Response from the Municipality of Moerdijk to Omroep Brabant’s coverage of the village of Moerdijk
The municipality of Moerdijk has taken note of the report by Omroep Brabant dated May 1, 2026, regarding the expansion of the port and industrial area. The report states that in March 2025, the national government concluded that dismantling the village of Moerdijk would be the best option for all parties. The aforementioned memorandum from March 2025 is new to us. We do acknowledge, however, that technical studies indicate that expansion toward the east (which means the village of Moerdijk would have to be relocated) is the most logical course of action.
Trust
We understand that today’s announcement is causing a great deal of concern and is affecting residents’ trust. We recognize this, and we take these concerns seriously. The municipality of Moerdijk is also considering this new information. Next week, we will discuss this matter with the national government and the province. We remain committed to transparency, due diligence, and the best interests of our residents.
The municipality of Moerdijk is the government body closest to its residents. Our efforts are therefore always focused on creating a livable environment for our residents. This means that a potential expansion of the port and industrial area can only be considered if it is carried out carefully, transparently, and with a focus on the human aspect.
This fall, an extensive public engagement process was conducted in collaboration with other local governments, involving residents from both potential development areas—the east and the southeast. The focus was not on whether expansion should take place, but rather on the impact the two potential development areas would have on people in the region—and what arrangements would need to be made for them if one of the areas were actually selected.
Conclusion
After careful consideration, the municipality concluded in November that the southeastern route is not a viable option. Under this plan, expansion would take place toward both the village of Moerdijk and the communities of Zevenbergen, Zevenbergschen Hoek, and Langeweg. Furthermore, this would result in an illogical port system without direct connections to rail and waterways. Consequently, long-term quality of life could not be guaranteed, and the balance between industry, nature, and society would come under structural pressure across multiple communities.
For this reason, the municipal executive has chosen the eastern route as the only future-proof option in its proposal to the city council. It has been emphasized that this is not an unconditional decision. The city council has set as a strict condition that the preconditions identified through the public participation process must be guaranteed. This means that people must be given clarity and a sense of direction on an individual level, including appropriate financial compensation. In addition, it is essential that measures be taken simultaneously to ensure that the village of Moerdijk remains livable in the coming years. All of this requires long-term and intensive cooperation between the national government, the province, and the municipality. It also requires the establishment of a regional fund with sufficient resources to actually fulfill these agreements.