In my region

Discover how the EU supports your local area
In my region
In my region
In my life
In focus
In my region
Discover how the EU supports your local area
1 738 Regions
Veurne market

Veurne, Belgium

  • Add to favouritesVeurne
  • Download 
Veurne market
© Borisb17 | Adobe Stock

The District of Veurne comprises the western coastal strip, from De Panne to Nieuwpoort, as well as the agricultural hinterland, including the sparsely populated Alveringem with its many polder villages. The coast and First World War commemorative sites constitute important tourist attractions. The two urban centres, Veurne and Nieuwpoort, are relatively small but each boasts a beautiful historical core. With an ageing population, keeping the region attractive to young families is one of the biggest challenges.

Examples of projects and initiatives supported by the EU

Regional marketing campaign 'Westhoek, The New World 2.0'

The EU-supported project ‘Westhoek, De Nieuwe Wereld 2.0’ (Westhoek – the New World 2.0) was the follow-up to the previous, successful, regional marketing campaign. The entire Veurne region took part in this campaign, which encouraged young people to live, do business and work in the Westhoek.

Cross-border eco-tourism between Dunkirk and Nieuwpoort

Europe promotes cross-border cooperation between neighbouring regions. Under the European project VEDETTE, French and Flemish partners work together to preserve the dune and polder area between Dunkirk and Nieuwpoort and develop it into a sustainable tourist destination.

Renovation works in the wholesale fish market of Nieuwpoort

The EU also gives particular consideration to and provides extra support for small-scale coastal fisheries. For example, the small fish auction in Nieuwpoort has been cited as a well-functioning operation. This has recently benefited from additional improvements carried out with EU financial support.

Renewal of the village centers in the region of Veurne

The EU is contributing to many small-scale village-core renewal and rural development projects. Recent examples include the refurbishment of the Ringslot-walking route in Houtem and the conversion of the gardens of the rest home in Bulskamp and of the town hall in Alveringem to green meeting places. Support was also given previously to the village core renewal in Leisele and Adinkerke.

The station of Veurne as a regional transport hub

In order to improve the relatively poor transport infrastructure in the 'Westhoek' cities, the EU provided support to develop Veurne station into a regional ‘mobipoint’, i.e. a single interchange offering a choice of different modes of transport. The objective is to improve the range of mobility options on offer in the wider region.

Transshipment quays for inland shipping in Veurne and Diksmuide

Increasing traffic congestion poses a threat to poorly accessible regions such as the Westhoek. The EU is therefore strongly committed to inland waterway transport as an alternative to road freight transport. This commitment can be seen, for example, in the construction of small-scale transhipment quays in Veurne and Diksmuide co-financed by the EU. This infrastructure makes waterways an effective alternative to road freight transport.

Further information
Discover how the EU supports your local area