Board follows council call: frameworks first, then further steps AZC

In the council meeting of May 27, 2025, a motion was adopted requesting the council to suspend the talks with COA, in order to reach a letter of intent, and to first provide space for the council to fully fulfill its framework-setting role. In the motion, the council expressed concerns about the proposed location on Singelweg in Aalten, the size of the reception, the impact on housing and care capacity and the support base among the Aalten population. 

Careful and transparent decision-making

The college shares the council's need for clear frameworks, substantiated information and transparent decision-making. Councilman Joop Wikkerink responded at the meeting, "The worst scenario would be that the council has to make decisions based on incomplete or incorrect information. We feel our responsibility to prevent that." 

Balancing tasking and support

At the same time, the college stresses that there is more to the issue than just the Spreading Act and the task order. "We see it as our social duty to help people in need. However, we also feel a responsibility to listen to residents who have concerns. We believe in the power of our society to engage with each other with understanding and empathy," the alderman said. 

Council sets frameworks

The council has indicated its intention to discuss and adopt the frameworks in a public meeting cycle after the summer. With those frameworks, the college can then work to find one or more suitable locations for asylum reception in the municipality of Aalten.