Groningen Council to Vote on Redirecting Former City Partnership Funds to Gaza Aid
A majority of political factions supports a €140,000 proposal for humanitarian aid and reconstruction in Gaza, and the call will be decided during next week's council meeting.
Initiative for International Solidarity
Six factions in the Groningen city council—PvdA, SP, GroenLinks, Party for the Animals, ChristenUnie, and Student & Stad—have introduced an initiative titled Groningen International Solidarity. The plan proposes to allocate €140,000 this year for humanitarian aid and post-war reconstruction in Gaza. The funds would be routed through the VNG emergency aid fund (Association of Dutch Municipalities), which coordinates municipal-level international support in cooperation with national aid organisations.
The initiative, discussed during the city’s Political Wednesday session on May 29, seeks to redefine Groningen’s international solidarity now that official city partnerships with Murmansk (Russia) and San Carlos (Nicaragua) have ended. Funds originally set aside for these partnerships would now be redirected toward this aid effort.
Targeting Aid to Gaza’s Youth
The money is proposed to support youth-focused humanitarian needs in Jabalya, Gaza. Council member Joren van Veen (PvdA) noted: “Everyone sees the harrowing images from Gaza daily. Citizens are protesting, organising vigils, and raising funds. As council members, we also want to contribute.” The proposal aims to not only support residents materially but also signal Groningen’s international engagement.
Bert Giskes of the Jabalya Foundation welcomed the plan: “Given the scale of destruction, any support is needed. It’s good that the funds come with clear conditions to ensure they reach the local population.”
Political Support and Concerns
While the proposal has enough backing to pass, it has sparked debate.
CDA: Izaäk van Jaarsveld expressed support for one-time aid but criticised its inclusion within a broader structural fund. He requested the Gaza aid portion be separated for a separate vote—an appeal the initiators declined.
D66: Maria Martinez Doubiani supported the intent but emphasised the need for safeguards, particularly to ensure funding reaches civilians and not militant organisations.
VVD: Ietje Jacobs-Setz opposed municipal involvement in international aid: “Development aid is a national or civil responsibility, not a municipal task.”
Mayor Mirjam van ’t Veld (CDA): Raised procedural concerns, noting that using this money in this way technically bypasses standard budgeting rules, though council approval makes it legal.
Link to Shelter City and Broader Fund
The plan would also make Shelter City—a human rights initiative offering safe haven to activists—part of a broader International Solidarity Fund for Groningen. GroenLinks’ Justine Jones explained that the umbrella fund will remain flexible to respond to global needs, while keeping a humanitarian focus.
Despite objections, the submitting factions together hold a council majority, making the plan’s approval on June 4 highly likely. The public can follow the council meeting live at gemeente.groningen.nl.