As a Ukrainian, how can you make your voice heard in the municipality?
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Municipal elections are on 18 March 2026. The Dutch will then elect the new municipal government. Ukrainians are not allowed to vote, but municipal policies on reception centres, education, work and living expenses are important. In this article you can read how you can still have influence if you are not allowed to vote.
As a Ukrainian, how can you make your voice heard in the municipality?
The municipality must inform you
In the Netherlands, every municipality must inform its residents about its actions and decisions. The municipality does this in various ways. For example, by publishing decisions on the municipality's website. The municipality also puts the decisions on the municipal information page in the newspaper.
Question or request?
Do you have a question for the municipality? Then you can contact the municipality directly. You write a letter or an email to the municipality with your question, request or proposal.
Citizens' right to participate
All residents have the right to express their opinions about a municipality's plans. This is called 'inspraak' (say). You can give your opinion in writing or verbally, for example during a
Council and committee meetings
The
You may also attend council and committee meetings at the town hall. You may then briefly say something or ask about an agenda item. You must report this in advance to the
Participate in district or neighbourhood councils
In many municipalities, residents meet in councils and committees. They advise the municipality on policy. Sometimes such a council gives advice on a part of the city and sometimes on a particular subject (traffic, sports, parking).
Citizen initiative: putting an issue on the agenda
Residents can also place a particular issue on the municipality's agenda (
Do you disagree with a decision?
If you disagree with a decision made by the municipality, you can object or appeal to the court.