Pledge 33 – Rotterdam

On 13 January 2020, Rotterdam joined the EUROCITIES campaign ‘Inclusive cities for all’ with two city pledges to deliver equal opportunities principle 3 of the European Pillar of Social Rights.

Bert Wijbenga, Vice Mayor for Enforcement, Public Space, Integration and Community signed a strong commitment to principle 3 on equal opportunities. The municipality is committed to make Rotterdam a city where people are living together, making differences and diversity (170 different nationalities are listed) a constructive asset for the city.

To achieve this, Rotterdam is developing an action plan called “integration and society” built upon 3 principles: fighting against all forms of discriminations, ensuring social cohesion, promoting a safe environment.

The city will invest over € 29 million in 2019-2022 to ensure equal opportunities of its residents:

• € 13 million for Rotterdammers to feel relaxed and safe in the city and more welcome and connected to each other.
•  € 16 million to assist the integration and participation of refugees into society.

Wert Wijbenga, Vice Mayor for Enforcement, Public Space, Integration and Community for Rotterdam said: “Sustainable, social and economically equal societies are key to creating a stronger Europe. Rotterdam puts its residents at the top of its agenda, embracing the diversity and differences that characterise the city”