New Year's speech by Mayor Jos van Bree

The start of a new year is always a time to pause and reflect. We look back on what lies behind us, but perhaps even more so on what lies ahead. And if I am honest, the world sometimes feels unsettled. We see conflicts that continue, changes that happen faster than we can keep up with, and increasing uncertainties that affect residents, entrepreneurs, and social organizations. That affects me personally, and I know that many of you feel the same way.

That is precisely why it is so important that we continue to seek each other out. That we hold on to each other, especially in the little things: chatting with neighbors, helping someone who is struggling, getting involved in associations and schools. Those are the moments when our community shows its strength. Because mutual support is not just a policy term—it is something we must actively invest in every day.

In Geldrop-Mierlo, we have made great strides over the past year toward a green, connected, and vibrant Geldrop-Mierlo.  The scale increase will bring opportunities in the coming years: new homes, new facilities, more space for business. But growth also means making choices. And we don't make those choices lightly. It requires us to weigh things carefully, to listen, to keep the dialogue going. As the municipal executive and city council, we are proud of our employees who work under great pressure and yet continue to show their dedication and commitment.

When we look at the center of Geldrop, we see change happening right before our eyes. Entrada is nearing completion, the old post office has disappeared, and space is being created for a new future. In Mierlo, the new De Waag project has been completed on the site of the former fire station. And there is more to come. In Luchen, the Waterjuffer andLandkaartje projects have been completed, and work is underway on the^second phase of Mierlo's Mooiste. 

With Dommeldal uit de Verf, we are bringing nature and livability back to the heart of our village. The new accommodation for the Mierlo hockey club shows that associations still have room to grow — something that fits in with our ambitions.

This year, we are taking a major step forward in the redevelopment of De Meent, an important part of the Housing Initiative. This will enable future developments at Bezorgershof and the old post office. More homes, but above all: more places where people can live, meet each other, and feel at home. Because ultimately, we are not building bricks and mortar, but communities.

This is also reflected in the way in which the AMV youth have found their place in the Akert neighborhood and in the collaboration with residents in the Coevering neighborhood program and the Zesgehuchten area vision. This does not always happen automatically, but it shows what is possible when people give each other space, show understanding, and make the effort to get to know each other. I am proud of the residents, the professionals, and the young people themselves. The great strides we are making in close cooperation with our residents, social organizations, and businesses will continue to take shape in 2026.

At the same time, we know that progress sometimes slows down. Raising objections is an important right, and we must continue to cherish it. But that right also comes with responsibility—to consider whether an objection is truly in the public interest. Because a single objection can halt plans for years. If we want to build the future together, we also need to help each other think in terms of possibilities.

After more than a year of traffic diversions, Mierlo is once again accessible from all sides following the redevelopment of the Bekelaar/Mierloseweg and the replacement of the bridge on the Geldropseweg. And then there is something else we have been looking forward to for a long time: from March 1, Geldrop station will finally have a Bravoflex bus stop. That may seem like a small thing, but it means that our residents will be even better connected to the region. And that does make a difference for individuals.

Looking ahead to 2026, the municipal elections are just around the corner. This is a moment when we decide together which course we want to take. I would therefore like to invite you now to join us in thinking about the future of our municipality. Make your voice heard in the elections on March 18. Because local democracy only works if we do it together.

Dear friends, the new year lies ahead of us. With new opportunities, new challenges, and new moments to hold each other close. Let's do that with confidence, with warmth, with curiosity about each other. Our community is strong — and that's thanks to all of you.

I wish you a peaceful, healthy, and hopeful New Year. Let's make it colorful together, young and old. With everyone's own talents, dreams, and beliefs. So that together we can make Geldrop-Mierlo a little bit more beautiful.