
Working in Zeeland, with experience from The Hague
Professionally, I now work at the OZO as a strategic advisor for the fifteen Zeeland governments. After ten years behind the scenes in the political arena of the House of Representatives, I’m now more on the administrative side. The great thing is that I can put my knowledge and network from The Hague to good use for Zeeland. The experience I gained in The Hague, combined with Zeeland’s practicalities, means I can really make a difference for the region I feel so connected to. For example, I’m actively involved in the Regiodeal focusing on Zeeuws-Vlaanderen and I’m working for a good National-Regional package as part of Zeeland 2050.
“I used to think I needed two worlds—the dynamism of the Randstad and the peace of Zeeuws-Vlaanderen. Now I know the best of both comes together here.”
Zeeuws-Vlaanderen as a home base
I love being outdoors in my free time. In the summer, I regularly sit on the beach at Cadzand. Just nothing for a while, just the sea, the beach, and the space. That feeling of freedom remains special. I’m also a fan of cycling. A ride through the dunes of Het Zwin towards Breskens, with a stop at a beach bar, is always a recommendation. In the east of Zeeuws-Vlaanderen, I love going to Bar Goed, where the Ibiza vibes greet you and where it’s great even in winter.
What I also really enjoy about living so close to the border is that cities like Antwerp, Ghent, and Bruges are literally just around the corner. For my hobby—attending football matches in England—it’s ideal. I park my car at the P+R in Antwerp, take the train to Brussels South, and from there hop on the Eurostar to England. You get off right in the heart of London, the football mecca for fans like me. A relaxing journey, efficient and surprisingly close. When you think about it, world cities like London and Paris are suddenly within easy reach.
Do I miss the city? Sometimes. But I can be there again in no time. The distance doesn’t feel like a barrier. I used to think I needed two worlds—the dynamism of the Randstad and the peace of Zeeuws-Vlaanderen. Now I know the best of both comes together here.
Erik's tip: In the east of Zeeuws-Vlaanderen, I love going to Bar Goed, where the Ibiza vibes greet you and where it’s great even in winter. A ride through the dunes of Het Zwin towards Breskens, with a stop at a beach bar, is always a recommendation.