The Central State Real Estate Agency has no additional space to accommodate Ukrainians.

There are no possibilities to accommodate more Ukrainians in government buildings. According to a spokesperson for the National Real Estate Agency (RVB), almost all properties have a destination or will have a destination. Previously, the Association of Dutch Municipalities (VNG) called on the government to help in finding properties itself, suggesting that the central state real estate agency still has “a number of vacant properties” that could be used for shelter.

Rental properties

“The Central State Real Estate Agency has previously considered the possibility of using state real estate for shelter, together with municipalities, districts and the Agriculture Office,” the spokesperson said. “This has led to the release of approximately 850 Ukrainians and 4,000 asylum seekers in various RVB sites.” Municipalities or the Accounting Office rent these premises and, according to them, are also responsible for the reception.

affordable housing

“The RVB hardly has long-term vacant buildings that are still suitable for habitation,” the spokesperson said. The National Real Estate Agency checks whether properties that have become vacant or have been sold are suitable for affordable housing. “We do this in cooperation with municipalities or housing associations.” According to her, this alone will not provide a solution in the short term.

Shelters

Minister Marjolein Faber (Asylum and Migration) said earlier after the closure of the reception centre for vulnerable Ukrainian refugees in Jarbors, Utrecht that municipalities must ensure sufficient reception places.