EMMEN
Let us introduce Emmen
Emmen is the largest industry core in the Northern Netherlands. Situated close to the German border and strategically located between the Rotterdam, Hamburg and the Ruhr area, the region functions as an important gateway to Europe. The wider region is characterised by a mix of rural areas, smaller cities and villages, with a total population of over a quarter of a million people. Despite its relatively modest population size, the region plays a significant role in industry, technology and logistics. Together with nearby cities such as Coevorden, Hardenberg and Hoogeveen, Emmen forms one of the most important employment and innovation hubs in the Northern Netherlands, with strong clusters in chemistry, high-tech systems and materials, logistics and agri-business.
Emmen: Centre of Open Chemical Innovation
Emmen has the highest concentration of production of synthetic fibers in Europe. The region has the official status of ‘Centre of Open Chemical Innovation’ and is focussing more and more on bio-based products, for example by using the residual waste of sugar beets.
Emmen in Europe
The region is the most important logistic hotspot of the North Netherlands. Due to the location on the German border, Europe is accessible by the international motorway A37 as well as the railway running through the container terminal in Coevorden. The region works together with the Ports of Amsterdam and Rotterdam for value added logistics and transit of shipments to Northeast Europe and Scandinavia. The businesspark Europark in Coevorden is situated half in the Netherlands and half in Germany.
Emmen’s goals within Europe
Emmen sees European cooperation as essential to strengthening its economic position while contributing to Europe’s major transitions. The city has identified several priority themes for collaboration with European partners.
Circular economy and green chemistry
Emmen aims to strengthen and broaden its leading position in circular economy and green chemistry. The city is already a frontrunner in circular plastics and seeks to further develop this position by supporting companies active in plastics recycling, bio- plastics and the wider chemical industry. By building on its existing strengths and aligning with European priorities, Emmen aims to position itself as a key European region for circular plastics and the transition towards a fully circular economy.
Energy transition
The energy transition is a key priority for both Europe and Emmen. In line with the European Green Deal and the ambition to achieve climate neutrality by 2050, Emmen focuses on reducing CO2 emissions through the local generation and use of sustainable energy. Key efforts include the decarbonisation of industry, reducing energy consumption by businesses through innovation and sustainable mobility, and supporting households through energy efficiency measures and behavioural change. Strengthening European cooperation in this field supports the development of robust energy systems and accelerates the transition at local and regional level.
Urban development
Urban development is closely linked to Emmen’s ambition to strengthen its position as a regional core with strong connections, good facilities and an attractive living environment. European programmes and networks offer valuable opportunities to support innovative urban projects that address challenges related to economic development, sustainability and demographic change. While urban development is part of existing European policy, Emmen aims to engage more actively by continuing this theme through the Emmen Vernieuwt programme. Cooperation within European networks, including quadruple helix approaches and industrial symbiosis, plays an important role in this ambition.
Climate adaptation
Climate adaptation is recognised as an important long-term challenge at both European and local level. Through the European mission ‘Adaptation to Climate Change’, cities and regions are encouraged to become more resilient to impacts such as flooding, heat stress and drought. Emmen acknowledges the relevance of climate adaptation within its strategic vision. In cooperation with the Province of Drenthe, which is part of the European adaptation mission, the city is open to participate in European programmes and partnerships for climate adaptation projects.
Smart and green mobility
Smart and green mobility is an increasingly important theme within European policy, driven by its significant economic impact and its contribution to greenhouse gas emissions. The relevance of sustainable mobility as a theme for Emmen is growing, particularly due to the requirement to develop a Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan (SUMP) as part of the European urban network. Emmen aims to continue its engagement in smart and green mobility by building knowledge and working towards more sustainable mobility solutions, aligned with European objectives and frameworks.