Positive results for 2025, but financial uncertainty remains

The 2025 Annual Report shows that the municipality of Aalten ended the year with a surplus of over €3 million. Thanks in part to this positive result, the municipality is in sound financial health.

 “The financial figures show that we ended 2025 on a positive note. That provides a solid foundation, but we also know that the coming years will be uncertain for municipalities. That makes it important to keep looking ahead and to carefully prepare our decisions. We want to remain agile so that we can respond to what is coming our way at the national level,” said the mayor and aldermen.

Developments in 2025

In 2025, work continued in various areas to develop the municipality of Aalten. For example, progress was made on the Omgevingsvisie , with residents, business owners, and other stakeholders contributing their ideas on the future development of the municipality of Aalten. The municipal council also discussed (and adopted in early 2026) frameworks for the reception of asylum seekers. Work is underway with the Central Agency for the Reception of Asylum Seekers (COA) to implement these frameworks.

In the economic sphere, a study on expanding the industrial park in Aalten was launched in 2025. This initiative addresses the need for space for local entrepreneurs and new business activity. Efforts were also made to strengthen recreation and tourism, including through a new tourism marketing approach. And in Dinxperlo, the renovated town center, featuring Prins Clausplein, was festively opened, giving the village center the long-awaited new boost it needed.

In the area of sustainability, efforts have been made toward the heat transition. Together with other municipalities in the Achterhoek region, we are working toward an energy-neutral region by 2050.

In the social sector, progress has been made in the area of educational facilities with the decision to build a new facility for Schaersvoorde, replacing the building on Slingelaan, and the expansion and renovation of IKC De Triangel. Work has also been done to prepare for the reorganization of access to support services and Health the development of a Strong Local Team has begun. In addition, an implementation plan has been drawn up to strengthen the inclusion policy.

In 2025, the company’s operations placed a strong emphasis on cybersecurity and data-driven practices, including through a data maturity assessment and preparations for the European NIS 2 Directive.

2026 Budget Revision

In the 2026 Spring Report, the Executive Board informs the Council about the implementation of the 2026 budget. Where necessary, the budget is adjusted in light of current developments.

The current projection for 2026 is a preliminary budget deficit of approximately €1.1 million. The municipal executive continues to work toward a sound financial position and is closely monitoring developments.

Uncertainty about the financial future

The 2027 Framework Memorandum looks ahead to the financial position of the municipality of Aalten in the coming years. Like many other municipalities, Aalten is facing growing deficits, partly as a result of developments related to the municipal fund.

The exact effects of this are still uncertain, as the national decision-making process on this matter has not yet been finalized. The municipality of Aalten is closely monitoring developments at the national level and is currently working on various financial scenarios for the coming years.

Discussion at the city council meeting

The City Council will discuss the 2025 Annual Report, the 2026 Spring Memorandum, and the 2027 Framework Memorandum during the council meeting on July 7.