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Smart Delta Resources puts strategic autonomy on the agenda during Zeeland Day in The Hague
Strategic industrial cluster of European importance
The Flemish-Dutch Scheldt Delta region—from Vlissingen and Terneuzen to Ghent—is one of the most strategically positioned industrial clusters in Northwest Europe. With North Sea Port as Europe's third-largest port, the largest hydrogen cluster in the Benelux, and a strong energy- and raw materials-intensive basic industry, this region plays a key role in the Dutch and European economies. Without the port and industrial cluster around North Sea Port, the Netherlands and Europe would lack a crucial pillar supporting their strategic autonomy in energy, materials, and raw materials.
Substantive contributions and dialogue
The theme session was opened by Jo-Annes de Bat, Member of the Provincial Executive of Zeeland. Zaïda Floren, Public Affairs Advisor, and Rob de Ruiter, Circular Program Manager at Smart Delta Resources, provided further substantive input.
The panel discussion was moderated by Cees Oudshoorn, Cluster Director for Zeeland/West Brabant, and also included Karlo van Dam (Director of Sustainable Industry at the Ministry of Climate and Green Growth), Nienke Homan (Chair of the VNCI), and Jessica Hahn (General Manager of the Zeeland Refinery). The afternoon concluded with an interactive Industry Quiz about the role of the cross-border port and industrial cluster in the Dutch energy and raw materials transition.
During the theme session, it became clear that strategic autonomy is not an abstract geopolitical concept in practice, but a very concrete question: can we continue to produce our own energy, steel, fuels, fertilizers, materials, and other basic products in Europe? Without industry, there is no autonomy. And without energy-intensive basic industry, there is no modern, circular economy. That is precisely why the preservation and transformation of this industry is essential.
Smart Delta Resources looks back on a substantively strong contribution to the Zeeland Day in The Hague and is committed to continuing this dialogue with policymakers and industry partners. Only with clear choices, cross-border collaboration, and long-term commitment can the region continue to fulfill its role in the European energy and raw materials transition.
Together for a future-proof industry!
