VNG Jaarcongres 2026 to convene Dutch municipal leaders in Achterhoek

The 2026 VNG Jaarcongres, organized by the Association of Netherlands Municipalities, is scheduled to take place on September 29 and 30 in the Achterhoek region. Hosted by the municipalities of Oost Gelre and Winterswijk, the congress will gather mayors, aldermen, and local government professionals to discuss societal challenges under the theme ‘We do it together’.

The event features a diverse speaker lineup, including Prime Minister Rob Jetten, Queen Máxima, VNG Chair Sharon Dijksma, and former Paralympian Esther Vergeer. Advisory organizations such as BMC and House of Cohedron are serving as main sponsors, with various other firms participating as exhibitors.

The large-scale gathering will impact local infrastructure in Lichtenvoorde. Significant traffic measures include road closures on the Aaltenseweg, one-way traffic systems on the Dijkstraat and Lievelderweg, and various parking bans. To accommodate the influx of visitors, approximately 50 to 60 touring buses will be stationed in the area, and a temporary parking lot will be established in Vragender, supported by shuttle buses.