In conversation with... Ralph van Dijk

Why are you a member of OnbegrensdZeeuwsVlaanderen?

From my responsibility for Woongoed Zeeuws-Vlaanderen, I believe it is important to work together with other partners to achieve the best for the region by creating an attractive climate to live and stay there.

What does the OnbegrensdZeeuwsVlaanderen network mean to you?

Short lines to other parties who, perhaps from a different perspective, pursue the same goal for the region. Working together increases the chance of success.

What do you think are the boundless possibilities of Zeeuws-Vlaanderen?

The great advantage of Zeeuws-Vlaanderen is its favorable location as a gateway to Europe (in a broad sense) and near the Belgian Randstad (in a narrower sense). This creates economic attractiveness for companies to establish themselves here. For employees, it is favorable because the housing market (both buying and renting) is much more relaxed here than in the rest of the Netherlands and Belgium, which translates into lower prices. Add to that the fact that you can live here peacefully (lots of space) and that culture is within relatively short reach (Antwerp, Ghent, and Bruges).

How do you see your role and ambition within OnbegrensdZeeuwsVlaanderen?

This is particularly focused on housing and livability. For that reason, I am also part of the housing working group. As a housing corporation, we try to respond to the availability of sufficient homes for starters. At the same time, we want to maintain livability in smaller communities by ensuring housing is available for various target groups, especially for the elderly.

What do you think is important for Zeeuws-Vlaanderen?

The presence of decent public transport so that all communities remain easily accessible. In addition, the possibility for the elderly to be able to live in their own community for as long as possible. For the latter, the accessibility of elderly care and welfare services is very important.

Why should people come to Zeeuws-Vlaanderen?

This is necessary to have a sufficient supply of labor for companies on the one hand, and on the other hand to have enough critical mass to maintain livability throughout the region. Think, for example, of the presence of schools, clubs, and associations.